Why Should Muslims Fast?

Last night I attended a preaching on why people should fast at least twice in a week. The preaching was held every evening during the fasting month (Ramadan month for Muslims) before the after the nightfall prayer. As usual, all Muslims are recommended to pray together in a mosque of their own choice. I chose the one near the market place where I usually go shopping to. My reason for choosing that mosque was simply because the preaching is usually high quality and given by professional preachers.

Muslims start fasting from 4:45 am to about 6 pm. It approximately lasts 14 hours. In the evening, we are allowed to eat and drink. The preacher said that there are two benefits of fasting. The first one is it helps Muslims raise spiritual feeling that will improve the quality of God-fearing level. By fasting for about 30 days during the day, Muslims are hoped to be able to easily focus on strengthening their belief.

The second benefit of fasting is that during fasting in the day time, human body is doing self-curing process. All bacteria and other living things in the body will die because of not having anything that they can eat or absorb in the body. After 10 days of fasting, those who fast usually feel better and a lot healthier. Their blood pressure is normal and immune system is stronger.