Okay, so I've been seeing everyone talking about intermittent fasting lately. From weight loss gurus to health bloggers, it's everywhere. Honestly, I was a little skeptical. Another diet trend? But then I started thinking… wait a minute. As Muslims, aren’t we already pretty well-versed in the art of strategic fasting?

For those unfamiliar, intermittent fasting isn’t what you eat, but when you eat. There are different methods, but I decided to try the 16/8 method – fasting for 16 hours and having an 8-hour eating window. I figured a week-long trial wouldn't hurt, and I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

Why I Decided to Try It

I wasn’t necessarily looking to lose weight (though a little help wouldn’t be bad!). I was more interested in the potential benefits I’d read about – increased energy, improved focus, and better overall health. Plus, I wanted to see if it could help me be more mindful of my eating habits. Ramadan has always been a time of incredible spiritual and physical discipline for me, and I was hoping to tap into some of that feeling outside of the month of fasting.

My Week with 16/8

The first couple of days were… challenging. I usually have breakfast fairly early, so pushing that back was tough. I felt a little sluggish in the mornings, and definitely had some hunger pangs. I found drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, and staying busy helped distract me.

By day three, things started to shift. I noticed I wasn’t craving sugary snacks as much. My energy levels felt more stable throughout the day, and I was surprisingly productive. I also found I was eating less overall. When I finally did break my fast, I wasn’t stuffing myself like I sometimes do. I was genuinely satisfied with a normal-sized meal.

By the end of the week, I felt… good. I wouldn’t say it was a dramatic transformation, but I definitely felt more alert, focused, and in control of my eating. I also appreciated the simplicity of it. No complicated meal plans, just a focus on timing.

The Benefits I Noticed (For Me!)

Increased Energy: More sustained energy throughout the day, less afternoon slump.

Improved Focus: I was able to concentrate better on work and other tasks.

Reduced Cravings: Especially for sugar and processed foods.

Mindful Eating: I paid more attention to my hunger cues and ate more intentionally.

Simplicity: It wasn't restrictive, just a shift in timing.

But Let's Talk About What Islam Has Been Saying All Along…

Here’s the thing that struck me most during this experiment: Islam has been advocating for a form of intermittent fasting for centuries! Ramadan, of course, is the most obvious example. But even beyond that, the Sunnah encourages voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and even just fasting occasionally for the sake of Allah.

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

This isn't just about physical health, though. Fasting is a powerful act of worship that cultivates discipline, gratitude, empathy for those less fortunate, and a deeper connection with Allah.

What’s interesting is that many of the benefits people are discovering through intermittent fasting – improved mental clarity, increased energy, better health – are things Muslims have experienced through fasting for generations. It’s almost like the world is finally catching up to what we already knew!

It’s a beautiful reminder that Islam isn’t just a religion; it’s a holistic way of life that encompasses all aspects of our well-being.

Would I Continue?

I'm not sure if I'll stick to the 16/8 method strictly, but I definitely plan to incorporate more intentional fasting into my routine. I think it's a valuable tool for both physical and spiritual health, and a beautiful way to connect with the traditions of our faith.

Important Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional. This article is based on my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Before starting any new diet or exercise program, please consult with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with eating disorders, or those with certain medical conditions.