What is spirituality but exercising control of the mind, and exploring its powers, connections, and relationship with what is greater than oneself? To do so, teaches religion and philosophy, one must consciously stop. Slow all but the essential in life and focus on wresting that control, to clear the mind of all its clutter and feel what remains present — that stillness within us all.

Fasting — common to many religions, including Christian denominations, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism — is one way to practice that control. Sunday, June 5, begins Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, with its dawn to dusk deprivations for the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims (three million in the U.S.) and representing sacrifice, compassion, and inner reflection. More than simply physical abstention, fasting is meant to increase understanding of those who suffer from poverty, oppression, or other life difficulties; curb desire to purify mind and body; refocus the spirit beyond oneself and increase generosity. These are intended to bring the observer closer to God, to the center of a meaningful existence.

Observant Muslims who fast during Ramadan also refrain from smoking, marital relations, and bad language, as well as gossip and common human weakness. Success requires patience and endurance; both encourage personal reflection and spiritual growth.

While Ramadan’s fasting is required as one of the five pillars of Islam (the other four are declaration of faith, daily prayers, alms/charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca), those at risk are exempted. The very young, old, ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, or traveling (if impractical) need not fast, but instead feed the needy. Muslims are expected to be especially charitable during Holy Month, donating money, goods, meals for the poor, and good works. Ramadan teaches that sacrifice and pain bring compassion for others who suffer.

That sharing is reminiscent of Ramadan’s other focus: community. After sunset, Muslims invite neighbors or friends to share in the “iftar,” a hearty evening meal. There is also a simpler pre-dawn meal, or “suhur.” So while daytime during holy month is about refraining and reflection, Muslims otherwise carry on normal activities and are quite social in the evenings.

There is practical example in Ramadan’s practice. Short periods of fasting, carefully controlled, can have health benefits. During fasting, the body uses stored glucose and starts to burn fat. Purging the body of built-up toxins, losing excess weight, and refocusing what we take in is sometimes beneficial regardless of religious motivation. Controlled fasting with proper nutrition can also lead to higher levels of endorphins, which boost mood by increasing alertness and a feeling of well-being.

But just skipping food without addressing nutrition is risky. Fast too long or fail to replace what’s needed and the body loses essential nutrients. So health experts advise keeping well-hydrated with water (as opposed to alcohol or caffeine), along with balanced proportions of carbohydrates, healthy fats (e.g., fish or almonds rather than sausage or cake), vegetables, and proteins. The trick is not to overcompensate with the wrong things when meals are taken.

Back to Ramadan, whose beginning date varies annually with a lunar cycle calendar, the celebration culminates in the last 10 days with the “Laylat al-Qadr” — Arabic for the night of power. Muslims believe that’s when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad. This year Ramadan ends on July 5, as one might predict with a traditionally grand feast.

If you’re acquainted with Muslims, you might greet them this month with “Ramadan mubarak,” (moo-bar-rahk) for a blessed, happy Ramadan.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who once lived in Iran. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.