Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar. Muslims all around the world consider Ramadan as the holy month because it was during one of the nights in the month of Ramadan, called the Laylat-Al-Qadar (Night of Decree), that the Quran was first revealed to the mankind. Therefore, this month is considered as the Holy Month, and stands for the spiritual purification, piety and self-discipline. The physical means through which such virtues are tried to be attained are through fasting, by involving in deeper prayers, by involving in more good deeds and by abstaining completely from materialistic way of life.
Various researches has shown that ‘Fasting during Ramadan’ has various beneficial psychological effects, such as amplified sense of alertness, appreciation of things that we otherwise consider as common in our life (such as basic needs of food, water, fresh air, etc.), increasing family and communal bondage, relieving from loneliness, etc. Through this Article, some of the key such benefits are being analyzed.
1) Spiritual Purification
The literal word meaning of ‘Ramadan’ is ‘intense heat’ to denote that the month is intended to burn the sins of the believers through self-purification. The important psychological effects of fasting during Ramadan is this self-purification for heightening the spiritual growth. It is considered that the fasting allows to connect more deeply with one’s faith and enables him to establish a meaningful connection with the purpose of life.
2) Intensified Mindfulness
Fasting, nurtures the attitude of mindfulness enabling one to engage fully to the moment. This help him to appreciate the day-to-day common activities in a meaningful and engaged manner.
3) Self-Discipline
The key objective intended to be achieved through Fasting is the quality of self-discipline. Through resisting the physical temptation for food and drinks during the day time, the fasting practice helps to achieve self-control over materialistic aspects of life. One learns when to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to the situations, and is more a self-controlled man rather than a man of impulses and emotions. The discipline cultivated during Ramadan roll over as a good habit into their daily routines, helping them to establish healthier habits and make more conscious choices.
4) Social Linking
The social features of Ramadan plays a pivotal role in molding the psychological experience of fasting. During ‘Iftar’, the evening meal at the sunset that marks the breaking of the fasting, it is religiously required to share the meals with family, friends, neighbors and within the society. This fosters a sense of being connected with the society, a sense of being integral and responsible part of the society, underline the need of co-existence in the society, and above all generates the strong bond with the society as its integral part. Thus, the cooperative nature of Ramadan creates a network of empathy and understanding and establish an emotional well-being by alleviating the feelings of loneliness.
Whilst fasting promotes a good state of mind, it is also essential for those observing Ramadan to prioritize self-care and seek support if needed, ensuring that the month remains a time of spiritual growth and well-being.
Ramadan is an opportunity for profound personal and spiritual development. May this month brings the best to all of us.