Demonstrative Speech Outline

Title: The Benefits of Fasting

Introduction:

“Won’t you die?” “How can you not eat?” “I mean, it’s food!” “Are you ok?” These were and still are some of the many reactions I received in the past when the month of Ramadan came around. The most important practice done within this holy month is fasting. I have been fasting, “properly”, ever since middle school. I tried to begin fasting earlier, but at a young age, food was all I knew, so it didn’t go so well. “Temptations, temptations, tempations.” Everywhere I looked, there was food right there, just waiting for me. It was hard at first. But, as I grew older, it became almost like second nature. It became a lifestyle for me. Today, I’m going to share this lifestyle by informing you guys about some background information on fasting, as well as the benefits of fasting, both on a physical and spiritual level.

Main Point #1: Background Information
a) As stated earlier, fasting is done during the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic religion. Fasting in Ramadan fulfills one of the five pillars of Islam. The month holds true significance for us Muslims as we pay tribute to our Lord, Allah, and our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by performing the fast.
b) Fasting is preformed within a 29-30 day cycle, from dusk to dawn.
c) In a general sense, to fast means that we stay away from eating as well as drinking any kind of food or beverage. So that means no starbucks in the morning, no big macs, no fries, no gyros, or you guys like to call, “halal food”, NOTHING. The hardest to stay away from is water. Yes, THE THIRST BECOMES VERY REAL.

Transition: Now, not having to eat or drink isn’t such a bad thing. This leads to my next point in discussing the benefits of fasting.

Main Point #2: Physical Benefits of Fasting
a) Fasting promotes a healthy diet and weight loss:
I. According to the Nairaland Nigerian Forum, fasting reduces the craving for processed foods, while simultaneously promotes the intake of natural foods, such as fruits and water.
II. In regards to weight loss, fasting reduces the store of fats in the body. It starts to burn fat so that it can make energy. This leads to weight reduction.
b) Fasting promotes the detoxification of toxins that result from additives in processed foods, resolves inflammatory response such as arthritis and skin diseases, reduces blood sugar and high blood pressure, and boosts immunity through the consumption of vitamins and minerals found in fruits.
c) Fasting also helps to overcome addictions. Smoking is not allowed during the month of Ramadan, and drinking alcohol is ultimately forbidden. Fasting allows the addicts to reduce their cravings for nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine, which help to better purify the human body.

Transition: Now that we have an understanding of the physical benefits, I will like to move forward in explaining the spiritual benefits of fasting.

Main Point #3: Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
a) During the month of Ramadan, it is to be believed that the gates of heaven are open, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained down. In an article found on “qul.org”, whoever fasts with good intentions will be forgiven of their sins, and whoever fasts for two consecutive months of Ramadan will receive forgiveness for their mistakes made in a whole year.
b) For those who fast with good faith and intention, they will ultimately attain eternal bliss in the hereafter, in paradise.

Conclusion:
To summarize, fasting is ultimately beneficial for the human mind, spirit, and body. I hope that some of this information enlightened you guys on the topic of fasting and hope that you guys now understand what it means for one to fast. The month of Ramadan is a beautiful time in the Muslim lives. It is a time to rejoice, grow closer to my lord, recharge my faith, and spend quality time eating good food with friends and family. Ramadan is a blissful month and fasting is the cherry on top, making it sweeter.

Demonstrative Speech Outline Title: The Benefits of Fasting I...