Ramadan
Ramadan is a gift from Allah (swt), a month abundant in Allah’s mercy, blessings and forgiveness. It is a time to remember the poor and to be grateful. It is important that we remember others and share what Allah (swt) has given us. By sharing our blessings, both the giver and the receiver will benefit. Aswell as this, we can help those less fortunate to meet their needs and determine their own future.
The virtues of fasting in Ramadan
- Connection with our Creator – Abstaining from food and physical desires, raises our state of Taqwa (consciousness of Allah (swt).
- The gates of hellfire are closed and the doors of Jannah (paradise) are opened.
- We are able to sympathise with those less fortunate.
- Teaches self control and discipline.
- Detox for the body.
- Fasting removes past sins.
The Month of the Quran
The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan, as a guidance for us all. We should recite it often, act upon its guidance and show the Qur’an the proper etiquette and reverence:
- Make Wudu to be in a state of purity.
- Wear clean clothes.
- Sincere intention, seeking Allah (swt) pleasure.
- Sit calmly, facing the Qibla.
Nutrition in Ramadan
Eating properly in Ramadan is not just a physical priority, but also a spiritual necessity. By eating the right foods, you will avoid the feeling of tiredness and fatigue which can affect our ability to worship our Creator.
- Begin with Bismillah.
- Eat lots of fruit and veg.
- Bake, Steam or pan-fry food, rather than deep-frying like samosas. This can lead to bloating and make digestion difficult.
- Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods – eg, oily curries.
- Keep hydrated – aids in digestion and prevents headaches.
- Avoid caffeine – Causes you to lose fluids.
- Eat energy foods – Bananas, porridge, eggs, etc.
- Eat foods that help with digestion – oats, wholewheat bread, figs, pears, etc.
Maximise your worship
Along with your daily activities, work or free time, fill your day with worship and the remembrance of Allah (swt).
- Make abundant Salawat (Durood sharif) on our Prophet (pbuh).
- Say the kalimah “La, ilaha, illallah” throughout the day.
- Saying “Subhanallah” 100x removes 1000 sins and has good deeds written for you – (Muslim)
- Pray Salat Tahajjud – performed in the last part of the night.
- Make lots of Dua (supplication) for yourself, your family, the world – very powerful in Ramadan.
- Pray your 5x daily prayers.
- Make a person smile. And your parents.
- Reflection on yourself and your actions.
- Forgive others and Ask for forgiveness.
- Eat Suhoor – The Prophet (pbuh) said, ” The shoot is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a gulp of water, since Allah sends mercy and his angels seek forgiveness for those who take Suhoor (Ahmad).
Huge reference to Muslim Aid for blessing us with a Ramadan pocket guide. Jazakallah Khair.
Sources
- Images from FreePik, Unsplash, Openverse, Pixabay, Pexels
- Muslim Aid
