Fasting and Gut Restoration
Dr. Ahmad Khalil
5 min read
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ
“"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you." — Al-Baqarah 2:183”
Fasting has been prescribed in Islam not only as a spiritual practice but as a means of healing the body. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fast and you will be healthy."
Modern science has confirmed what was practiced for centuries — intermittent fasting allows the gut to rest, repair, and restore its microbiome balance.
During a fast, the body shifts from glucose metabolism to autophagy, a process of cellular cleanup that removes damaged cells and promotes regeneration.
The Sunnah practice of fasting Mondays and Thursdays provides a natural intermittent fasting schedule that modern nutritionists now recommend.
Combined with suhoor rich in slow-releasing nutrients and an iftar that begins gently, this rhythm supports both spiritual and physical wellness.