A Month of Ramadan Fasting

If you or someone you know is fasting for the first time, here is a simple guide to what the Ramadan fast looks like over 30 days.

Everyone experiences fasting differently depending on lifestyle, workload, diet, sleep, and personal circumstances. This guide offers a general overview, not medical advice.

30-Day Fast: What happens to our bodies during Ramadan?

Detoxification Stage 1: Day 1-2

Stage 1 of detoxification begins on the first day of fasting, typically the hardest day as the body adjusts to a new routine. We enter the fasting state approximately 8 to 12 hours after our last meal.

Common side-effects in these first few days include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and nausea
• Bad breath and a heavily coated tongue
• Weakness

Detoxification Stage 2: Days 3-7

During the first week of fasting, the body has to work harder than usual.

As the body adapts to fasting, our digestive system gets a much-needed rest, allowing it to cleanse and repair itself. Faeces stuck to the intestinal walls start to loosen. Our lungs and other cleansing organs begin their own process of healing, and our immune system becomes more active than normal.

Detoxification Stage 3: Days 8-15

During the second week of fasting, we begin to experience mental clarity and a boost of energy. But don’t be surprised if old wounds and injuries become irritated!

The discomfort we feel is a sign of recovery, as old scars that may have healed badly in the past, perhaps due to a poor lifestyle, are now undergoing optimum healing. Muscles may also become tight or sore due to toxin irritation, and mouth ulcers may also make an appearance. To avoid or heal mouth ulcers, gargle with salt and water daily.

Detoxification Stage 4: Days 16-30

The final stage of detoxification happens in the last two weeks of fasting. This is when we feel our best. There will be short periods of cleansing among many good days where we have lots of energy. We find our breath is fresher and our tongue is pink.

After day 20, even the mind is functioning better as higher levels of endorphins appear in the blood. We notice increased alertness and an overall feeling of well-being along with:

• Heightened clarity
• Emotional balance
• Improved memory
• Improved concentration

Not Able to Fast this Ramadan?

We accept Fidyah and Kaffarah donations during Ramadan. They are used to provide meals for those who rely on our support through Shaukat Khanum in Pakistan.

We also accept Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) donations. Giving early helps us prepare and share food provisions in time for Eid.