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Throwing Culture To The Wind

The first 80 or so years after the Prophet (peace be upon him) were the best time in all human history to live. Pure, true, uncorrupted Islam was practiced and spread. In His Infinite Wisdom, Allah revealed the Quran in Arabic to the Arabic-speaking people. These same people had only to hear the Qur’an and immediately they understood its significance. The greatest thing in their culture was their depth of understanding of the pure Arabic language. Islam thus transformed them into the most outstanding civilizations of all time. Wherever Islam spread, naturally the Arabic language was learned and hence the doors to Islamic knowledge were opened. Indeed the love for learning and spreading true knowledge was an essential part of life.

Through the ages and the ebb and flow of time, Islamic resurgence continues – parallel to the obedience or disobedience of the people. The moment the individual and hence the society, lets go of the Trustworthy Handhold; the moment they feel self-reliant; the moment they choose to knowingly disobey Allah, the Creator of all – that, is the moment when the ever-waiting tides of evil will overcome the ‘Islam ‘ of the people, for true Islam is submission and obedience to Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him).

Today a lot of Muslims are a fragmented group, reveling in nationalism, self-glorification, and desire for the world. They often carry their Islam as a kind of insurance card, ready to use it when necessary, thinking that their recitation of the Shahadah (testimony of faith) will alone save them from the evil consequences of their deeds.

We hear about Islamic culture in this pro-multicultural world of the new age as if Islam is a cloak we choose to wear while other people’s cultures are deemed equal in beauty and truth. But is Islam really a culture? We have Turkish culture, Lebanese culture, Asian culture, and Western culture and then we have Islam. Islam is ‘the ‘ way of life prescribed by the Creator for His creatures. It contains no man-made elements; the choice remains either in obedience or disobedience to the Creator.

Unfortunately, however, throughout the world, we have the notion of ‘culture’ seeping through to the mosques and those who desire to govern them. Each ethnic group believes it has a more legitimate right to lead, govern and control.

In this process, the beauty of Islam the spiritual and practical manifestation of the love and fear of Allah – courage, loyalty, forbearance, trustworthiness, honesty, punctuality, and piety have been squeezed out of modern-day ‘cultural Islam. ‘

The Arabic language is no longer sought after like before, and understanding the Qur’an in Arabic is no longer a priority. In doing so, we have lost the true essence of the Qur’an!

How much thinking is controlled by family and societal expectations, which contain a smattering of superficial Islamic manners and ‘traditions’, acting as a facade against self-centered nationalism?

Come on! Let’s shake off the shackles of cultural thinking, nationalist pride, and love of the West and sincerely follow the Prophet (peace be upon him) who was sent by Allah the Almighty to be our example.

Let’s turn to the Creator. Put our foreheads on the ground in humility and obedience and then, I’m sure, that Allah will turn in His Mercy to those who truly seek His pleasure.

 

Rules Related To Fasting

The Obligation Of Fasting
a) The time for fasting is from the rising of the second dawn until the setting of the sun.
b) Fasting is: abstention from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse by day with the intention.

The Intention
The fasting is valid with an intention from the night, but if one did not intend until the morning, the intention suffices him between [dawn] and {the middle of the day}.

1. Things which invalidates fasting and requires full recompense
1.1 If someone intentionally does one of the following without any valid excuse(see 6 below)
a) Does not fast at all
b) Breaks fast by eating, drinking and sexual activities
c) Assuming that cupping has broken ones fast thus quit fasting for the day.

1.2 Expiation for the above is to
a) Fast unceasingly for two months (60 days), if one breaks fats during this one has to start a new.
b) If unable to do so, it is to feed 60 needy persons two full meals
c) If unable to do so, it is to free one slave.

1.3 Things that break fast and requires one to fast similar numbers of days in recompense
a) If something is entered into the body during the hours when one is supposed to fast, irrelevant of how it entered into the body.(see 5)

* To eat something which is not food such as stone particle or smoking anything.
* When water enters stomach while gargling
* When one is fed by force even when one is sleeping or unconscious
* Inject medicine, place them on wounds which eventually gets in.
* Eating by mistake thinking it is still night or iftar time is due while it is not.
* Involuntary full mouth vomiting and subsequent swallowing of it or part of it.
* When one is force into sexual intercourse or when one is sleeping or unconscious

b) Fasting without intention
c) Breaking (iftar) fast without the intention of doing so.
d) Lustful kissing of ones spouse
e) Emission of semen due to touching, kissing, masturbation.
f) Intentional vomiting.

2. Offensive acts during fasting
* Backbiting, slander
* To lie or deceive
* To use abusive language
* Not having iftar
* Taste a food without swallowing it, using toothpaste.
* Gargling water due to thirsts or hot weather.
* Wrapping oneself with wet clothes.
* Throwing up intentionally
* Weakening the body (e.g. strenuous sport)
* Gathering saliva and swallowing it;

3. Days when fasting is forbidden
* Day of Eid al Fitr (Eid of Ramadan)
* During Eid al ADHa 10, 11, 12 and 13 of month of Dhul Hijjah

4. Events when it is allowed to break the fast and fast later the similar number of days
* If fasting aggravates health-condition
* Snake biting
* Thirsts due to newly developed disease
* Genuine danger for a pregnant mother, or for her fetus.
* Genuine fear for the life of a suckling infant
* Reason to fear death
* Menstruation
* If one is a traveler

5. Things that do not break fast
a) Those things which would otherwise break fast does not do so when one is unaware of the fact that one is fasting(complete forgetfulness of fasting).
b) Entrance of insects (i.e mosquitos), smoke and dust from natural environment does not break fast.
c) Wet dream, swallowing ones own saliva when still in the mouth, smearing oil, ointment on unwounded body do not break fast. or used antimony [in his eyes],
d) If one is overcome by vomiting, his fast is not broken.

6. Etiquettes and desirable practices
* Preparing for the month.
* Bringing to mind the bounty of Allah.
* Purifying one’s intention
* Pre-dawn meal (suhur) as late as safely possible.
* Not unnecessarily delaying the breakingof the fast.
* Performing salat al-Maghrib soon after breaking the fast, then returning to eat.
* Making du’a at the time of breaking the fast.
* Enabling others to break their fasts.
* Abstaining from all forbidden deeds.
* Maintaining a pleasant disposition.
* Abundant reciting of the Qur’an.
* Abundant charity.
* Performing tarawih prayers.

7. Miscellaneous
a) The intention of fasting can be made as late as just before noon, if one forgets to do so during the previous night. If one passes noon without making the intention ones fasting is invalid.( 1.3b)
b) One should eat before the day breaks even when one is not hungry.
c) For a woman whenever during the day menstruation stops she should be observing fasting even though it is not a fast for her. She should fast if it happens just before morning and did not have enough time to take shower and eat.
d) If a woman menstruates, she stops fasting and makes up [fasting for the days of menstruation].
e) Someone who lost consciousness in Ramadan does not make up the day on which the loss of consciousness occurred, but he makes up that which came after it.
f) If a traveller arrives, or a [menstruating] woman attains purity with part of the day [remaining], they abstain [from those things which invalidate fasting] for the rest of that day.

May Allah keep us on the Straight Path. Aameen

The Medical Benefits of Taraweeh Prayer

Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat – Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, Jalsa, and Tasleems. Muslims perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers (Sunnah, Nafl) throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan. This results in moderate physical exercise, particularly to every muscle in the body. Some muscles contract isometrically (same length) and some contract in approximation or isotonically (same tension). The energy needed for the muscle during exercise is met by a process known as glycogenolysis. The rate of muscle metabolism increases during the performance of Salat, resulting in a relative deficiency of oxygen and muscle nutrients. In turn, this deficiency causes vasodilation – and an increase in the calibre of blood vessels – thereby allowing blood to flow easily back to the heart. The temporarily increased load on the heart acts to strengthen the heart muscle and improve the circulation within the heart muscle.

During the month of Ramadan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from 8 Rakat (unit of prayer) to 20 Rakat with a few minutes break after every 4 Rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar (breaking of fast) the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers.

Hence the Taraweeh prayers help in expending the extra calories and improve flexibility, and coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.

Physical and Emotional Well-Being
The gentle exercises performed in Taraweeh prayers improve physical fitness, and emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi (one who performs the Salat or Namaz). When a little extra effort is made, as in performing the Taraweeh prayers, there will be a betterment in endurance, stamina, in flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers (Salat) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour. Recent research studies performed on 17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-and 1950 give strong evidence that only moderate aerobic exercise, equivalent to jogging about 3 miles a day, promotes good health and may actually add years to life. Men who expended about 2000 kcal of energy on a weekly basis (equal to a daily 30-minute walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.,) had one-quarter to one-third lower death rates than classmates who did little or no exercise. In addition to the health-boosting qualities of the Salat, the Namazi will be trained to be ever ready for any unexpected physical exertion such as the sudden lifting of children, chairs, or catching a public transportation vehicle. The elderly will accomplish this more securely and efficiently. Hence this is an advantage for the elderly to maintain their physical fitness for a longer period of time. It has been observed that those who fast and perform the Taraweeh prayers report feeling much convalescing and robust.

The Elderly
As human beings grow older, their physiological activity diminishes, as a result, their bones become thinner and if not taken care of will suffer from osteoporosis (which causes the fractures of the bones when they fall in the elderly due to a loss of bone mineral content and consequent sponginess of the bones. The bone then becomes structurally unstable, brittle and susceptible to fractures). Primary osteoporosis is most common among postmenopausal (due to reduction in oestrogen) women or those who have undergone bilateral oophorectomy (both the ovaries removed).

Women are six times more likely than men to develop Type I osteoporosis. The three major prevention strategies of osteoporosis are a high dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise and oestrogen replacement in postmenopausal women. The skin also becomes fragile and crinkled. The repair processes of the body become slower and immune responses are decreased. In the elderly, their physical activity is reduced as a result they have lower levels of Insulin Growth Factor 1. Reserve functions of all vital organs decrease and the elderly are more susceptible to mishaps and ailments. Because of repeated and regular movements of the body during Salat muscle strength, tendon power, joint flexibility and cardiovascular reserve are improved. Hence Salat and Taraweeh prayers enable the elderly to enrich the quality of life and to meet with unforeseen difficulties such as falls that could injure their bodies. Therefore Taraweeh prayers will improve their endurance, self-respect and self-confidence in being self-reliant.

Adrenaline is secreted even by minor activity. The secretion outlasts the incitement.

Even after the Taraweeh prayers are over the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline are manifest. (Adrenaline also called epinephrine is produced by the adrenal glands. The middle part of these glands, the adrenal medulla, secretes the hormone, which is chemically almost identical to the transmitter substance noradrenaline produced at the ends of sympathetic nerves. Adrenaline secretion into the bloodstream during stress causes acceleration of the heart, constriction of arterioles, and dilation of the pupils. In addition, adrenaline produces a marked increase in metabolic rate thus preparing the body for an emergency.) Even the thought of the intention of performing the Taraweeh prayers is sufficient to activate the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system (thoracolumbar nervous system) is one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which supplies motor nerves to the smooth muscles of internal organs and to the heart muscle. Sympathetic nerve fibres arise via spinal nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Their endings release mainly adrenaline, which increases heart rate and breathing rate, raises blood pressure and slows digestive processes, thereby preparing the body for “fight or flight” and antagonising the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline would redistribute the blood in the body to the active muscles, would mobilise liver glycogen if necessary in order to provide glucose for the active tissues, would diminish fatigue in skeletal muscles and would facilitate alveolar ventilation relax the bronchiolar muscle, and would initiate cardiovascular changes. Exercise induces a more effective functioning of beta-adrenoreceptors located on cell membranes.

Beneficial effects of Gentle Exercise
The Taraweeh prayer is considered to be a gentle exercise. The beneficial effects of gentle exercise on the body are many which are elaborated on here.

Effects on Skeletal Muscle
Once muscles atrophy in spite of the availability of ample proteins. During the Salat and Taraweeh, every muscle in the body contracts ironically and others isometrically. This gentle exercise also enhances endurance and diminishes tiredness. It helps the incapacitated to make the most of their remnant capabilities. The blood flow in strung muscles is low. During the prayers, the blood flow is greatly increased to the muscles. Blood flow sometimes increases even before the start of Taraweeh prayers, with just the thought of performing the Taraweeh prayers. In addition to needing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, the human body requires minerals such as Potassium for nerve and muscle activity. It is found in fruits, meats, seafood and milk. Potassium deficiency leads to muscular and neurologic disorders. Potassium is also important in the transmission of nerve impulses and is a major positive ion in intracellular fluids. Potassium is involved in cellular enzyme activities, and it helps regulate the chemical reactions by which carbohydrates are converted to energy and amino acids are converted to protein. Also, Potassium ions cause vasodilation of arterioles. During the Taraweeh prayers, systolic Blood pressure may rise (the larger number in B.P.) a little and the diastolic Blood Pressure(the lower number in B.P.) may remain unchanged or even fall. However after the Taraweeh prayers are over, the B.P. may drop to just below normal levels which is a welcome sign. Taraweeh prayers improve respiratory efficiency; circulation in the capillaries surrounding the alveoli, or air sacs, is increased, and this brings about enhanced gas exchange and deeper breathing. The increase in the maximal consumption of oxygen is what makes the Namazi feel better. Those who perform the Taraweeh prayers, apart from the prescribed Salat, are more alert and active than those who do not perform the

Taraweeh prayers, even after the age of retirement. Taraweeh prayers improve physical strength and joint stability and reduce the risk of injury to the tendons and connective tissues. After age 40, the bone mineral density falls with age. Taraweeh prayers increase bone mineral density in both menopausal and elderly women and prevent osteoporosis and maintain normalcy in bone structures. Osteoporosis results in hip fractures in women after menopause and in elderly men. The risk of osteoporosis is substantially reduced by regular Salat and Taraweeh prayers. The prayers improve lubrication of joints, and movement, and maintain flexibility. Deep vein thrombosis (the most common cause of ulceration of the legs in the elderly) is prevented by performing Salat and Taraweeh prayers.

Metabolic Effects
Salat improves body weight control and expends calories without a proportionate increase in appetite. A combination of moderate dietary restriction, both at the Iftar and Sahur (early morning breakfast before the start of fast) meals, accompanied by the Taraweeh prayers, should achieve weight reduction. This will also reduce both fat and body weight, but the fat-free weight will remain constant or may even increase slightly. Hence during Ramadan, one should not overeat the Sahur and Iftar meals and continue to perform Salat and Taraweeh prayers in order to lose some of the excess weight.

It is well known that exercise prevents coronary heart disease (CHD), increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL or healthy Cholesterol), increases maximum oxygen uptake, slows the heart, lowers the B.P. slightly, decreases ventricular ectopic activity, enlarges the lumen of the coronary arteries and increases cardiac output.

Exercise also improves carbohydrate tolerance and improves late-onset diabetes, and helps cases of chronic respiratory diseases. Beneficial changes have been recorded in the lipid profile, B.P., clotting factors, weight reduction and insulin sensitivity of muscles and other tissues in persons who exercise regularly. Growth Hormone secretion is elevated by fasting and it is further elevated by Taraweeh prayers. As Growth Hormone is necessary for collagen formation, this may be an important factor as to why the skin of those who fast regularly during Ramadan and perform the Taraweeh prayers do not get wrinkled, even when they grow old.

Mental Health
It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces a greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favourably and contributes to self-esteem and an aura of confidence; improves memory in the elderly, especially with constant repetition of the Ayaat (verses) from the Glorious Quran and other Ayaat which exalt His Glory. This constant repetition of the Quranic Ayaat would help to screen the mind from incoming thoughts. It has been found by a Harvard University researcher, Dr Herbert Benson that repetition of a prayer, Ayaat of the Quran or remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah or muscular activity coupled with passive disregard of intensive thoughts causes a “relaxation response” that leads to the lowering of Blood Pressure and decreases in oxygen consumption and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates. All these are combined in the Taraweeh prayer which is an ideal condition for “relaxation response.” It combines repeated muscular activity with repetition of Salat, chanting of words of glorification of Allah and of supplications. The Taraweeh prayer puts the mind in a relaxed state. This calm state of the mind may be partly due to the release of encephalins, beta-endorphins (endogenous morphine) and others into the blood circulation. Endorphins are any one of the neuropeptides composed of many amino acids, elaborated by the pituitary gland and acting on the central and peripheral nervous systems to reduce pain. Endorphins are categorised as alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, and gamma-endorphin which produce pharmacologic effects similar to morphine. Beta-endorphin found in the brain and GI(gastrointestinal) tract is the most potent of the endorphins and is a powerful analgesic(pain killer) in humans and animals. For example, during childbirth many women release endorphins reducing a woman’s sensation of pain. The release of endorphins is associated with euphoria. During childbirth, women who give birth with little or no medication sometimes label this euphoria a “birth climax.”

Conclusion
Islam is the only religion where physical movements of Salat and Taraweeh prayers are combined with spiritual exercise. When Salat and Taraweeh prayers are practised throughout a person’s life, recurring every few hours or so, trains a person to undertake the difficult task of meditation during physical manoeuvres of Salat and Taraweeh prayers so that the Namazi(one who performs the Salat) benefits both from spiritual as well as physical exercise. Salat and Taraweeh prayers are unique in that tension builds up in the muscles during physical manoeuvres on the one hand, while tension is relieved in the mind due to the spiritual ingredient, on the other hand. The following benefits have been noted among those who perform the Taraweeh prayers: burning off calories and losing weight, maintaining muscle tone and body composition, joint flexibility (stiff joints are often the result of disuse, not arthritis), increasing metabolic rate, improving circulation, improving heart and lung function and aerobic capacity, decreasing heart disease risk profile, increasing your sense of self-control, reducing your level of stress, increasing your ability to concentrate, improving your appearance, reducing depression and resistance to depression, helping you sleep better and suppressing your appetite. Evidence is also accumulating that those who perform regular Salat along with voluntary prayers can conserve and actually retard the loss of bone mass in the elderly, thus staving off the ravages of osteoporosis that afflicts both men and women. It is also possible to retard the ageing process and confer some protection to health in later life. Those who have performed Salat (Fard and Wajib), Sunnah and Nafl and Taraweeh prayers throughout life get protection and a positive effect in terms of health and longevity. They reverse the life-shortening effects of cigarette smoking and excess body weight. Even people with high blood pressure (a primary heart disease risk) reduced their death rate by one-half and their risk of dying from any of the major diseases is reduced. They also counter genetic tendencies toward an early death.

Hence Salat (Fard, Wajib), Sunnah, Nafl and Taraweeh prayers are necessary for Muslims to preserve life and their desirable qualities into old age.

The Reality of Fasting

The crescent of a noble month has been sighted, marking the start of a blessed season. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to give glad tidings to his companions upon the arrival of this month.

O, Believers! Therefore, glad tidings to you for the month of Ramadhan, the month in which Allah ordained fasting and revealed the Qur’an. He made this month a season of worship and hard work, a season of goodness and blessings. He made it a time of action and striving for four things: fasting, Qur’an, worship, and other righteous deeds – these are the most obvious gifts and features of this month. I shall talk about these four things during the coming Fridays of this month, Allaah willing.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “When Ramadhan arrives, the gates of Heaven… (and in another narration) …the gates of Paradise… open, the gates of the Hellfire are sealed, and the Shayaateen (devils) are chained.” (Bukhaari & Muslim). He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “On the first night of Ramadhan, the Shayaateen and the leaders of the Jinn are chained.” (Ibn Maajah). This means that their ability to tempt people is diminished during this month. Evil and disobedience decrease, because, although the causes of disobedience are many, the greatest factor of all is the whispers of Satan. However, not all Shayaateen are chained during this month for other narrations prove that only the leaders of the Shayaateen are chained. That is why, even though evil and disobedience diminish during this month, it does not come to a complete halt.

There are many other sources of evil that still remain, one of them is the human soul, which is naturally inclined toward evil and accompanies one at all times. Human devils are another reason for immorality in addition to man’s own lusts and desires. Yet another reason is that the remaining soldiers of the devils that do not get chained continue to misguide people. Nevertheless, all of these reasons and causes have a lesser effect on fasting people because fasting bestows upon them a certain blessing.

O Muslims! This is the value of Ramadhan, the month of fasting. Allah ordained fasting during this month whereby people refrain from food, drink, and conjugal relations from dawn until sunset. When the sun sets, a fasting person can eat and drink and have marital relations. The nations that came before us were not allowed to touch their spouses, even at night, and if a person from them fell asleep before he had the chance to eat or drink anything, then it was forbidden for him to eat or drink after that; he had to continue fasting until the end of the next day.

However, Allah has made it easy for this Nation. It is from Allah’s mercy that He made all of this permissible, thus releasing the believers from the heavy burdens that were upon the previous nations. As soon as the sun sets, it becomes lawful for the fasting person of this Nation to eat, drink, and to have relations with his/her spouse. Allah says that which means: “… Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to magnify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Al-Baqarah: 185).

Moreover, in another verse, to demonstrate to this Nation His favors upon it, Allah says that which means: “It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your women [for sexual relations]….” (Al-Baqarah: 187). This means, in other words, that this was not lawful for the people before you but now it is lawful for you, O Nation of Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Of the signs of ease of this religion and the mercy that Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came with is that the ill person and the traveler can break his fast and make it up at a later time after Ramadhan. Also, the elderly who cannot bear fasting, as well as people who have no hope of a cure (i.e., the chronically ill), can feed the needy and they do not have to make up for their missed fasting. It is not righteous to fast while traveling, nor is it better for the ill to fast if it is difficult for them to do so. In these cases, they are to make use of the permission that Allah has furnished them with because He likes it when people take heed of the mercy that He has endowed.

O Muslims! Know that fasting is a protection from wrongdoing. This month is an opportunity for you to purify yourselves and release yourselves from the effects of sins, so take advantage of it. During Ramadhan, a Muslim has fewer burdens as his desires are diminished and he acquires more goodness from being involved in fasting; one can rid himself of bad habits, such as overdoing matters which are lawful, such as overeating, talking too much, and being over indulgent in sexual relations with one’s spouse; we must stop the awful habit of going to extremes in fulfilling these desires.

Some people fail to understand the reality of fasting. They refrain from eating and drinking in the daytime but do not abstain from sin or oppression. They continue their practices as usual or if they do stop in the daytime, they continue with their normal routine as soon as they break the fast. They spend their mornings hungry and thirsty and their evenings are full of sin and evil. They spend the whole night watching television with their wives and children. Others refrain from food during the daytime, and after sunset, they eat all night long to make up for the food they missed. Therefore, fasting is nothing for such people except a change in the times of eating – for they eat during the night rather than the day. When night comes, all kinds of foods are put forth for them to consume – one kind of food is not sufficient for these people – and they stuff their stomachs with all these various types. It is as if these people have never heard of the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “The believer eats in one stomach, and the disbeliever and the hypocrite eat in seven.” (Bukhaari and Muslim).

In another narration of this Hadeeth, it is mentioned: “A man by the name of Abu Ghazwaan came to visit the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This was before Abu Ghazwaan had become Muslim. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was the most generous of all people. He milked seven sheep for him, so the man drank all of the milk. Then the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to him: “Isn’t it time you became a Muslim?” He replied: ‘Yes’ and became Muslim. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then stroked his chest (while supplicating for him). The next day, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam milked only one sheep for him, but Abu Ghazwaan, may Allah be pleased with him, was not able to drink all of the milk. So, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked: “What is the matter Abu Ghazwaan?” He, may Allah be pleased with him, responded: ‘I swear by the One Who sent you as a Prophet, I have had enough.’ So the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Last night you had seven stomachs while you were a disbeliever and today you only have one stomach.” (At-Tabaraani). This saying of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam means that a believer can eat less and control his desires more since he does not eat to enjoy nor to fulfill a desire, but rather to stop hunger and become stronger so that he can worship Allah. The disbeliever, however, who does not believe in the Day to come, eats with a strong desire and the lust of animals, as Allah describes him in the Qur’an saying that which means: “…But those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them.” (Muhammad: 12).

O Muslims! One type of cooked food is enough; let us not be like the Children of Israel who would not settle for only one kind of food. O people who observe fasting! When you put these different types of foods on the table in front of you, remember before you begin to eat, that the master of all the creations of Allah, the leader of all Messengers and creation, the Seal of the Prophets sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would remain without lighting a fire in his house (i.e. without cooking) for one or even two months. “He and his family only ate dates and drank water.” (Bukhaari). One or two months! This was not because he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam could not have obtained it and that he had no choice because he could have had all he had wanted. It was only due to the fact that he stayed away from worldly pleasures, living an ascetic life, and aimed to draw ever closer to Allah. Even though Allah offered him control of the treasures of the earth and the opportunity to live like kings, having a nice, easy, and comfortable life, he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam chose to live in poor conditions, eating as a slave eats, sitting as a slave sits. He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say: “O Allah! Let me live as a Miskeen (humble servant) and resurrect me with the Masaakeen (humble).” (Tirmithi & Bayhaqi).

O Muslims! Let this month be an opportunity that we take full advantage of. Let us get used to these customs – the customs of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Let us get rid of the habit of overeating like animals. Let this month be a chance to purify ourselves and become elevated from lusts, desires, and trivialities that are of no real value. Let us elevate our souls to the heavens with faith – we can elevate them from the pleasures of this world to the pleasures of the world to come.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Fasting is a shield (protection), so when one of you fasts, let him not touch his wife (for sexual relations) and let him not badmouth anyone; and if someone fights him or upsets him, let him say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’ I swear by the One in Whose Hand my soul is! The smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” Also, Allah says as reported in a Hadeeth Qudsi: “He left eating and drinking and his desires for My sake. Fasting is for Me and I give reward for it – one blessing (for fasting) is multiplied ten times.” (Bukhaari).

What Nourishment Does The Body Need In Ramadan?

Make your Ramadan this year special, fruitful, and life-changing… It is a time to eat less, not more food, help the needy, organize a food or gift drive for poor families, and strengthen family ties.

Fasting promotes healing and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. In fact, it frees up energy that your body normally spends on digesting food. The liver can break down toxic chemicals circulating in the bloodstream now with a lighter workload.

As long as you do not end your fast with a large feast, you can gain many health benefits: clearer skin, overcoming addictions, improved immunity, mental creativity, better attitude and motivation, weight loss, and lower blood pressure. Follow these steps to get through Ramadan with better health, some weight loss, and an elevated spirit:

Breaking the fast
At the call for maghrib prayer, start with a glass of water to replenish fluids, several dates, and a short prayer. A glass of water before mealtime diminishes your appetite. The sugar in dates will give you a quick boost of energy, which is much needed after a long fast. Dates are easy to digest and rich in B vitamins, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Beverages
It is difficult to get enough vitamins, anti-oxidants, and fluids during Ramadan. Drink one cup of freshly squeezed orange or grape juice to stimulate digestion. Try a glass of water with the fresh juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey to cleanse the liver and help break down fat. Pineapple juice can promote weight loss and improve digestion. An excellent refreshing cold beverage common in Ramadan is a licorice drink. Licorice is a mild laxative, a remedy for fever, coughs, lung problems, and ulcers, and is low in sugar. Use caution if you have hypertension.

Salads
Almost unheard of during Ramadan, they are low in fat and calories and give your fasting body much-needed vitamins, fluids, and fiber. Try tabouleh, a Greek green salad with feta cheese, or a salad of fresh watercress and spinach leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed garlic, or a garbanzo bean salad.

Soup
It is a comforting and healthy mainstay of Ramadan. The famous lentil soup is rich in protein and free of fat and cholesterol. Make this soup that is loaded with anti-cancer and anti-aging beta carotenes with sauteed chopped onions, shredded carrots, or chopped orange pumpkin cubes. Puree in a blender and season as you wish.

Main course
After all those starters, your main course should be very light. Avoid highly spiced foods with a rich sauce and fried foods because they will cause indigestion. A big meal places a heavy load on the stomach and digestive system after a long fast. Steamed rice and sautéed vegetables is ideal. Or you can have baked fish or baked chicken breast with steamed vegetables.

Suhoor should be light
Quick healthy suhoor ideas include grilled cheese and tomato sandwich, yogurt with whole wheat crackers, a glass of milk and a slice of toast with jam or honey, a small vegetarian pizza, hummus with whole wheat bread, and cucumbers, or tuna with lemon juice. I find a boiled egg with toast to be filling without making you feel bloated. Finally, eat your favorite fruit. Avoid salty foods so you will not be thirsty the next day. Try not to get to bed for about two hours after eating suhoor.