* Sheikh Ahmed Haneef (Religious scholar)
**Robin Marsh (Secretary General, Universal Peace Foundation)
***Amani Yassine Sa’ad (Postgraduate student)
The least one may contribute to this planet is by reducing consumption. Excessive draining of the natural resources is a factor in the discourse on climate change. Fasting is, in theory at least, reduces the intake of the human body. The holy month of Ramadan provides the opportunity to achieve this. In addition to the health factor, the social element and the solidification of the human bonds, the spiritual benefits of fasting are numerous. Bloated stomachs have no room or mood to communicate with the divine; spirituality gradually diminishes. On the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, we wish everyone good times ahead to achieve spiritual ascendance, meaningful contemplation and fraternal links.
Tuesday, 4th March 2025
William Haines: Robin Marsh asked me to stand in for him and I said why not? I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and am just on another round of chemo. When he asked me my fervour was lifted and I am here for the first time and very glad to be here. I am so happy to see you all living in peace with each other.
It is the beginning of Ramadan but you may also know it is shrove Tuesday, – the beginning of Lent tomorrow for Christians all over the world following this particular calendar. For Christian Orthodox they follow a different calendar in another week or ten days. People fast for 40 days before Easter. Not a full fast, a different kind of fast.
It is interesting 40 days before Easter. So let us look at the spirituality of 40 days. It occurs many times in the bible.
The first one is about Noah and the 40 day flood. And you might wonder why was there a flood. And just before the flood God looked at the world and God saw the violence and it broke God’s heart when he saw people murdering each other, raping each other. And God felt he had to do something about this. And that is what led to the flood.
During this period of 40 days Noah and his family were supposed to purify themselves in many ways. One of the ways was when God told Noah to go into the arch God said to Noah you and your sons and your wife and your sons wives go into the arch. And then 40 days after they came out of the arc God said to Noah’s family Noah you and your wife and your sons and your sons wives leave the arch.
So the traditional Jewish way of understanding and interpreting this is that God wanted them not to have sexual relations because they have to spend their time in prayer and purification so when they came out of the arc after the 40 days they will have a new start and a new beginning and create a peaceful and just world. It didn’t work out that way as we all know.
Let us skip a bit and then come to Moses. Moses was brought up in Egypt. He was brought up in the pharaoh’s palace even though he was born a Jew. And at that time here was a lot of slavery. And one day when Moses was walking along he saw a slave driver mistreating a slave. And he asked : “What should I do? Should I walk on the other side and ignore that or should I get involved and do something about it? So he got involved because he felt I am a righteous person. If I see somebody acting wrongly, immorally or unjustly I need to get involved. The slave driver was killed and Moses had to flee.
He went to live in the desert for 40 years. And in the desert there he was a shepherd. Anybody here lived or spent time in a desert? What is so striking is the complete stillness, the quietness. Everything is so quiet, so still, there are no distractions for 40 years. What was he was doing all that time. He must have been developing his relationship with God, he must have been meditating and praying because there was no one to talk to, no other sounds to hear. That is where he was for 40 years and God appeared to him through the burning bush and told him to go down to Egypt and lead the people out Egypt. And Moses said this is not possible, nobody is going to pay any attention to me. He had a long discussion with God until they came to some sort of programme that is going to work.
God gave him some miracles, throwing down the staff which turned into a snake. He sent his brother Aaron who was a very good speaker and said you just stutter all the time he will speak on your behalf. And finally Moses said that sounds do able and they went down to Egypt and there was a confrontation with the Pharoah and the calamities that took place and finally they were led out of Egypt and eventually they reached Mount Sinai.
On the way they took some food with them but after a week the food ran out and there was no McDonalds in those days – there is no way you can get a takeaway. They had no food. And they stated to complain to Moses and Moses spoke to God. He told him there are all these people and they want something to eat – where can I find them something to eat? And so the story goes in the Bible in Exodus that I am going to send quail for six days and manor every day. And every day God said you should collect the manor for six days and on the sixth day you should collect twice as much so you can eat it on the seventh day. On the seventh day nobody should work, they should not go out and claim manor or quail. They should stay at home.
That is because God wanted them to spend time together as a family, to sing together to worship together, to play games together and to create a family where they create a presence where God wants to dwell.
Then God told Moses to go up Mount Sinai and he fasted there for 40 days and 40 nights. And for the people who were not on the mountain it was a bit of shock. They wondered whether or not he had starved to death, how could he not eat or drink? And he was there for 40 days and 40 nights. And after 40 days and 40 nights he received God’s word. He received the commandments.
So the point of prayer and fasting is to prepared oneself on the inside internally so one is able to have a profound experience or relationship with God. So God is able to reveal himself and God can only do that if there is purity. If one has a pure heart and a pure mind. And so that is why there is a 40 day fast. Noah’s family could purify themselves and God was able to have a relationship with them. He could not do that if they were living a life of violence.
After that there was forty years when Israel wandered in the wilderness. And again during that time they were supposed to put into practice all these moral laws so they would become moral people as families and have good traditions in a society and community where they would live in peace with each other.
So the basic structures for a good society were created during those 40 years when they lived in the desert. Then after 40 years they moved to Cannan. And sixteen hundred years later we encounter Jesus. From the Christian point of view he is regarded as the messiah and he spent 40 days in the wilderness.
So he is fasting – why did he do that? This is very much connected with spirituality which I was talking about. There is spirituality of the way of seeking God. It is very hard Judeo Christian tradition where God kept his people in the desert for 40 years and in subsequent centuries repeatedly calling them into the desert as a testing ground where they change their heart. And by proving themselves obedient to human living accept him as their creator and their lord.
And that is why Christians, Jews and Muslims take time out fast and to pray and to re enter that kind of relationship with God to have all the time. So why did Jesus go into the wilderness for 40 days to fast? When he started his mission he went to meet John the Baptist. He said behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And John said as I have seen and borne witness this is the son of God.
Jesus was not literally the son of God – it is a metaphorical way of describing the relationship between Jesus and God. For whatever reason John did not follow Jesus. Jesus went into the desert. And in the desert he fasted for 40 days. It is like a new start a new beginning. And during these 40 days the devil approached him three times and asked him to sin.
So what was going on was three temptations. It is about purification. What we call the three blessings given to Adam and Eve. So when God created Adam and Eve he said be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and have dominion over the fish and the birds and over every living thing. So the idea of dominion is not about control. It is about taking care of a natural environment and not spoiling it. It was created by God. Everything belongs to God but he can’t do the gardening by himself. Adam and Eve were told to till the soil, do the gardening, look after this world that I created for you to enjoy.
So the first temptation came and Satan said if you are the son of God tell these stones to become bread. So after fasting for 40 days Jesus was very hungry. Satan came along and said do a miracle, turn these stones into bread and you will no longer be hungry anymore.
And Jesus answered man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. So that is what is important. We have to have dominion over the physical body and that goes back to the first blessing that Adam and Eve be fruitful. Be mature, grow up, be a complete person have complete unity between mind and body and live a life of integrity, follow your conscience.
Have control over physical and emotional desires. If people can’t control those desires and they get out of control they get involved in all kinds of things, rape greed, all sorts of things. People get angry for all sorts of reasons. It may be justified. If one cannot control ones anger one can act in a violent way and that is what God dislikes more than anything else.
So being a mature person means having that kind of faith. So Adam and Eve were not able to control their physical desires. So when Eve saw the fruit of the tree, it was good and pleasing to the eye and she gave it to Adam and they both ate it.
The second temptation was the devil took Jesus to the holy city and got him to stand at the highest point and said if you are the son of God throw yourself down and command the angels to save you and they will lift you up in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone.
And Jesus said to him. It is also written do not put the Lord your God to the test. So again this is connected to the second lesson of keeping the moral law. So the woman said to the serpent we may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden but God said you shall not eat of the tree that is in the middle of the garden nor shall you touch it or you will die. And the serpent said you will not die. So she ate the fruit and she did die.
So the idea is that it is not possible to break the moral law and not suffer the consequences of it. So if anybody thinks they can fly and throw themselves off the top of a building they will end up on the ground with a broken leg or worse. So that is the second lesson about keeping the moral law.
Then the third temptation. The devil took him onto a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their splendour. And he said all this I will give you if you bow down and worship me. So Jesus said away from me Satan. It is written worship the Lord your God and serve only him.
This is about wealth and ownership. Having dominion over the creation. So because of the fall Adam and Eve’s relationship with God became corrupted. So now people become tempted by wealth and riches. If you do this corrupt act you will become rich. In Hollywood unfortunately some directors say if you have a sexual relationship with me I will give you that part in the film.
So Jesus refused to worship Satan even though he said if you worship me I will make you the king of the world.. So Jesus restored the three great blessings and the devil departed from him. Though fasting for 40 days Jesus spirit was uplifted to a very high level and he was filled with the power of the spirit. Returned to Gailee and reports about him spread to all the synagogues. So the people loved Jesus, they loved what he taught, they accepted what he taught and he became extremely popular. He was crucified. So when Christians fast for 40 days before Easter they are expected to go to the pastor and confess any sins during the previous year. This is the new beginning.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of repentance. Christians fast in different ways. Some may give up chocolate, some may give up a meal depending on the denomination. Just before Easter is Palm Sunday when Jesus went into Jerusalem. He was proclaimed King of the Jews and he was arrested. He was found guilty by the Roman governor Poscious Pilot and was executed by the Romans. But on the third day is the resurrection. So on the third day Christians all shout and cry he is risen. He is risen indeed.
So that is why we find in one of the letters written by Saint Paul Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord your God is near. Do not be anxious about anything. Present your petition and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.
Amani Yassine Sa’ad: It is an honour to speak to you today about a practice that transcends time, culture, and even religion—fasting. Specifically, we will explore Ramadan fasting, a divine obligation that Muslims worldwide observe. More than just abstaining from food and drink, fasting is a transformative journey that refines our character, strengthens self-discipline, fosters social responsibility, and enhances physical and mental well-being.
From spiritual elevation to scientific validation, fasting offers a unique path to human perfection—not in the sense of flawlessness, but in moral, social, and physical excellence i.e the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. It is also known as virtue or moral, social and physical goodness.Today, we will uncover how fasting shapes self-discipline, spiritual awareness, social empathy, and even health, supported by both Islamic wisdom and scientific research.
Let us begin this journey of understanding how fasting can elevate not just the individual, but society as a whole.
Fasting and Human Perfection
Perfection in Islam is not about being without flaws; it is about striving for self-improvement, moral refinement, and spiritual growth. Month of Ramadan serves as a powerful tool for achieving this.
1. Self-Discipline and Willpower
Imagine being able to control your strongest impulses—hunger, thirst, and desire—for an entire month. Fasting trains the soul, developing willpower and patience.
• Psychological research confirms that self-discipline is a key predictor of success and fulfillment (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011).
• Resisting food and water builds resilience, teaching us delayed gratification— the ability to resist immediate gratification or a smaller reward in favor of waiting for a larger, more desirable reward, a quality linked to better decision-making and personal growth (Goleman, 1995).
• In a world driven by instant gratification, fasting reminds us of the power of restraint and that is extremely important because it gives us the ability to control one’s impulses, desires, and actions, essentially demonstrating strength by holding back and not reacting impulsively, allowing for thoughtful decision-making and a more measured response.
2. Spiritual Awareness and Connection with God
Beyond self-discipline, fasting deepens our spiritual consciousness. The Qur’an states:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur’an 2:183)
• The goal is Taqwa (God-consciousness)—a heightened awareness of our Creator and our purpose.
• Research shows that spiritual practices like fasting and prayer reduce stress, enhance emotional stability, and promote inner peace (Koenig et al., 2012).
• Fasting is not just about hunger; it is about elevating the soul, breaking bad habits, and strengthening faith.
Thus, fasting polishes the heart and mind, preparing us for greater spiritual and moral heights.
Fasting and Social Responsibility
Islam is a religion of compassion and community, and fasting is a bridge that connects the privileged with the underprivileged.
1. Empathy for the Underprivileged
Fasting immerses us in the experience of hunger, making us more aware of those who struggle with food insecurity every day.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized charity in Ramadan:Abu Abdillah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever gives charity in the month of Ramadan, God will avert seventy types of calamity from him.
• Studies confirm that direct exposure to suffering increases empathy and altruism (or predilection).( Decety & Lamm, 2006).
• As a result, Ramadan becomes a month of generosity, with increased donations, community service, and acts of kindness.
Fasting is not just about personal growth; it is about using that growth to uplift others.
2. Strengthening Community Bonds
Ramadan is a time of togetherness.
• Families and friends gather for Iftar (breaking fast), strengthening relationships.
• The act of praying together in mosques, sharing meals, and engaging in charity fosters social unity.
• Social psychology research highlights that communal activities enhance psychological well-being and social harmony (Diener & Seligman, 2004).
In an era of isolation and division, fasting reminds us that human connection is essential for a thriving society.
Fasting and Human Health
Science is catching up with what Islam has taught for centuries—fasting is incredibly beneficial not only for the body but also the mind.
1. Metabolic Health and Longevity
Modern studies show that intermittent fasting, which mirrors Ramadan fasting, has remarkable health benefits:
• Reduces insulin resistance, improving blood sugar control (Longo & Mattson, 2014).
• Enhances fat metabolism, aiding in weight loss and reducing obesity-related diseases.
• Triggers autophagy, a process that clears damaged cells and regenerates new ones, potentially increasing lifespan (de Cabo & Mattson, 2019).
2. Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Fasting is not just about the body—it also rejuvenates the mind.
• Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which improves memory and cognitive function (Mattson et al., 2018).
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, balancing neurochemicals (Harvie & Howell, 2017).
• Islamic fasting, which combines spiritual reflection and discipline, further enhances emotional resilience.
3. Detoxification and Immune System Boost
Fasting allows the body to reset and heal:
• Eliminates toxins, aiding in natural detoxification.
• Stimulates immune system regeneration, producing new white blood cells (Cheng et al., 2014).
In a time where lifestyle diseases are rampant or uncontrolled, fasting emerges as a powerful natural medicine.
Words of wisdom
Imam al-Sadiq (AS), in his profound interpretation of the Almighty’s words,
“واستعينوا بالصبر والصلاة “
“And seek help through patience and prayer” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 45), unveils a deeper meaning behind patience—identifying it as fasting. He (AS) emphasized:
“If a man is afflicted with a calamity or hardship, let him fast; for Allah Almighty says: ‘And seek help through patience and prayer.’”
(Al-Kafi by al-Kulayni 63:4 / H 7)
Fasting: A Divine Prescription for Health and Strength
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH), in his infinite wisdom, revealed the miraculous connection between fasting and well-being, proclaiming:
“Fast, and you will be healthy.”
(Bihar al-Anwar by Sheikh al-Majlisi 255:96)
Similarly, Imam Ali (AS) affirmed this truth, stating:
“Fasting is one of the two health benefits.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam by al-Amidi 39)
These sacred teachings illuminate fasting as more than an act of worship—it is a path to resilience, healing, and spiritual fortitude الثبات الروحي. Through fasting, the body finds renewal, the soul attains clarity, and the believer draws closer to the creator.
Conclusion
Fasting is not just an obligation—it is a pathway to excellence.
• It refines the self, building discipline and spiritual awareness.
• It nurtures social consciousness, fostering empathy and generosity.
• It enhances physical and mental well-being, promoting longevity and health.
In essence, fasting is a journey toward human perfection—not in being flawless, but in becoming the best version of ourselves.
As we leave today, let us reflect on this: How can we extend the lessons of fasting beyond the month of Ramadan? Can we continue to practice self-restraint, compassion, and gratitude in our daily lives?
May we embrace fasting not just for a month, but as a lifelong tool for spiritual, social, and physical transformation.
William Haine: A pastor with the Unification Church. He graduated from the Unification Theological Seminary. He is the author of several text books on character and education and taught at schools in the Russian Federation. He also published on topics related to theology.
Amani Yassine Sa’ad is a Member of the American Academy for Aesthetic Medicine. She is in her second year of MSc in Aesthetic Medicine at Queen Mary University of London. She is the owner of Lebanese Esthetic Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon where she worked and is still in aesthetic medicine for fourteen years.
* Sheikh Ahmed Haneef (Religious scholar) **Robin Marsh (Secretary General, Universal Peace Foundation) ***Amani Yassine Sa’ad (Postgraduate student) The least one may contribute to this planet is by reducing consumption. Excessive draining of the natural resources is a factor in the discourse on climate change. Fasting is, in theory at least, reduces the intake of the human body. The holy month of Ramadan provides the opportunity to achieve this. In addition to the health factor, the social element and the solidification of the human bonds, the spiritual benefits of fasting are numerous. Bloated stomachs have no room or mood to communicate with the divine; spirituality gradually diminishes. On the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, we wish everyone good times ahead to achieve spiritual ascendance, meaningful contemplation and fraternal links. Tuesday, 4th March 2025 William Haines: Robin Marsh asked me to stand in for him and I said why not? I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and am just on another round of chemo. When he asked me my fervour was lifted and I am here for the first time and very glad to be here. I am so happy to see you all living in peace with each other. It is the beginning of Ramadan but you may also know it is shrove Tuesday, – the beginning of Lent tomorrow for Christians all over the world following this particular calendar. For Christian Orthodox they follow a different calendar in another week or ten days. People fast for 40 days before Easter. Not a full fast, a different kind of fast. It is interesting 40 days before Easter. So let us look at the spirituality of 40 days. It occurs many times in the bible. The first one is about Noah and the 40 day flood. And you might wonder why was there a flood. And just before the flood God looked at the world and God saw the violence and it broke God’s heart when he saw people murdering each other, raping each other. And God felt he had to do something about this. And that is what led to the flood. During this period of 40 days Noah and his family were supposed to purify themselves in many ways. One of the ways was when God told Noah to go into the arch God said to Noah you and your sons and your wife and your sons wives go into the arch. And then 40 days after they came out of the arc God said to Noah’s family Noah you and your wife and your sons and your sons wives leave the arch. So the traditional Jewish way of understanding and interpreting this is that God wanted them not to have sexual relations because they have to spend their time in prayer and purification so when they came out of the arc after the 40 days they will have a new start and a new beginning and create a peaceful and just world. It didn’t work out that way as we all know. Let us skip a bit and then come to Moses. Moses was brought up in Egypt. He was brought up in the pharaoh’s palace even though he was born a Jew. And at that time here was a lot of slavery. And one day when Moses was walking along he saw a slave driver mistreating a slave. And he asked : “What should I do? Should I walk on the other side and ignore that or should I get involved and do something about it? So he got involved because he felt I am a righteous person. If I see somebody acting wrongly, immorally or unjustly I need to get involved. The slave driver was killed and Moses had to flee. He went to live in the desert for 40 years. And in the desert there he was a shepherd. Anybody here lived or spent time in a desert? What is so striking is the complete stillness, the quietness. Everything is so quiet, so still, there are no distractions for 40 years. What was he was doing all that time. He must have been developing his relationship with God, he must have been meditating and praying because there was no one to talk to, no other sounds to hear. That is where he was for 40 years and God appeared to him through the burning bush and told him to go down to Egypt and lead the people out Egypt. And Moses said this is not possible, nobody is going to pay any attention to me. He had a long discussion with God until they came to some sort of programme that is going to work. God gave him some miracles, throwing down the staff which turned into a snake. He sent his brother Aaron who was a very good speaker and said you just stutter all the time he will speak on your behalf. And finally Moses said that sounds do able and they went down to Egypt and there was a confrontation with the Pharoah and the calamities that took place and finally they were led out of Egypt and eventually they reached Mount Sinai. On the way they took some food with them but after a week the food ran out and there was no McDonalds in those days – there is no way you can get a takeaway. They had no food. And they stated to complain to Moses and Moses spoke to God. He told him there are all these people and they want something to eat – where can I find them something to eat? And so the story goes in the Bible in Exodus that I am going to send quail for six days and manor every day. And every day God said you should collect the manor for six days and on the sixth day you should collect twice as much so you can eat it on the seventh day. On the seventh day nobody should work, they should not go out and claim manor or quail. They should stay at home. That is because God wanted them to spend time together as a family, to sing together to worship together, to play games together and to create a family where they create a presence where God wants to dwell. Then God told Moses to go up Mount Sinai and he fasted there for 40 days and 40 nights. And for the people who were not on the mountain it was a bit of shock. They wondered whether or not he had starved to death, how could he not eat or drink? And he was there for 40 days and 40 nights. And after 40 days and 40 nights he received God’s word. He received the commandments. So the point of prayer and fasting is to prepared oneself on the inside internally so one is able to have a profound experience or relationship with God. So God is able to reveal himself and God can only do that if there is purity. If one has a pure heart and a pure mind. And so that is why there is a 40 day fast. Noah’s family could purify themselves and God was able to have a relationship with them. He could not do that if they were living a life of violence. After that there was forty years when Israel wandered in the wilderness. And again during that time they were supposed to put into practice all these moral laws so they would become moral people as families and have good traditions in a society and community where they would live in peace with each other. So the basic structures for a good society were created during those 40 years when they lived in the desert. Then after 40 years they moved to Cannan. And sixteen hundred years later we encounter Jesus. From the Christian point of view he is regarded as the messiah and he spent 40 days in the wilderness. So he is fasting – why did he do that? This is very much connected with spirituality which I was talking about. There is spirituality of the way of seeking God. It is very hard Judeo Christian tradition where God kept his people in the desert for 40 years and in subsequent centuries repeatedly calling them into the desert as a testing ground where they change their heart. And by proving themselves obedient to human living accept him as their creator and their lord. And that is why Christians, Jews and Muslims take time out fast and to pray and to re enter that kind of relationship with God to have all the time. So why did Jesus go into the wilderness for 40 days to fast? When he started his mission he went to meet John the Baptist. He said behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And John said as I have seen and borne witness this is the son of God. Jesus was not literally the son of God – it is a metaphorical way of describing the relationship between Jesus and God. For whatever reason John did not follow Jesus. Jesus went into the desert. And in the desert he fasted for 40 days. It is like a new start a new beginning. And during these 40 days the devil approached him three times and asked him to sin. So what was going on was three temptations. It is about purification. What we call the three blessings given to Adam and Eve. So when God created Adam and Eve he said be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and have dominion over the fish and the birds and over every living thing. So the idea of dominion is not about control. It is about taking care of a natural environment and not spoiling it. It was created by God. Everything belongs to God but he can’t do the gardening by himself. Adam and Eve were told to till the soil, do the gardening, look after this world that I created for you to enjoy. So the first temptation came and Satan said if you are the son of God tell these stones to become bread. So after fasting for 40 days Jesus was very hungry. Satan came along and said do a miracle, turn these stones into bread and you will no longer be hungry anymore. And Jesus answered man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. So that is what is important. We have to have dominion over the physical body and that goes back to the first blessing that Adam and Eve be fruitful. Be mature, grow up, be a complete person have complete unity between mind and body and live a life of integrity, follow your conscience. Have control over physical and emotional desires. If people can’t control those desires and they get out of control they get involved in all kinds of things, rape greed, all sorts of things. People get angry for all sorts of reasons. It may be justified. If one cannot control ones anger one can act in a violent way and that is what God dislikes more than anything else. So being a mature person means having that kind of faith. So Adam and Eve were not able to control their physical desires. So when Eve saw the fruit of the tree, it was good and pleasing to the eye and she gave it to Adam and they both ate it. The second temptation was the devil took Jesus to the holy city and got him to stand at the highest point and said if you are the son of God throw yourself down and command the angels to save you and they will lift you up in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone. And Jesus said to him. It is also written do not put the Lord your God to the test. So again this is connected to the second lesson of keeping the moral law. So the woman said to the serpent we may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden but God said you shall not eat of the tree that is in the middle of the garden nor shall you touch it or you will die. And the serpent said you will not die. So she ate the fruit and she did die. So the idea is that it is not possible to break the moral law and not suffer the consequences of it. So if anybody thinks they can fly and throw themselves off the top of a building they will end up on the ground with a broken leg or worse. So that is the second lesson about keeping the moral law. Then the third temptation. The devil took him onto a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their splendour. And he said all this I will give you if you bow down and worship me. So Jesus said away from me Satan. It is written worship the Lord your God and serve only him. This is about wealth and ownership. Having dominion over the creation. So because of the fall Adam and Eve’s relationship with God became corrupted. So now people become tempted by wealth and riches. If you do this corrupt act you will become rich. In Hollywood unfortunately some directors say if you have a sexual relationship with me I will give you that part in the film. So Jesus refused to worship Satan even though he said if you worship me I will make you the king of the world.. So Jesus restored the three great blessings and the devil departed from him. Though fasting for 40 days Jesus spirit was uplifted to a very high level and he was filled with the power of the spirit. Returned to Gailee and reports about him spread to all the synagogues. So the people loved Jesus, they loved what he taught, they accepted what he taught and he became extremely popular. He was crucified. So when Christians fast for 40 days before Easter they are expected to go to the pastor and confess any sins during the previous year. This is the new beginning. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of repentance. Christians fast in different ways. Some may give up chocolate, some may give up a meal depending on the denomination. Just before Easter is Palm Sunday when Jesus went into Jerusalem. He was proclaimed King of the Jews and he was arrested. He was found guilty by the Roman governor Poscious Pilot and was executed by the Romans. But on the third day is the resurrection. So on the third day Christians all shout and cry he is risen. He is risen indeed. So that is why we find in one of the letters written by Saint Paul Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord your God is near. Do not be anxious about anything. Present your petition and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus. Amani Yassine Sa’ad: It is an honour to speak to you today about a practice that transcends time, culture, and even religion—fasting. Specifically, we will explore Ramadan fasting, a divine obligation that Muslims worldwide observe. More than just abstaining from food and drink, fasting is a transformative journey that refines our character, strengthens self-discipline, fosters social responsibility, and enhances physical and mental well-being. From spiritual elevation to scientific validation, fasting offers a unique path to human perfection—not in the sense of flawlessness, but in moral, social, and physical excellence i.e the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. It is also known as virtue or moral, social and physical goodness.Today, we will uncover how fasting shapes self-discipline, spiritual awareness, social empathy, and even health, supported by both Islamic wisdom and scientific research. Let us begin this journey of understanding how fasting can elevate not just the individual, but society as a whole. Fasting and Human Perfection Perfection in Islam is not about being without flaws; it is about striving for self-improvement, moral refinement, and spiritual growth. Month of Ramadan serves as a powerful tool for achieving this. 1. Self-Discipline and Willpower Imagine being able to control your strongest impulses—hunger, thirst, and desire—for an entire month. Fasting trains the soul, developing willpower and patience. • Psychological research confirms that self-discipline is a key predictor of success and fulfillment (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011). • Resisting food and water builds resilience, teaching us delayed gratification— the ability to resist immediate gratification or a smaller reward in favor of waiting for a larger, more desirable reward, a quality linked to better decision-making and personal growth (Goleman, 1995). • In a world driven by instant gratification, fasting reminds us of the power of restraint and that is extremely important because it gives us the ability to control one’s impulses, desires, and actions, essentially demonstrating strength by holding back and not reacting impulsively, allowing for thoughtful decision-making and a more measured response. 2. Spiritual Awareness and Connection with God Beyond self-discipline, fasting deepens our spiritual consciousness. The Qur’an states: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur’an 2:183) • The goal is Taqwa (God-consciousness)—a heightened awareness of our Creator and our purpose. • Research shows that spiritual practices like fasting and prayer reduce stress, enhance emotional stability, and promote inner peace (Koenig et al., 2012). • Fasting is not just about hunger; it is about elevating the soul, breaking bad habits, and strengthening faith. Thus, fasting polishes the heart and mind, preparing us for greater spiritual and moral heights. Fasting and Social Responsibility Islam is a religion of compassion and community, and fasting is a bridge that connects the privileged with the underprivileged. 1. Empathy for the Underprivileged Fasting immerses us in the experience of hunger, making us more aware of those who struggle with food insecurity every day. • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized charity in Ramadan:Abu Abdillah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever gives charity in the month of Ramadan, God will avert seventy types of calamity from him. • Studies confirm that direct exposure to suffering increases empathy and altruism (or predilection).( Decety & Lamm, 2006). • As a result, Ramadan becomes a month of generosity, with increased donations, community service, and acts of kindness. Fasting is not just about personal growth; it is about using that growth to uplift others. 2. Strengthening Community Bonds Ramadan is a time of togetherness. • Families and friends gather for Iftar (breaking fast), strengthening relationships. • The act of praying together in mosques, sharing meals, and engaging in charity fosters social unity. • Social psychology research highlights that communal activities enhance psychological well-being and social harmony (Diener & Seligman, 2004). In an era of isolation and division, fasting reminds us that human connection is essential for a thriving society. Fasting and Human Health Science is catching up with what Islam has taught for centuries—fasting is incredibly beneficial not only for the body but also the mind. 1. Metabolic Health and Longevity Modern studies show that intermittent fasting, which mirrors Ramadan fasting, has remarkable health benefits: • Reduces insulin resistance, improving blood sugar control (Longo & Mattson, 2014). • Enhances fat metabolism, aiding in weight loss and reducing obesity-related diseases. • Triggers autophagy, a process that clears damaged cells and regenerates new ones, potentially increasing lifespan (de Cabo & Mattson, 2019). 2. Mental Health and Cognitive Function Fasting is not just about the body—it also rejuvenates the mind. • Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which improves memory and cognitive function (Mattson et al., 2018). • Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, balancing neurochemicals (Harvie & Howell, 2017). • Islamic fasting, which combines spiritual reflection and discipline, further enhances emotional resilience. 3. Detoxification and Immune System Boost Fasting allows the body to reset and heal: • Eliminates toxins, aiding in natural detoxification. • Stimulates immune system regeneration, producing new white blood cells (Cheng et al., 2014). In a time where lifestyle diseases are rampant or uncontrolled, fasting emerges as a powerful natural medicine. Words of wisdom Imam al-Sadiq (AS), in his profound interpretation of the Almighty’s words, “واستعينوا بالصبر والصلاة ” “And seek help through patience and prayer” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 45), unveils a deeper meaning behind patience—identifying it as fasting. He (AS) emphasized: “If a man is afflicted with a calamity or hardship, let him fast; for Allah Almighty says: ‘And seek help through patience and prayer.’” (Al-Kafi by al-Kulayni 63:4 / H 7) Fasting: A Divine Prescription for Health and Strength The Messenger of Allah (PBUH), in his infinite wisdom, revealed the miraculous connection between fasting and well-being, proclaiming: “Fast, and you will be healthy.” (Bihar al-Anwar by Sheikh al-Majlisi 255:96) Similarly, Imam Ali (AS) affirmed this truth, stating: “Fasting is one of the two health benefits.” (Ghurar al-Hikam by al-Amidi 39) These sacred teachings illuminate fasting as more than an act of worship—it is a path to resilience, healing, and spiritual fortitude الثبات الروحي. Through fasting, the body finds renewal, the soul attains clarity, and the believer draws closer to the creator. Conclusion Fasting is not just an obligation—it is a pathway to excellence. • It refines the self, building discipline and spiritual awareness. • It nurtures social consciousness, fostering empathy and generosity. • It enhances physical and mental well-being, promoting longevity and health. In essence, fasting is a journey toward human perfection—not in being flawless, but in becoming the best version of ourselves. As we leave today, let us reflect on this: How can we extend the lessons of fasting beyond the month of Ramadan? Can we continue to practice self-restraint, compassion, and gratitude in our daily lives? May we embrace fasting not just for a month, but as a lifelong tool for spiritual, social, and physical transformation. William Haine: A pastor with the Unification Church. He graduated from the Unification Theological Seminary. He is the author of several text books on character and education and taught at schools in the Russian Federation. He also published on topics related to theology. Amani Yassine Sa’ad is a Member of the American Academy for Aesthetic Medicine. She is in her second year of MSc in Aesthetic Medicine at Queen Mary University of London. She is the owner of Lebanese Esthetic Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon where she worked and is still in aesthetic medicine for fourteen years.