Whether it’s going to work, markets or mosques, if our actions cause problems for others, will our ibadat be accepted? Here is what to do and what we should try our best not to:
COVER STORY
The blessed month of Ramazan 1445 AH according to the lunar calendar, and 2024 according to the Gregorian calendar, has just started. Ramazan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam along with shahada, salah, zakat and Hajj. However, fasting during Ramazan is not just about abstaining from physical needs; it’s also about cultivating self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual growth. In the holy month of Ramazan, the gates of heaven are open, and the gates of hell are closed, with Satan chained. Therefore, it’s a time for increased devotion, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah SWT.
Overall, Ramazan is a deeply spiritual experience that fosters empathy and compassion, and we are sure you are gaining the maximum benefits of the holy month by fasting, offering prayers and doing good deeds for the people less fortunate. While we all try to fast, pray and recite the Quran, we have to be mindful of things that can impact the blessings of the holy month. Whether it’s going to work, markets or mosques, if our actions cause problems for others, will our ibadat be accepted? Here is what to do and what we should try our best not to:
Be good with people around you
How we behave while fasting is very important. We tend to forget that fasting is for Allah SWT, and if we fast, we are not doing a favour to the world – only to ourselves. Don’t forget that our behaviour defines us, and our interaction with people around us: family, friends, neighbours and especially the household help and people we work with during Ramazan should be exemplary. Helping others and caring about people we are connected to will get us a lot of savab (reward) from Allah (SWT).
Don’t be a source of savab to people you dislike
It’s tough not to do it, and we sympathaise: we really do. We know it’s not easy as it takes the spice right out of life but for at least this month, you must refrain from gossiping.
Try not to indulge in backbiting because we all know what we will have to pay for what we think of as ‘harmless fun’, right? Why waste all our good deeds, especially if our malicious gossip happens to benefit the very people we dislike? All the savab we earn will be given to those we backbite about! Is frivolous gossiping worth such a loss? Think!
Control your temper
Most of us tend to flare up easily, and end up hurting those we love or care about. Ramazan is about control which is not limited to food; we have to control our emotions as well. So, let’s resolve to not get into arguments and fights. Getting the last word is very satisfying, but if it hurts others, will we benefit despite fasting and offering prayers throughout Ramazan?
It’s common to see fights break out over petty stuff. During rush hours, people are seen breaking traffic lights and swearing at other drivers. Even if we are getting a little late for iftar, we should try to be patient. Also, keeping some dates and water to break our fast is a better option rather than getting into fights with other people and breaking traffic rules.
Be grateful
We should thank God for all He has given us and and one way to thank Him is by trying our best to do all we can for those less fortunate than us. In this month, the reward for alms far exceeds than it is in the other months. Do what you can for people in need around you, starting with the household help and relatives. If your relatives need help and God has given you the wherewithal, earn lots of rewards by heling them in any way you can.
Share the food on your table with your dependents. In these times when inflation is breaking backs, don’t let anything go to waste and take care of the needs of people working around you. Make Ramazan packages of food and clothing for them. Since most of our readers are students and do not have money of their own, they can ask their parents to help them and make use of their own monthly allowance as well. Something that is not worth much to you could mean a lot to someone else. So think how you can help those you can. Empathise!
Stay healthy
We often hear talk of ‘Ramazan preparation’. To most people, this preparation is all about planning lavish suhoor or sehri as we popularly call it, and iftar or iftari. While we pray and do our best to rejuvenate our soul in this holy month, we need to take care of our physical health and wellbeing as well.
Overindulging at sehri and iftar can cause a feeling of heaviness, unease and unnecessary weight gain. On the other hand, by eating smartly we can control weight, cholesterol and even blood pressure. After all, fasting teaches us to control ourselves in all aspects of life, food being just one of them.
Fasts are going to be long, 13 hours in most parts of the country as Ramazan is falling from mid-March to mid-April and the weather all over Pakistan will become progressively hot, especially in the south. Keeping that in mind, you will need to:
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water between iftar and sehri. Since it’s going to be hot, you will probably sweat a lot. It is important to replenish the body fluids you lose during the day. So, between iftar and sehri, drink lots of water. This can include lemonades or Roof Afza that you enjoy with iftari! Also, eat food that will help hydrate your body. Since watermelons will be aplenty this Ramazan, you can enjoy the taste and hydrate yourself at the same time. Most of us cannot function without caffeine, but avoid tea, coffee and cola because they can make some people urinate more often, which may lead to dehydration. Also remember that fizzy drinks with sugar will add calories to your diet; so it will be no loss no gain at best if you continue taking these unhealthy drinks!
Maintain energy levels
Eat right to provide your body enough energy throughout the day. Your sehri should include complex carbohydrates. A carbohydrate is an organic compound made of carbon, hydrogen and water. Carbohydrates come in two different forms: complex and simple. Complex carbs are typically known as good carbs. These carbs consist of sugar molecules strung together in long, complex molecule chains. Given their complex nature, it takes more work for the body to digest these carbs, giving you energy for longer. Beans, lentils, oats, corn, barley and wheat are some examples of complex carbs. In addition, fruit and vegetables also contain complex carbs. Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, are created from short, simple carbohydrate strains. So, they are much easier for the body to digest. Think of the rush you get from a sugary soda or candy bar. However, this also means that simple carbs lead to sugar spikes in the body. So, be smart and choose the right foods to sustain you through the fast.
Physical fitness
Exercising during Ramazan requires careful consideration and planning to maintain physical fitness. The best times for exercise during Ramazan are typically before sehri or after iftar when individuals can replenish their bodies with food and water. This allows for effective hydration and refueling of energy stores.
Light to moderate exercises such as walking, yoga, or stretching are often recommended during fasting hours to avoid dehydration and exhaustion. These activities help maintain muscle tone, flexibility, and overall well-being without putting excessive strain on the body.
Intense workouts or strenuous activities can be scheduled outside of fasting hours to prevent dehydration and muscle fatigue. If you choose to engage in more rigorous exercises during Ramazan, it’s crucial to take breaks as needed, and prioritize hydration and nutrition during non-fasting hours.
Overall, exercising during Ramazan can be a beneficial way to maintain physical health, boost energy levels, and promote mental well-being, as long as you can stop when you feel your body has had enough.
A healthy iftar
Traditionally, we start our iftari with dates as it is also sunnah. Dates are an excellent source of fiber. Instead of fried stuff that is our staple in Ramazan, incorporate vegetables to provide vital vitamins and nutrients. Choose whole grains, which provide the body with energy and fiber. Enjoy grilled or baked lean meat to get a good portion of healthy protein. Avoid processed foods high in fat or sugar, meaning stuff like pizza, burgers, samosas and pakoras. If you can’t resist these things, it is all right to let go once in a while, and eat all that you love, but in moderation. Most importantly, enjoy your meal and avoid overeating by eating slowly.
