The monthfull annual fast of Ramadan (as per the Islamic Calender for Muslims)
P R E P A R A T I O N
Preparation is probably the most important aspect of this specific fast, but that being said, it is essential with any kind of fasting that anyone embarks upon, be it a water fast etc.
Fasting is nothing new to mankind, although it has certainly started trending in recent years due to the amazing health benefits associated with it.
As awareness grows, people are becoming more attuned to how they can prepare themselves and what they ought to expect from the different stages of fasting and what happens to one's body when one fasts.
Personal experiences of fasting depends on the individual's physical and mental state, general health and wellness; whether they suffer from any underlying health conditions and the type of fast done.
S T A G E S • O F • F A S T I N G
No two people will experience exactly the same experience when fasting due to the fact that everyone's body works in its own way alhamdulillaah. However, we can draw from recorded evidence of experience, a general idea of what to expect when one fasts.
S T A G E 1
D A Y S 1 - 2
This is when it hits you! No matter what kind of fast you have chosen, you are bound to feel something during the first 48 hours subhan'Allah, whether it be hunger, thirst or fatigue! I've received word from sisters saying that they have headaches (symptoms ranging from mild to migraine), general sluggishness, extreme thirst or dry throat, body shivers, chills, fatigue, grouchy/moodiness, shaky hands, low body temperature and even low grade fever!
This is why preparation is key!
With regard to fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan 💟 we can highlight the aspect of preparation, according to the Qur'an and Sunnah - that it actually starts two months before the Holy month subhan'Allah. And that historically, the believers would have been planting seeds during the month of Rajab:
"Abu Bakr al-Balkhi said: The month of Rajab is the month for planting, the month of Sha’baan is the month of irrigating the crops, and the month of Ramadaan is the month of harvesting the crops.
He also said: The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Sha’baan is that of the clouds and the likeness of Ramadaan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Sha’baan, how can he reap in Ramadaan? Now Rajab has passed, so what will you do in Sha’baan if you are seeking Ramadaan? This is how your Prophet and the early generations of the ummah were in this blessed month, so what will you do?"
While you’re fasting, your body needs to produce sugar for energy, so it begins a process called gluconeogenesis. During gluconeogenesis, your liver converts non-carbohydrate materials like lactate, amino acids, and fats into glucose. This is the point when your body goes into an energy saving mode and this process is the reason why one might feel drained and suffer from fatigue etc.
It is a test. We have to override our desires and let our willpower shine. This is the time to put our minds over the matter, particularly when it comes to hunger and thirst. If and once you have mastered this, it's an exciting journey moving forward in Shaa Allah.
S T A G E 2
D A Y S 3 - 7
If this stage is reached, the pangs of hunger may have started to fade and the void is filled with energy thanks to the process of 'Ketosis', in which the body starts to burn stored fat as it's primary power source. This may also be a time when nursing/breastfeeding mummies may start to notice a decrease in milk supply as stored fat is used to produce milk supply too. May Allah make it easy on all us nursing mothers aameen. Ketosis can be effective for balancing sugar in the body and weight loss, amongst other benefits. As glucose becomes scarce, the body turns to the fat store for the energy is requires.
D E T O X I F I C A T I O N
This is the point when the body starts to detoxify itself as it gets rid of that extra fat - the fat stores are where the body's natural defense system puts toxic metals and other toxins and this, alhamdulillaah, is how the body safely expels these toxins!
This cleansing stage has its advantages but it is also the point when the body may go through what's known as a 'healing crisis'. For more about the healing crisis tune into my next blog in Shaa Allah t'ala 🌱
⚠️ Disclaimer: Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
©️ Sunnah Shifa 01.05.20
