One of the 5 pillars of Islam is fasting, and Muslims for the month of Ramadan “fast” calling it a “holy month”. But there’s something that doesn’t seem right because during Ramadan the followers of Muhammad stuff their faces with food. Some startling statistics to share are the halt of production in Muslim-majority countries.
Ramadan is a religious ritual yet has significant social and economic impact. It follows a different pattern for office hours and is recognized by “less productivity” and more social gathering on “Iftar” and “Suhoor” meals. Productivity decreases from 35% to 50% due to shorten working hours, and inability to focus with no access to food or beverage till sunset and fewer hours of sleep.
The economic impact of Ramadan on the food sector
The gluttony which ensues during Ramadan as food consumption goes through the roof, an increase of 50-100%! But Ramadan is supposed to be about fasting why are food bills skyrocketing?
Despite the fact that Ramadan is a fasting month, food consumption during the time of “Iftar” to “Suhoor” exceeds normal consumption pattern. Not only food bills increase by 50-100% during Ramadan, but it is reported that 83% of families change their food consumption habits during Ramadan. It is estimated that food consumption in Ramadan account for 15% of annual expenditure on food.
The economic impact of Ramadan on the food sector
Tremendous weight gain is reported with all the food consumption during the month of Ramadan. Negative health effects are associated with the fasting of Ramadan as it’s not really the fasting, but the large amounts of food consumed before sunrise and after sunset.
Fasting and intermittent fasting, which generally does not include abstention from water, have been shown to improve health outcomes in chronic diseases [6–8]. By contrast, the long-term health benefits or risks of Ramadan fasting are unclear [5, 9–14]. In observant populations, general practices of Ramadan may include an iftar meal to break one’s fast after the sun sets and suhoor, a light pre-dawn meal [15]. Ramadan meals may be calorie-dense, water abstention in warm climates may result in dehydration, overeating may occur before bed, and regular sleep patterns may be disturbed [16]. Therefore, the physiological changes associated with Ramadan fasting differ from general, intermittent fasting [17]; the former may have unidentified effects when body functions are disrupted [5, 10].
Ramadan fasting and weight change trajectories: Time-varying association of weight during and after Ramadan in low-income and refugee populations
Muslims love to make public displays of praying and fasting to somehow prove their piety, In the Bible we’re instructed not to be like the hypocrites who love performing deeds for getting the attention or praise of men “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1) [1] Those who do so will not receive a reward from God for they are trying to portray themselves as self-righteous.
Ramadan is all about announcing to the world the month of fasting, this goes against what the God of the Bible said. Those Muslims who think they are gaining from their works by fasting and praying in the streets will in reality get nothing because they are hypocrites according to the Bible.[2]
The Lord Jesus addresses fasting specifically saying don’t be a hypocrite like the Muslims by making your face sad or disfigured to have people notice they’re fasting. During this time they are promoting fasting which goes against what Christ said to do in secret.
Islam is an outward religion full of rituals but no spirituality, it’s a look at me religion as Muslims will occupy street corners in droves in order to pray.[3] Christianity is completely the opposite, it’s inward and spiritual we are commanded to pray in secret. We are not out seeking attention because our relationship is between us and God directly.
Walking in the street you can spot Muslims quite easily, that’s because all the women must wear specific garb such as a Hijab, and men can choose to wear thobe’s (Thawb) and Kufis. That’s because all of Islam is outward appearance but Christianity is inward, therefore, you do not know who is a Christian unless they verbally confess they are.
Conclusion
Islam is a hypocritical religion in which they claim to fast but truthfully they are stuffing their faces to the point of gaining weight. Why are Muslims gaining weight when they should be losing weight? All their deeds are outward works in order to earn their salvation. Jesus Christ is against all of these practices and proves that Christ is not a Muslim as Islam claims. Do your own research and see if these things are true, if they are and you’re a Muslim I highly suggest for you to leave Islam.
Footnotes
[1] Bible quotations in this article are from the CSB.
[2] Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
[3] The phenomenon of street prayers, which see Muslims spreading mats on footpaths BBC News (2011, 16 September). Paris ban on Muslim street prayers comes into effect. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467
Whatsoever Things Are True 