Grandpa s Lesson on Fasting

Grandpa Explains the Benefits of Fasting

“Grandpa! The moon has appeared. Congratulations!” Usama ran excitedly into their grandfather’s room. Grandpa smiled warmly and returned the greeting.

“Usama, my dear! God willing, will you fast tomorrow?” he asked gently.

“Yes, Grandpa!” Usama replied enthusiastically.

“And this time, I will fast too,” Yusra said, entering the room with a bright smile.

“Yes, absolutely,” Grandpa said, looking at both children with affection. “Children, fasting is very rewarding.”

Usama nodded eagerly. “Yes, Grandpa! Our teacher also told us that fasting is good for our body and mind.”

Yusra looked puzzled. “I don’t understand that, Grandpa! How is that possible?”

Grandpa chuckled softly and began to explain the benefits of fasting. “Children, when we refrain from eating and drinking for several hours during fasting, our stomachs get a rest, and the internal systems of our body rejuvenate. The harmful substances that are produced during eating are expelled from our bodies. In this way, we are protected from many illnesses.”

Usama added excitedly, “Our extra body fat also melts away, and we become less overweight. Cholesterol decreases too.”

Grandpa nodded in agreement. “Yes! That extra weight can cause heart problems and high blood pressure if we are not careful.”

Yusra asked curiously, “But how does fasting help the brain, and how does it make it sharper?”

Grandpa laughed lightly and explained, “During fasting, certain chemicals are released in the brain that help repair body cells. This improves mental clarity and sharpens your thinking.”

Usama added, “Fasting also helps us control the habit of eating at odd times, and we don’t suffer from indigestion.”

Grandpa smiled and said, “Exactly. Fasting teaches us discipline and self-control as well.”

Usama hesitated for a moment. “Grandpa, sometimes I feel weak during fasting, and after I break my fast, I feel a bit sluggish.”

Grandpa nodded understandingly. “That depends on what you eat. If you eat energy-rich foods for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and light, simple foods for Iftar (meal to break the fast), you won’t face such problems. You both should do something helpful: make charts for your meals. Usama, you make a chart of Suhoor foods, and Yusra, you make a chart of Iftar foods.”

Both children ran off excitedly to make their charts. After some time, they returned with their charts ready.

Usama proudly showed his Suhoor chart to Grandpa. Grandpa read it carefully and said, “Very good! Porridge, roti, and paratha contain carbohydrates that give you energy throughout the day. Eggs, kebabs, and minced meat provide protein and calcium. Milk, yogurt, lassi, and water provide strength and keep the body hydrated. You’ve done an excellent job, Usama!”

Grandpa turned to Yusra. “Yusra, my dear, is your chart ready?”

Yusra handed her chart forward. “Here, Grandpa! Look!”

Grandpa looked at her chart and nodded approvingly. “Excellent! Fruits, and especially one or two dates, contain natural sugar and potassium that quickly restore the energy lost during fasting. Foods like samosas, rolls, and pakoras put a heavy burden on the stomach because they take longer to digest. After many hours without food, your stomach is resting, and heavy foods can harm it.”

Yusra had included sandwiches, fruit or vegetable salads, fresh fruit juice, lemon sherbet, and, of course, dates in her chart. Grandpa smiled and said, “Dates are the best! They provide instant energy and also carry the reward of Sunnah.”

Usama’s eyes widened with understanding. “Now I see! Fasting really protects us from diseases too.”

Grandpa’s face glowed with pride. “MashaAllah! You’ve understood it perfectly. Fasting is not just about refraining from food; it’s about taking care of your health, discipline, and spiritual growth all at the same time.”

Yusra nodded enthusiastically. “So, Grandpa, by following our charts and eating the right foods, we won’t feel weak or sluggish?”

“Exactly, my dear,” Grandpa replied. “Eating the right foods at Suhoor and Iftar keeps your energy up and makes fasting easier and more enjoyable. And always remember, fasting also teaches patience and self-control, which are important for every aspect of life.”

Usama looked thoughtful. “I feel excited now, Grandpa. I want to start fasting tomorrow and follow the chart exactly.”

Grandpa chuckled and said, “That’s wonderful, Usama! And you too, Yusra, remember to eat light and healthy foods for Iftar so that your body can digest them easily.”

Both children smiled and promised to follow Grandpa’s advice carefully. Grandpa gave them each a gentle pat on the head. “Now go and get ready for bed so you can wake up easily for Suhoor tomorrow.”

Usama and Yusra ran off to their rooms, full of excitement and determination. They were ready to embrace the blessings of fasting, guided by their wise and loving grandfather.

As the night fell, Grandpa looked at the moon shining brightly in the sky. He whispered softly, “May these children always benefit from the wisdom of fasting and grow up healthy, disciplined, and spiritually strong.”

And with that, the house settled into a peaceful silence, ready for a new day of learning, health, and faith.