Ramadan is an Islamic holy month of the year. Ramadan isn’t about only feasting. It’s a month of Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation. It is the month of Qur’an. Ramadan is considered as the most pious month when Muslims celebrate and say thanks to God whatever he has given to them. During this month Muslims fast from dawn to sundown. This gesture is just to thank God for all that God has given, as well as to fell a temporary hardship.
Ramadan which is also known as Ramazan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed, as noted in the 185th verse of the second chapter of the Qur’an. In this month a Muslim is required to fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink, with a few exceptions (including illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation). One also attempts to increase other forms of worship with extra prayer and supplication. One also abstains from sexual intercourse during fasting hours. Hardest of all is to work on improving one’s mood, one’s patience, and controlling one’s anger.
Ramadan is also a time to reflect on how religious Muslims are. Many girls start wearing hijab at this time, and many us Ramadan to read the Quran.
Ramadan or Ramzan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. It teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It teaches us so many things like…
Be kind-hearted: There are millions of humans dying out there. Pray for them, try to help them irrespective of their origin, their God or their status in the society. Before being a Muslim, be a good human first. No religion teaches ignoring the weak.
Self Disciplined: Ramzan teaches self-discipline to the people. As it is all about time management and discipline..
Advice to follow during Ramadan. As it is not advisable to watch Tv during Ramadan. You yourself observe a discipline of body, mind and eyes.
Advice-
1) Drink a lot of liquid/fluids in the morning -As you have to abstain yourself from drinking anything after the sunrise. Hence, drink plenty of water before sunrise.
2) Break down your meals after iftar…i.e., either have dinner first and snacks later after tarawih or vice versa. Doing so helps you to maintain a balanced diet.
3) Take showers- As Ramadan falls in the month of may or June which is considered as the hottest month of the year. Hence, taking shower really helps you when you feel thirsty.
4) Take a nap in the afternoon- Try to stay yourself occupied during the day, as it will help you to stop thinking about eating or drinking.
5) Don’t try dieting – Just make sure you are getting enough nutrients and daily supplements to maintain the stamina. Hence, eat in moderation and take your daily supplements like vitamins, calcium etc.
6) Have a slice of apple before starting your fast as it will help in keeping the thirst away.
7) Read Qur’an – We constantly focus on the physical aspects of Ramadan, but that is only half of it. The not eating is supposed to help you grow closer to your deen and be able to empathize better. So this is the ideal time to take Allah(SWt) instruction better.
8) Try to avoid deep fried items and salt contained foods. Intake of these items will make you thirsty. Avoid caffeine and sugary items too.
Do Better! – It doesn’t have to be anything big like achieving world peace; maybe you are not praying all each salat, maybe you haven’t made dua’ in a while. Ramadan is the time to do better so at least try, Allah (SWT) promises that every effort and intention (for good) will be rewarded, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.