Getting ready for Ramadan

[Zainab_M]

 


September 5, 2007

Salaam Alaikum to all my dear sisters and brothers! 

As we know, the blessed month of Ramadan is just around the corner.  The tentative date for its commencement is September 13, InshAllah.  And you know what?  September 13 is also my little Wabby's birthday 

For those living in the West, or even in Muslim countries where not enough is done to accommodate the month of Ramadan with the daily schedule of teh mainstream, it can be somewhat hard to adhere to a spiritually healthy routine as we would wish.  For this reason, for some Muslims the month of Ramadan is not too different from other times except that they don't eat or drink from dawn to sunset and may go for 'taravi' prayers after 'Iftar' (time for breaking the fast at sunset).  Fortunately for a change, there are so many mosques in North America nowadays that most Muslim families have at least one mosque that would be a short drive from their home.  For a some lucky ones, a mosque close to the house might even be a short walk.

In my humble opinion, Ramadan is not simply abstaining from food and drink throughout the day.  It also means being regualar with the 5 prescribed prayers, reading at least a few pages of the Glorious Quraan, and reciting some 'Zikr' (words in praise of the Almigty God) for at least 5 minutes a day.  This could either be Surah Al-Akhlas, or Ayat-al-Kursi or the third or fourth Kalma.  And there are many more 'Zikrs' in Quraanic words or in one's own words in praise of Allah.   As for reading the Quraan, it's best to read  both the original Arabic as well as the translation so that one is able to follow what they are reading.  Those who cannot read Arabic should not feel panicky or upset.  In that case just read the translation.  As long as you are sincerely devoted and understand what you are reading with a desire to implement those values in your life, is the most important part of it.   The rules of the clergy are NOT the ultimate for salvation.   The Almighty Allah has His own flawless system of justice and He grants acceptance to whomsoever He desires.  All what's important for us to do is to strive within ourselves to promote our Faith and conscience to the maximum.  After that, leave the rest to Allah. 

Briefly, the significance of a special Ramadan schedule (and everyone might follow a different one depending upon their situation and circumstances) is to devote a little more time to the remembrance of Allah.  But please keep in mind, devoting a certain amount of time in remembering Him is essential throughout the year.  Constancy in prayers and remembrance of Him is a very important Quraanic dictate, the purpose of it being to strengthen our Faith and to beautify our conduct.  However, since Ramadan is a special month, a little extra special time for Him would be a wonderful idea. 

As I mentioned, this can be a bit difficult for Muslims because the communities where some of them reside might not be geared up to make adjustments for Ramadan.  Thus, it's important to clarify that the special schedule of Ramadan is not difficult by itself at all, but it could become difficult only because of insufficient co-operation from the outside system to accommodate it into our routine.  When the Almighty Allah revealed the Quraan, it was done with the purpose of the Quraan being an universal Message.  And indeed the Quraan is an universal Message and Law for all times to come.  This does NOT mean converting people through coercion or even pestering them to convert.  Please never harbour such misunderstandings.  The Glorious Quraan being an universal Message means that it is the Ultimate Truth and the final ethical ruling as declared by the Almigty God.  It is not subject to changes.  Whether or not one accepts it is upto every individiual.  Every person has the right to make their own free choice.  Hence, the Message of the Quraan is for all to read of their own free will .. to ponder, think deeply and reflect.  If then they decide to accept it, it will be for the betterment and enlightenment of their own souls.  Unfortunately the human society hasn't looked upon the Quraan with this view.  Both secularist and religious hardline interpretations have painted a very rigid and black & white picture of this entire issue.  The common and cursory notion is that the Quraan is meant only for a certain section of the geographical community living in this planet, creating an endless chain of differences.  It's on account of these petty differences that clashes take place between diverse schedules & timings during the month of Ramadan.

So much on that.  And now just a little more on the do's and donts for cleasnsing our own souls.

-  Please be polite while fasting.  Don't hang a rude face with harsh or indifferent behaviour while interacting with your fellow human beings, be they Muslims or non-Muslims.  This attitude ruins our fast in the Sight of Allah.  Just like any other form of worship in Islam (i.e. shahdah, salaah, zakah or hajj), fasting too is not a favour to Allah (nauzbillah).  Rather, it only means doing a big favour to our own souls.  Thus, Allah tells the Prophet in the Quraan about such an attitude, that people aren't doing a favour to the Prophet by embracing Faith.  Instead it is the Almighty God who has done them a favour in so much as guiding them to the Faith.  And praise be to Allah.

-  If you are the kind who doesn't hesitate cheating or being dishonest with your family, freinds and colleageus at all times of the year, that's sad enough.  But please think rationally before you embark on any such dishonesty particularly in the month of Ramadan.  Instead, try to use this month in rehabilitating yourself by getting rid of your shortcomings as a way of life and as much as possible.

-  While your are fasting, never ever try to carry an air of superiority toward those who are not fasting, be they Muslims or non-Muslims.  Do not prevent them from eating if they so desire, and do not be disrespectful to them if you see them eating.  When people don't fast, they have their own reasons.  The matter is between Allah and them.  Just as they are supposed to respect our desire to fast, we need to respect them by totally refraining from discourteous behaviour and squabblings.  Ramadan is the month of the greatest of peace and tolerance.  It is NOT to be made an excuse for aggression or hostility with those who follow a different system.  Such an attitude would simply negate our very purpose of fasting.


We are well aware that fasting is mandatory only for those who are physically and mentally healthy.  I guess it's important to be aware that fasting can be very beneficial for the health of those people who aren't suffering from any chronic health issues and who are not required to be on periodical medications round the clock. 

I was reading an article recently in a journal by a top dietician of North America.  She stated that in order to stay fit & healthy and to maintain our metabolism in full gear, crash diets are never advisable.  Crash diets slow down the body metabolism.  As a result, the body takes longer to burn energy, making one gain weight on the long-term rather than losing it.  The best approach would be to eat 3 balanced meals a day.  Make sure you eat the right kind of food, low in saturates and trans-fat and low in refined sugar.  Also, avoid over-eating even if it's a low calorie food.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day.  Then, give your body a break for approximately 12 hours - from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Don't eat or nibble anything during this period.  Allow your digestive system to finish its work and relax. 

If you try to carefully study the above diet schedule, you will observe that it's much the same as we are required to do in the month of Ramadan, the only difference being that the timings are reversed.  We take 3 meals (preferably moderate ones) from dusk to dawn, starting from 'Iftar' at sunset, a light snack-dinner before going to bed and a light breakfast for 'Sahoor' (dawn or fajar) to be taken by starting at least 30 minutes before dawn so you won't need to rush.  Must finish a few minutes before the Fajar prayer.  The next 12 hours approximately is given to fasting. 

I wish all my brethrens in Faith .. whether or not they intend to fast .. a very happy and peaeful Ramadan.  May the Almighty Allah bless all of you with the most beautiful wealth of guidance and the strongest of 'iman.'  InshAllah, ameen.