Fasting Miracle in the Quran
|
WikiIslam Archive,
Archives of the first iteration of WikiIslam, prior to acquisition and revamp by Ex-Muslims of North America
|
The Quran mentions "fasting is best for you". Some Islamic apologists present this as a "scientific miracle".
Miracle claim
In the Quran fasting is an obligation but also adds "But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."
Quran 2.183-184 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous. For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
How could an illiterate man who lived 1400 years ago have known that fasting has medical benefits?
Analysis
The verse doesn't say that fasting has health benefits:
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you (خير لكم, khayr lakum), if you only knew.
It only vaguely says "it's best/better for you" (خير لكم) without specifying why.
In the 2nd sura alone, there are 4 other occurrences of "is best for you" (خير لكم) and it doesn't seem to be about health benefits in any of them:
And [recall] when Moses said to his people, "O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by your taking of the calf [for worship]. So repent to your Creator and kill yourselves. That is best for [all of] you (خير لكم) in the sight of your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you (خير لكم); and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.
If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you (خير لكم), and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.
And if someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease. But if you give [from your right as] charity, then it is better for you (خير لكم), if you only knew.
And according to Ibn Kathir 2:184 was abrogated by 2:185:
﴿فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ وَأَن تَصُومُواْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ﴾ (it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you) Later the Ayah:
﴿فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ﴾ (So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month) (2:185) was revealed and this abrogated the previous Ayah (2:184).
