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Minaam Jamil
Dec 30, 2025Jump To Section
The full moon has always been a source of wonder. Many people notice changes in their mood, sleep, and energy when the moon is at its brightest. Some feel more restless, while others sense a boost of energy or even anxiety.
But what is the real impact of the full moon on the human body and mental well-being? In this blog, we’ll explore how the full moon may affect emotions, sleep patterns, and daily life, and why it continues to spark curiosity across cultures especially the Islamic culture.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would look at the moon & make a connection with Allah through admiring the beauty of it’s Creator. He supplicated following prayers on looking at the new moon, remembering it’s Creator. Some Raqqies (exorcists in Islam) believe doing this act of worship & supplicating like the Prophet ﷺ helps relieve the full moon sensitivity.
حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ، أَنَّهُ بَلَغَهُ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ إِذَا رَأَى الْهِلاَلَ قَالَ ” هِلاَلُ خَيْرٍ وَرُشْدٍ هِلاَلُ خَيْرٍ وَرُشْدٍ هِلاَلُ خَيْرٍ وَرُشْدٍ آمَنْتُ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَكَ ” . ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ . ثُمَّ يَقُولُ ” الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي ذَهَبَ بِشَهْرِ كَذَا وَجَاءَ بِشَهْرِ كَذَا
Narrated Qatadah:
When the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) saw the new moon, he said: “a new moon of good and right guidance; a new moon of good and right guidance; a new moon of good and right guidance. I believe in Him Who created you” three times. He would then say: “Praise be to Allah Who has made such and such a month to pass and has brought such and such a month.” Sunan Abi Dawud 5092
It is seen from practice, those people who have headaches, mood swings & behaviour changes during the full moon when recite the following dua on looking at the new moon feel their symptoms reduce during the full moon.
عن طلحة بن عبيد الله رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا رأى الهلال قال: “اللهم أهله علينا بالأمن والإيمان والسلامة والإسلام، ربي وربك الله، هلال رشد وخير” ((رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن)).
Talhah bin Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: At the sight of the new moon (of the lunar month), the Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: “Allahumma ahillahu ‘alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin (O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Rubb and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good).” [At- Tirmidhi] Riyad as-Salihin 1228
The full moon in Islamic tradition is a symbol of clarity, purity, and divine blessing. Its light serves as a reminder of Allah’s creation and the beauty of the natural world. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often drew parallels between the moon and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the importance of light—both physical and spiritual—in the lives of believers.
Light has importance in nature & in spirituality. Narrated by Jarir:Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came out to us on the night of the full moon and said, “You will see your Lord on the Day of Resurrection as you see this (full moon) and you will have no difficulty in seeing Him.” This does not mean moon has any powers, but it’s Creator. This is a metaphorical (mutashabih) example of meeting your Lord, looking at the sun is harmful & uncomfortable. While looking at the moon gives pleasure & intense feeling of awe. This is how believing people will get (qurb) closeness to Allah, InshaaAllah!
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا حُسَيْنٌ الْجُعْفِيُّ، عَنْ زَائِدَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا بَيَانُ بْنُ بِشْرٍ، عَنْ قَيْسِ بْنِ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، قَالَ خَرَجَ عَلَيْنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَيْلَةَ الْبَدْرِ فَقَالَ “ إِنَّكُمْ سَتَرَوْنَ رَبَّكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كَمَا تَرَوْنَ هَذَا، لاَ تُضَامُّونَ فِي رُؤْيَتِهِ ”.
Sahih al-Bukhari 7436In-book reference : Book 97, Hadith 63
The idea that the moon influences human life has been around for centuries. Many people still wonder about the full moon’s impact on humans, from sleep troubles to emotional changes.
This curiosity is often called the “lunar effect,” and it blends science, culture, and personal experience.
In ancient times, the full moon was linked to strange behavior, giving rise to the word “lunacy.” People believed the effects of the full moon on emotions could cause restlessness, anxiety, headaches or even unusual actions (Demonic possessions)
One reason may be its brightness, or moon’s gravitational force or changes in electrostatic forces or electromagnetic forces in the cosmos, which can disturb sleep and make some ask, do full moons make you tired? Others point to biological rhythms, suggesting the moon and energy connection might influence our bodies in subtle ways.
Earth’s electromagnetic fields do affect the human body, mainly through circadian rhythms, brain activity, and cardiovascular responses. The effects are subtle but real, and both science and spiritual practices like fasting, muraqabah (meditation) supplicating at the proper times, mindful prayers offer ways to stay balanced.
While the effects of the full moon on emotions are widely discussed, experts suggest that both internal and external influences may combine to shape how we feel.
The impact of a full moon on humans isn’t just about emotions; it can also show up in the body. Many people report fatigue, headaches, or shifts in energy during lunar peaks. The idea of a “lunar migraine” shows how the effect of the full moon on human behavior and physical health often overlaps, blending science with spirituality.
Some believe the moon’s brightness and gravitational pull can influence our natural rhythms.
Others see it as a symbolic reminder to slow down or recharge. Whether physical or psychological, these full moon effects on humans highlight how sensitive we can be to changes in our environment.
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا حِبَّانُ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ سِيرِينَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ الْمَلِكِ بْنَ أَبِي الْمِنْهَالِ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَمَرَهُمْ بِصِيَامِ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامِ الْبِيضِ قَالَ “ هِيَ صَوْمُ الشَّهْرِ ” .
‘Abdul-Malik bin Abi Al-Minhai narrated from his father that: the Prophet commanded them to fast the three days of Al-Bid (full moon). He said: “That is (equivalent to) fasting for the whole month.”
Sunan an-Nasa’i 2431
The term Ayyām al-Bīḍ (أيام البيض) literally means “the white days,” referring to the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each Islamic lunar month. These days are named for the bright, moonlit nights when the moon is at or near its fullest phase, casting a luminous glow across the landscape. The lunar calendar, which governs Islamic months, begins with the sighting of the new crescent. As the month progresses, the moon waxes to fullness, reaching its peak brightness during these three nights.
Emotional Benefits of fasting on full moon days:
Fasting and Mental Clarity
Scientific research and Islamic teachings converge on the point that fasting enhances mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function. Fasting promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neural growth and cognitive function. It also triggers autophagy, the body’s cellular cleaning process, removing damaged brain cells and promoting the growth of healthier ones.
Emotional Regulation
Fasting is an exercise in self-control, requiring individuals to resist impulses and desires. This discipline translates into greater emotional stability, reduced anxiety, and improved decision-making.
Stress Reduction
Fasting helps reduce mental stress and anxiety by disconnecting from worldly worries and focusing on spiritual practices such as prayer, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and supplication (dua). This creates a sense of mental peace and resilience.
Purification of the Heart
Fasting purifies the heart from negative emotions, fostering empathy, kindness, and patience. This spiritual purification results in a mental state free from distraction, allowing for greater clarity of thought.
What is the wisdom of fasting on full moon days followed by Hijama?
Fasting on full moon days combines scientific benefits (detox, metabolism, sleep) with spiritual wisdom (purification, discipline, reward). Biologically, fasting eliminates toxins through tissues into the bloodstream & eventually leading to excretory pathways (kidneys & colon) it burns fat & supports cellular repair. Fasting may reduce the blood pressure, while full moon may affect the pulling force of the blood during hijama. This is why the Prophet did not encourage hijama (wet cupping) during the full moon as it might draw alot of blood with toxins. During full moon, only fasting under the affects of full moon helps body extract toxins. These toxins are finally drawn out manually through the incisions of the cupper on 17th, 19th or 21st of the same month. This completes the spiritual & physical detox. Drawing any satan (jinn, evil spirits, shaytan, khabees or demon whatever you call) in the bloodstream or toxins (e.g heavy metals, fluoride, lead, aluminum, harmful microscopic organisms) The shifa is in the incision of the cupper, not how much blood is drawn or the force of extraction. Perhaps, the incision cuts the demons out. And it would also depend on the Taqwa of the Cupper & Raqqi (one who does hijama & ruqya) Allahu Alam
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” الشِّفَاءُ فِي ثَلَاثٍ: فِي شَرْطَةِ مِحْجَمٍ أَوْ شَرْبَةِ عَسَلٍ أَوْ كَيَّةٍ بِنَارٍ وَأَنَا أَنْهَى أُمَّتِي عَنِ الْكَيِّ “. رَوَاهُ البُخَارِيّ
Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s messenger as saying: “There is a remedy in three things: the incision of a cupping-glass, a drink of honey, or cauterization by fire, but I forbid my people to cauterize.”
Bukhari transmitted.it.
Mishkat al-Masabih 4516
Fasting on Ayyām al‑Bīḍ prepares the body and soul for Hijama. Doing Hijama after fasting enhances detoxification, balances emotions, and fulfills two Sunnahs — making it one of the most holistic practices for health and spirituality.
In folklore medicine, menstruating during the full moon is considered a sacred alignment with cosmic energies, symbolizing fertility, creativity, and emotional balance. The menstrual cycle (~28 days) mirrors the lunar cycle (~29.5 days), reinforcing the idea of women as naturally attuned to cosmic energies. Those women who have their periods aligned with the full moon get a uterine detox with their menstrual blood flowing under the influence of moon’s gravitational pull (or electrostatic forces, whatever you believe in)
The impact of a full moon on humans is often described as a spiritual doorway, encouraging meditation from deep in the heart (dhikr-e-qalbi), gratitude, and setting the right intentions to please The Creator.
It is believed that a person when he/she recites the supplication of The Nabi ﷺ on looking at the new crescent moon & then followed by Hijama (wet cupping) on the 17th, 19th or 21st of the lunar month, he/she is saved from the affects of full moon (lunacy) If you struggle with full moon anxiety or sleepless nights, simple remedies can make a difference:
These practices can ease restlessness and help you feel more grounded during lunar peaks.
The full moon has always captured human imagination. From sleep changes to emotional shifts, many people notice subtle differences during this phase. While science offers mixed evidence, the experiences of restlessness, heightened sensitivity, or even a dip in energy show how closely we feel connected to natural rhythms.
Instead of viewing these changes as negative, the full moon can be seen as a reminder to slow down, reflect, and realign. Whether through following sunnah practices or mindfulness, better sleep habits, or simply observing the beauty of the night sky (during tahajjud time), embracing the lunar cycle can bring balance and renewal.
In the end, the full moon’s influence, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, remains a fascinating part of human life. By staying grounded and connected to Allah SWT, we can turn curiosity into growth and make the most of this timeless connection.
People respond in unique ways because of differences in sleep patterns, stress levels, and sensitivity to light. Cultural beliefs and personal awareness also shape how strongly the full moon’s impact on humans is felt.
Research shows mixed results. Some studies suggest the moon and energy connection may influence sleep and mood, while others find no direct link, science however always cannot measure a lot of hidden energies. The effects often depend on individual’s connection with cosmos & his personal spiritual connection with God.
Fasting on full moon days followed by 17th, 19th or 21st of the same month helps drastically to bring down symptoms of lunacy.
There’s no strong scientific evidence that age or gender changes the full moon effects on humans. However, staying in a spiritual protection of duas (supplications) fasting, lifestyle, hijama, and personal sensitivity may influence how each person experiences the lunar cycle.
My name is Minaam Jamil, and I’m a natural health practitioner with a background in pharmacy, a heart rooted in holistic healing, and a journey shaped by many cultures. I was born in Pakistan, lived in the UK, Middle East, and now call Calgary home. Each place gifted me a different kind of wisdom scientific, spiritual, ancestral and together they’ve shaped how I care for others. I started The Natural Healing Haven because I know what it feels like to search for answers that conventional medicine can’t always provide. After years in pharmacy and becoming a mother, I felt called to explore gentler, more intuitive ways of healing ones that honor the body’s design, the soul’s needs, and the sacred connection between the two.
