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Blessings & Benefits Of Ramadhaan E Kareem
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After Imaan, Salaah and Zakaah, the most important pillar of Islaam is Sawm (Fasting) during the month of Ramadhaan (the 9th month of the Islaamic calendar). Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan is amongst the fundamentals of Islaam; one who denies its obligation goes out of the fold of Islaam. One who does not fast during this month is a faasiq (an immoral and flagrant transgressor) of the highest degree. Such a faasiq completely destroys his spirituality and morality.
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Sawm literally means 'to abstain’. But in the terminology of the Sharee'ah, it means 'to refrain from eating, drinking and cohabitation from sub'h saadiq to sunset, with the intention of fasting’.
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Fasting during the month of Ramadhaan, was ordained on the Ummah of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam after the revelation of the above mentioned verse in the 2nd year of our Prophet's sallallahu alayhi wasallam migration to Madeenah.
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Before fasting in the month of Ramadhaan was made compulsory, our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam would fast on the 10th of Muharram, instructing the Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum to follow suit. But once the fasting of Ramadhaan became obligatory, fasting on the 10th of Muharram was made optional. It is reported in Bukhaari Shareef, on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah and Abdullah Ibne Umar radhiyallahu anhumaa that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam came to Madeenah, he commanded the people to fast on the 10th of Muharram, but when fasting during the month of Ramadhaan was made compulsory, our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Now fasting on the 10th of Muharram is optional."
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There are numerous spiritual benefits of fasting. Fasting is extremely efficient for the acquisition of taqwaa (piety), without which a Muslim cannot gain closeness to Allah. The prime benefit in the pursuit of taqwaa is the suppression of the erratic desires and demands of nafs (based carnal desire), which is always working in collusion with Shaytaan, to spiritually and morally ruin the believer. If the nafs is allowed freedom, then it will succeed in making man a slave of lust, passion and base emotions, due to which his Imaan will suffer. Therefore, it is essential that the nafs be restrained. Fasting greatly aids towards pursuing this objective. By fasting, a Muslim learns to suppress his lowly desires. Thus the ability of inculcating taqwaa is created. Further, fasting purifies the soul, and creates gratification in worship, making the heart conducive for worship. The bond with Allah is also strengthened. Once our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam supplicated, "O Lord of the universe! When does the servant become closest to you?" The Divine Reply came, "When the servant is hungry and when he is in sajdah (prostration)."
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Another outstanding feature of fasting is that it lifts man above the level of beasts and animals - who eat, drink and copulate at will, whenever the urge comes - and takes him to the parallel of the angels. Since the latter do not eat or drink, they are devoid and free of evil inclinations and all things base. Man, by reducing his worldly relations and emotional desires, moves himself to the realms of the angels.
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As well as the many spiritual benefits of fasting, there are physical benefits and advantages of fasting too. Notably, feeling for the poor and hungry is engendered. Man becomes more aware and conscious of his less fortunate brethren and their deprivation, which in turn teaches him to sacrifice his wealth and assist others in need. Thus feeling for humanity is generated and inculcated in man.
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There are innumerable Ahaadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam which illustrate great virtue and blessing for the fasting person.
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Sahl Ibne Sa'd radhiyallahu anhu narrates from our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that he said, "Verily! In Jannah, there is a door called ‘Ar Rayyaan’, through which will enter the fasting people on the Day of Judgement. No one will enter through this door besides them. It will be announced, 'Where are the fasting people?' They will stand (and enter). No one will enter besides them. Once they will enter, the door will be locked so no one can enter through it (after them)."
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(Bukhaari, Muslim)
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Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports from our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, that he said, 'Allah says, 'Every deed of Ibne Aadam (son of Aadam) is for him, except for fast. Verily, fasting is for me, and I shall (personally) apportion out the reward for it."' It is further said, "For a fasting person, there are two pleasures, which please him. When he eats upon completing the fast, he becomes happy, and when he will meet his Lord he will be pleased due to his fast."
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(Bukhaari)
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Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu narrates from our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that he said, "One who keeps the fast of Ramadhaan with Imaan (faith) and longing for reward, all his previous sins are forgiven."
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(Bukhaari, Muslim)
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For the acquisition of the numerous virtues and benefits of fasting, there is however, one essential condition: a person takes extra precaution in making sure he abstains from sin and futility. A person should spend much of his time in the recitation of the Qur'aan and also engage himself in the constant Remembrance of Allah. If one does not abstain from sin and futility then his fasting will merely be staying hungry and thirsty, without any reward or spiritual upliftment.
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A few common evils, which are regarded lightly, but are very detrimental to a fasting person, should be taken into consideration and avoided totally:
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Telling lies.
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Backbiting.
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Quarrelling.
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Eating haraam items.
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Earning through unlawful means.
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Any act which may harm or cause grief to a person.
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In short, a person should try to refrain from all kinds of sins - protecting his ears, eyes, tongue and all other organs from indulging in unlawful activities. When a Muslim spends his Ramadhaan in this manner then he will notice great changes in his life. Spiritual strength will be gained, which will facilitate him to conduct his life according to Islaam, together with Allah's Pleasure.
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Medical Benefits of Ramadan
Some muslims do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting. Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician. Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one's entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities. The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity. The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast. There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Muslims take advice from the Prophet who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting.'" This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. There is a beneficial effect of extra prayer at night. This not only helps with better utilization of food but also helps in output. There are 10 extra calories output for each rikat of the prayer. Again, we do not do prayers for exercise, but a mild movement of the joints with extra calorie utilization is a better form of exercise. Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory. Therefore, I encourage my Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision. Healthy adult Muslims should not fear becoming weak by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina
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SOME HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR RAMADHAN
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These guidlines provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.
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During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalise one's weight.
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In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
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Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates). |
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Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates). |
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Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc. |
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The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.
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AVOID
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Fried and fatty foods. |
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Foods containing too much sugar. |
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Over-eating especially at sehri. |
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Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day. |
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Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is very unhealthy and one should stop completely. |
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EAT
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Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry. |
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Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food. |
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Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. |
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Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat. |
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Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. |
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DRINK
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As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time. Milk with hunny and ice is great also. |
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CONSTIPATION
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Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.
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Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
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Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.
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INDIGESTION AND WIND
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Causes:
Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.
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Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
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LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
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Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.
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Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
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Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
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Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.
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HEADACHE
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Causes:
Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.
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Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
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LOW BLOOD SUGAR
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Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
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Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
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Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.
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Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.
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MUSCLE CRAMPS
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Causes:
Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
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Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.
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Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.
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PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA
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Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend upto the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.
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Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.
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KIDNEY STONES
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Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.
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JOINT PAINS
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Causes:
During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.
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Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.
Advices on Cooking During Ramadan
- Make a list of items you can prepare in iftar and sehar and buy grocery accordingly in bulk. This will save your time and will make your cooking decisions easy.
- Prepare the food items which you can freeze and use later. Cutlets, samosas, rolls, kebabs, and other ready to fry items can be made before Ramadan and you can fry them whenever needed.
- While you cook, listen to any Islamic CD or Tilawat, do zikr and thank Allah for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. In this way you can earn countless rewards while cooking.
Advice for Exercising During Ramadan
- Exercising and workout while fasting can leave you drained out if you are unable to manage it properly. You can take advice from your gym instructor or physical trainer on the exercise routine. Most of the people advice to divide your workout and do simple exercises in the afternoon and the tiring workout after Isha prayers.
Sleeping Tips and Advices for Ramadan
- Perform ablution (wazu) before going to bed and do zikr till the time you fall sleep. This practice is also encouraged by our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Manage your sleep timings and sleep early in order to wake up fresh in Sehr time. Disturbed and less sleep can make you feel tired and lazy. If you get time in the day to take small naps, avail the chance as this is help you to regain your energy and you can stay fresh for the Tarawih prayers.
Time Management for Personal Worship
- Pray with your heart and soul. Pay full attention on your prayers and try to add nafils to the regular prayers in order to get more rewards. Ramadan is a month that gives us multiple ways to earn blessings so we should try to take out time and offer our prayers with peace of mind and concentration.
- Do not miss Tahajjud prayers especially in Ramadan as you can easily manage them by waking up a little early from the time you wake up for preparing sehr food. This can be an additional benefit which you can earn by just a small effort.
- Try to Recite Quran as much as you can. You can even recite Quran while you are stuck in long traffic jams and utilize that time in a great way. Besides this you can try to read meanings of what you recite and understand what Quran says as all answers to our problems are hidden in the true meanings of Quran. There are several authentic books, CD�s and cassettes that can help you with understanding Quran as this is an abundant source of bringing positive change in your life.
- Do as much Zikr as possible. Recalling names of Allah and recite Surah�s that you have memorized. While walking, cooking, doing household work or travelling, in fact whenever you get time just remember Allah and do Zikr as this will increase the balance of your good deeds in the books of rewards.
- Do regular charity and help the poor and needy people. Allah help those who help His people and for this reason we should try to give gifts in Ramadan to the needy people, help them in any ways, provide them with food and aid widows and orphans.
- Tarawih is offered after Isha prayers and people normally leave them as they feel tired after fasting but we should realize that these special prayers are rewarded to us by Allah and behold numerous bounties. The time we spend standing in prayers is basically an investment that we are making which will repay us with huge rewards on the Day of Judgment. So make sure that you manage your cooking and sleeping times in such a way that Tarawih prayers are offered with fresh mind and body as this is also a chance to listen the complete Holy Quran.
General Ramadan Advices
- Fasting does not mean to refrain from food and water but it also demands Muslims to stay away from bad habits and sins. Try to avoid listening music, watching movies and give more time in praying and reciting Quran. Late night parties and shopping means missing Fajar and Sehar. For this it is advised not to waste time in worldly matters.
- Before you go to sleep, review what you did the whole day. Analyze yourself and your religious activities. Compare yourself with the people who are more active in religious works and be your own critic. This will give you energy to start the new day with more dynamism towards religious works. You can make a time map in your mind before you sleep on how to manage the next day as this will make your work easy and stress free.
- Try to be in Wazu (Ablution) all day as this will help you to stay pious and pure and pray a lot this Ramadan for yourself, your parents, Muslims around the globe, your country, your children, martyrs in the way of Islam and also pray for the power of Islam.
- Avail the morning time and complete all your important work in that time period as you are high in energy in the morning. Then as the day goes by you can do rest of your work in regular intervals.
Ramadan Advices Regarding Children
- Childhood is the best time to develop your child�s interest in the month of Ramadan. You can buy them small gifts when Ramadan starts and tell them how important this month is for the Muslims. Involve the school teachers and parents of your child�s friends and initiate small Islamic sessions for your children and teach them about Islam through arts and crafts or something colorful which will attract kids.
- Ask your child to make a diary in Ramadan and write all good things they do and reward them with candies at the end of each day for the good deeds. This will develop a sense of good deeds and rewards in your child.
- In young age, let them fast for a few hours in Ramadan as a practice of fasting when they grow up and encourage them when they complete those few hours successfully and prepare something special in Iftar as a gift for them.
- Replace the bed time fairytales with Ramadan stories and Islamic incidents which will not just increase your child�s knowledge about Islam but will also motivate them to do noble actions during the pious month.
- Take your child to the Mosque and make them offer prayers in congregation. This will help in building their habit of offering prayers in the Mosque.
- Make your child realize the real meaning of staying hungry during the fast and tell them that this hunger makes us understand how the poor people suffer. Ask them to give away some of their toys and clothes to the needy people for the sake of Allah�s happiness.
The few advices above are compiled to help you in managing the daily routine during Ramadan. We should not forget that this month is a training period for the rest of the year and we should try to continue the good deeds and pious actions all around the year. Let us promise ourselves that we will not waste this opportunity and let us all be determined to transform ourselves into better Muslims.
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