The Miracle of the Midnight Sun and Ramadan Fasting
By Rabiu Aminu, PhD, FCNA, FMNES
The Midnight Sun has been the subject of fascination and
wonder for centuries, with its mystical glow and otherworldly appearance. The
phenomenon is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, which causes the sun to
remain visible throughout the night in regions north of the Arctic Circle. The
Midnight Sun has been celebrated in many cultures, including the indigenous
communities of Alaska and Scandinavia, where it is believed to have healing
properties and is associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
Similarly, Ramadan fasting is a practice that has been
observed by millions of Muslims around the world for over 1400 years. The
practice is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and is seen as a way of
purifying the soul and seeking forgiveness from Allah. During the month of
Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and engage in prayer, charity, and
spiritual reflection. The fasting is a way of showing gratitude to Allah for
his blessings and is believed to help build patience, self-discipline, and empathy.
The Midnight Sun and Ramadan fasting may seem like two
unrelated phenomena, but they share a deep spiritual connection. The Midnight
Sun represents the eternal light of Allah, which is never extinguished, and is
a reminder of his infinite power and mercy. Similarly, Ramadan fasting is a way
of connecting with Allah and seeking his forgiveness, which is seen as a way of
attaining spiritual enlightenment and eternal life. Moreover, the Midnight Sun
and Ramadan fasting have physical and psychological benefits that are well
documented. The Midnight Sun has been linked to improved mental health,
increased energy levels, and better sleep quality, while Ramadan fasting has
been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improved insulin
sensitivity, weight loss, and reduced inflammation.
Muslims living in the Arctic Circle face a unique challenge
during Ramadan, as the Midnight Sun can make it difficult to determine when to
begin and end their fast. In regions like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, where
the sun does not set for several weeks, Muslims follow the fasting times of the
nearest city that experiences a normal sunrise and sunset. For example, in
Tromso, Norway, which is located at 69 degrees north latitude, Muslims fast for
approximately 20 hours a day during Ramadan, from before 2:00 AM until around
midnight. Similarly, in Kiruna, Sweden, which is located at 67 degrees north
latitude, Muslims fast for approximately 19 hours a day, from around 1:00 AM
until 10:00 PM.
Despite the long fasting hours, Muslims in the Arctic Circle
continue to observe Ramadan with dedication and faith, and view it as an
opportunity to deepen their connection with Allah and strengthen their spiritual
discipline. Therefore, the Midnight Sun and Ramadan fasting are two phenomena
that share a deep spiritual connection and have significant cultural and health
benefits. Both are a reminder of the infinite power of Allah and the importance
of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and self-discipline. Whether you are a
believer or not, these two phenomena are worth exploring and experiencing for
their beauty, wonder, and transformative power.
References
Balcioglu, H. A., & Arslan, N. (2018). The effects of Ramadan fasting on health and disease. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 8(4), 101-107.
Del Giudice, M., & Angrilli, A. (2015). The influence of the Midnight Sun on human cognitive performance: A review. Journal of Sleep Research, 24(6), 573-578.
Ismaeel, A., & AlQassabi, M. (2019). Ramadan fasting and its impact on mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(6), 2066-2082.
Jukola, J., & Korpimäki, E. (2016). The magic of the Midnight Sun: A review of the effects of photoperiod on visual, cognitive, and physiological performance in Arctic vertebrates. Biological Reviews, 91(3), 831-851.
Leiper, J. B., & Molla, A. M. (2016). Ramadan fasting and athletic performance. Sports Medicine, 46(1), 53-68.
Stokkan, K. A., & Olstad, O. K. (2015). The biological
clock of the Midnight Sun. Current Biology, 25(20), R824-R829.
