Without spirituality, no religion exists. Attaining a high level of spiritualism entails carrying out specific actions as prescribed by Holy Book sayings and teachings (Quran and Bible). In some cases, Christians and Muslims follow their leaders’ instructions in order to get closer to God. Fasting is one of the ways to achieve spiritualism in both religions, and it is one of the ways to receive favorable responses or answers from God.
In terms of costs and advantages to individuals and nations, this means has been perceived differently by people all around the world. Ramadan, which is both a month and a name for fasting in Islam, has elicited more conflicting sentiments throughout the years about its costs and advantages than lent, which is fasting in Christianity. The fact that Ramadan is a month that is highly prominent and respected by Muslims may explain why people and organizations pay so much attention to it.
Apart from that, because Ramadan is a fasting month, Muslims must strengthen their spiritual commitments and social connection with both Muslims and non-Muslims at this time. Allah in Quran 2 verse 183 says: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.”
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Meanwhile, the purpose of this piece is not to tell the audience what they already know about the principles of fasting throughout Ramadan. Its goal is to dispel some common misconceptions about the month’s costs and advantages. Our analyst recently expressed his opinions on how Muslim employees should be accommodated during Ramadan [the thoughts are here]. Readers were prompted to ask a series of questions in response to the ideas. The basic premise of the submission is that businesses and countries lose money during the month. As a result, our analyst looked into numerous perspectives on the subject.
There are a lot of studies that reveal mixed costs and advantages from the perspective of academic research. In terms of productivity, health and economic research show that fasting diminishes labor working capacity, affects persons with chronic ailments, and lowers the Gross Domestic Product of countries, particularly those dominated by Muslims, due to low employee productivity. Some of the findings of these research agree with Nigerians who told our analyst that having to get up before dawn and eat breakfast, as well as undertaking some activities, has an impact on employees’ productivity when they get at work.
On the subject of health, some people who have certain health problems often experience complications before the fasting period is over. Despite these submissions, our analyst points out that the Quran outlines the rationale for fasting as well as how it should be done and who should not participate. The Quran also specifies what Muslims who are unable to participate due to health issues should do. Therefore, the findings of research pointing to harmful effects of the Ramadan on Muslims’ health should be utilized with caution.
Several medical professionals have stated over the years that limiting food intake during the day can aid in the prevention of health problems and the improvement of mental health. Because the month provides spiritual capacity to reflect on habits and behaviors, the mental health of every Muslim who actively participated in various activities linked with the month is predicted to improve greatly. Therfore, enhanced mental health is guaranteed throughout the month. Increased interpersonal relationships, increased attention to the poor, and increased equality between the rich and the poor are only a few of the social benefits that cannot be erased during the month.
Researchers should re-examine the claim that the month affects economic growth due to decreased staff productivity. This is necessary since a single variable cannot completely reveal the month’s economic effects. Increasing Muslim spending is likely to have a favourable impact on the economy and, invariably, consumer stocks. For example, between 1989 and 2007, market returns in 14 mostly Muslim countries were much higher and less volatile during the month than the rest of the year. Ramadan promotes self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy, among other things.