Fasting at the Confluence of Faith and Health: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: Fasting is not only a religious obligation but also a holistic act of worship that profoundly influences an individual's body, soul, character, and society. This act of devotion brings the individual closer to Allah, fostering qualities such as patience, piety, gratitude, and endurance. Scientific research supports these spiritual benefits, confirming that fasting is advantageous for human health and an effective means of physical detoxification. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and others, using search terms like "fasting," "health benefits of fasting," "fasting and science," and "fasting and nutrition." Relevant literature was carefully selected, evaluated, and critically analyzed. Results: Fasting is described in both the Holy Quran and Hadith as a means of attaining taqwa (piety), facilitating spiritual purification, and fostering patience. This practice is a form of devotion and exemplifies self-discipline and control over one’s desires. Fasting has been an essential practice in various religious traditions, and Islam has presented it as an organized and purposeful act of worship. Conclusion: The numerous health benefits of fasting have been identified in preclinical and clinical studies, underscoring its promising potential. These benefits include stress reduction, mood improvement, weight loss, cancer prevention, and reduced inflammation. While the available evidence is not yet conclusively strong, fasting appears to be a powerful natural method for enhancing personal, social, and health-related well-being.

کلیدواژه ها:

fasting ، Islam ، Fasting and body ، Health benefits ، Metabolism