Ramadan, ninth month of the Islamic calendar, began May 26 and will run through June 24. During this time, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
This allows the body to cleanse itself from dead cells and malformed cells through the phenomenon known as programmed cell death. This also allows for the generation of new, healthy cells and tissues, along with a surge of energy, with loss of extra weight as well.
Ramadan has solutions for physical, mental, spiritual and social wellness. You get tremendous improvement in all body systems. Mentally, you get sharper and clearer with a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind. Spiritually, you will feel as if you are flying, not walking, as you are closer to the creator through nonstop worship and good deeds, asking God for forgiveness as a good Ramadan observance will wipe out all previous sins.
Sharing with the needy is also very important. So Iftar meals at sunset during Ramadan are shared with the entire community and demonstrate the most beautiful spirit of unconditional giving to all of mankind. And during the month of Ramadan, there is a lot of charity work both locally and globally to help those in need.
This short dream of Ramadan passes quickly and ends with a Feast of Fast Breaking (Eid El Fitr). Everyone buys new clothes, exchanges gifts and visits, and spreads happiness to everyone. Everyone feels a great sense of accomplishment after fulfilling Ramadan duties — not just fasting, but doing charity work, extra prayers, making peace and resolving conflicts as hearts soften with fasting, prayer and the Quran.
Ramadan is a time to give up bad habits like smoking, but it is also the time to let go of ill feelings, such as anger, jealousy and hatred, and make peace with yourself, your family, friends and even those who wronged you.
There is nothing more beautiful than when you see the happiness on the faces of those who are forgotten and less fortunate being remembered during Ramadan season. You see humanity at its peak with renewed hope for total physical, mental, spiritual and social wellness.
Happy Ramadan!
Dr. Adel Eldin is the owner of Brooksville Cardiology in Wesley Chapel.
