Ramadan Blog 2022 : More than just Fasting

Every year without warning Ramadan is upon us (at least that’s what it feels like) so we manage to get our homes ready, food prepared and frozen, and stabilize our internal state so that we have room to grow.

The month usually starts off slowly, especially with everyone struggling and adjusting to the new eating and sleeping schedule. It even feels manageable at some point and is all worth it in the end.

As time goes by so quickly, before you even know it we’re right in the middle of 30 days running off of three to four hours of sleep every day and juggling between healthy eating and binging tendencies. Yet somewhere in the middle of all of that chaos, we find ourselves feeling more spiritually settled. In the middle of the juggling act, we are able to find our balance; and the crowds and pressure don’t feel as unbearable as they can the rest of the year.

During Ramadan, a typical day for me starts at 3.15 am. I love to prepare “suhoor” for my whole family even though my mother helps me too. In suhoor, I like to eat paratha with kebabs and lassi to drink, anyhow this meal makes it the best meal combo. After having suhoor I do the dishes and pray Fajr. I only sleep 5 hours a day in Ramadan as I am a student, who has to meet assignment deadlines and take tests. The best time for me to read the Quran is after praying zuhur. As Iftar time (Maghrib) is near me and my mom prepares iftari and sets the table. Right after iftar I pray maghrib and wait for isha so that I can pray Taraweeh. The cycle repeats for the rest of Ramadan.

A blessed month

Ramadan is a much blessed and sacred month for Muslims all over the world, fasting  is one of the five pillars of Islam which Muslims regard  and Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It’s a special month as the Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during this month.

Muslims fast for 29/30 days. Although, days may vary each year, depending on the lunar calendar. With the sighting of the new moon, Ramadan begins and falls 10/11 days earlier each year. This year Ramadan will be starting in the summer again, and due to the long hot days, this will bring its challenges and pleasures.

Benefits of fasting

Fasting is proven to be healthy for the human body. I remember watching a documentary that explained the benefits of intermittent fasting; some of the benefits included losing weight and body fat, helping reduce Insulin resistance, lowering your risk of type 2 Diabetes, and decreasing heart disease. Other benefits of prime importance are given below

Spiritual up-lifting

When I was child my mum used to teach me to pray and make supplication to Allah that may He make the month of Ramadan easy for all the Muslims around the world as it is a testing time of self-control, prioritizing mind over body. I have memories of all the delicious foods that would be prepared in Ramadan and the distinct taste and smell of the Rooh Afza (drink), which is commonly drunk as it is refreshing to quench thirst. One of the typical foods cooked in Ramadan, I remember having are pakoras, samosas, kebabs as snacks followed by a meal later in the evening. As a child I always looked forward to fasting, however I wasn’t quite able to fast all the days but may have fasted half days to introduce myself to fasting.

Now as an adult I have realized that Ramadan is all about being obedient to Allah and worshiping Him which lifts me up spiritually and makes me feel calm and peaceful both mentally and physically. Another physical benefit of fasting can be seen when you stand to pray the positions are similar to that of yoga, which improves your physical health.

Self-reflection

Moreover, Ramadan is about a time of self-reflection and being thankful for what I have in my life, even if this is not a lot. It’s a time to unite as a community and observe togetherness with family to celebrate this blessed month. It is also a time to think about others who are less fortunate than me who don’t have enough food to eat and drink clean water all year round.

Self-contentment

During Ramadan, I try my level best to follow the examples set by the prophet Mohammed P.B.U.H by doing as many good deeds as I can to gain the reward and self-contentment.

Every Ramadan is an experience of a gift for us. We work so hard to improve ourselves during Ramadan, but as it ends we should maintain the new good habits and continue the progress.

May God accept your prayers and good deeds and forgive your transgressions and sins. Ramadan Kareem.