Ramadan…a speciel month

Ramadan

Salmaan Faarsi( radhiy Allahu anhu) said: “O people, there comes upon you now a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies a night greater in worth than a thousand months.”

The sacred month of Ramadan has come to visit us once again. The Qur’an reminds us that the purpose of Ramadan is to increase our Taqwa (Allah consciousness) through increased acts of worship.

The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alhi wasallam), has informed us that life is but a fleeting moment and therefore it should be rightfully spent in the obedience of Allah. This state of obedience should regulate all our affairs every single day of our lives.

The Creator of the Universe tells us in the Holy Qur’an that he who will stand in front of Allah on Judgment Day with a pure heart will be successful. The attainment of this elevated status can only be achieved by instilling Taqwa in our hearts.

Prophet Muhammed (salla Allahu alhi wasallam), said regarding the Day of Judgment, that a person’s judgment begins the moment he or she enters the grave. As the body is being carried to its grave, the Ruh (soul) of the dead person is suspended above the body and it is at this point, that the final destination will be known. The Ruh that has led a life of obedience to Allah will request that those carrying it to the grave rush as it longs for the pleasure of the Hereafter. And the Ruh that has lead a life of disobedience will cry out and beg to return to the world.

We should use Ramadan as a golden opportunity to fill our hearts with Taqwa and carry it throughout every day of our lives so that we may attain the satisfaction of our Holy Creator.

Ramadan FAQ

What does the word “Ramadan” mean?

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The original meaning of the word was “scorching heat”.

What’s this Islamic calendar?

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This means that each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. There are twelve months in the year. A lunar year is 354 days long. This is different from a solar calendar like the Gregorian calendar used in the West. The solar year lasts 365 days. Because the lunar year is shorter, each date on it falls about 10 or 11 days earlier, relative to the solar calendar, with each succeeding year. For instance, in the year 2002 it started on November 6, while in the year 2003 it started on October 27. In 2004, it was predicted to start on October 16 (and actually started on October 15). In 2005, it is predicted to start on October 5.

Why do you say Ramadan is “predicted” to start on a certain date?

As I mentioned above, each month in the Islamic calendar starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Scientific calculations can pinpoint exactly when the astronomical new moon occurs, and can predict with some accuracy when the first crescent will be visible after this, but there are many factors that can complicate this, such as the weather. For this reason, and so that even ordinary Muslims who are not astronomers can take part, the rule is that the new crescent moon must be sighted by human observers. And we don’t know exactly when it will appear until it’s seen!

Does the month of Ramadan commemorate anything?

The month of Ramadan is when the first verses of the Quran were revealed. Note: The entire Quran was revealed over a period of about 23 years, starting in 610 CE and ending in 632 CE.

What is the purpose of the fast?

Quran Surah al-Baqarat verse 183 states that the purpose of the fast is to develop a quality called in Arabic “taqwa”. Taqwa may be defined as, “Worshiping God as if you see Him because if you don’t, He sees you.” It is thus a kind of awe or God-fearingness, an awareness that God is always watching. Nobody but God and the person fasting know if that person actually observed the entire fast or secretly cheated. Thus, in order to resist the temptation to cheat, one has to remember that God is always watching and will see any lapse.

What does the fast entail?

The fast is from dawn to sunset each day of Ramadan. The fast involves refraining from food, drink, and (for married people) sexual relations during the daylight hours.

Who has to fast?

The fast is obligatory on all sexually mature adult Muslims. Those who are mentally handicapped or insane are not considered “adult” and do not have to fast. People who are ill do not have to fast if it would further damage their health; however, they should make up the missed fasts later when they become well again. Women who are pregnant or nursing are considered “ill” because fasting would harm their babies. As well, women who are having their menstrual period or who are experiencing post-partum bleeding should refrain from fasting during the days of their bleeding; the combination of blood loss and fasting could damage their health. Children who have not yet reached puberty are not required to fast. However, it is good for them to practice, and for this reason many Muslim children do fast starting from age seven or nine. A doctor should be consulted about how much fasting is safe for a growing child. People who are traveling may also break their fast if they feel that keeping it would harm them; as well, soldiers on guard duty for whom maximum readiness is a must may break their fast. In all cases of illness or fear of illness, the missed days need to be made up later.

Are there any other observances or customs attached to Ramadan?

The Muslim world has an almost staggering diversity of cultures and each Muslim country may have its own customs and rites associated with Ramadan. Some customs that are observed by most Muslims include the following:

* Recitation of the entire Quran, in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who did so. This is usually done for the community from the mosques or (in Muslim countries) on the radio; individuals or families may also get together for their own recitation
* Observance of special night vigil prayers in the late evening or middle of the night called tarawih
* Withdrawing to the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan for prayer and Quran recitation, which is called itikaf meaning “seclusion”
* Celebration of the “Night of Power” marking the specific date of the beginning of the revelation of the Quran on the 27th of Ramadan

As well, the fast is broken each evening with a meal called “iftar” (meaning “breaking the fast”), and the last meal in the morning before dawn is called “suhur” (meaning “morning meal”). In Muslim countries it is quite common to have feasts that last all night and run from iftar to suhur. These feasts are a time of celebration and community. There is also a special holiday marking the end of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr.

What’s Eid al-Fitr?

The name Eid al-Fitr means “feast of the fast-breaking”. It takes place on the first day of the month that follows Ramadan. There is a special salat (prayer) which the whole community should come together for. As well, those who can afford to do it should provide a small amount of food for the needy so that everybody can celebrate. The value of this gift is about $15 today. Most communities have a variety of festive celebrations and meals to mark the day.

The Fast of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran “was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation”

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning

According to the Holy Quran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night “until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night”

The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -

the telling of a lie
slander
denouncing someone behind his back
a false oath
greed or covetousness

These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year

When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

Supplications for the Month of Ramadhan

Go Here to Read and copy as you like !   http://al-islam.org/ramadhan/

SOME HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR RAMADHAN

How to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan. During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalize one’s weight. In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.

1. Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
2. Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
3. Fiber-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.

The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products.

Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems.

AVOID
4. Fried and fatty foods.
5. Foods containing too much sugar.
6. Over-eating especially at suhoor (sehri).
7. Too much tea at suhoor. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
8. Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.

EAT
9. Complex carbohydrates at suhoor so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.
10. Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.
11. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
12. Almonds are rich in protein and fiber with less fat.
13. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

DRINK
14. As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

CONSTIPATION

15. Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.

Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet.

Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.

INDIGESTION AND WIND

Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.

Remedy: Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.

LETHARGY (‘low blood pressure’)

(-) Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with “low blood pressure”.

(-) This tends to occur towards the afternoon.

Causes: Too little fluid intake decreased salt intake.

Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.

Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.

HEADACHE

Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with “low blood pressure”, the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine- free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.

Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhoor. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

Remedy: Eat something at suhoor and limit sugar- containing foods and drinks.

Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA

Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend upto the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions. Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach.

People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.

KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

JOINT PAINS

Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.

Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.

” The destruction of Man lies in 3 things: his stomach, his lusts & his tongue”
…A saying of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon Him)

 

Q & A Diabetic control in Ramadan

Q. What is the best advice for patients with diabetes who want to observe the fast during Ramadan?

A. When patients have reasonable diabetic control, it is better to try to make the diabetes fit around the fast. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which has a twelve-month lunar cycle. This means that the month changes from year to year. In the winter, the fast lasts around 12 hours; in the summer, it can be as long as 18 hours.

During Ramadan, Muslims take a dawn meal (Sehri) and then no food or drink is allowed until the sunset meal (Iftar). At the Iftar, there is a tendency to gorge traditional foods that are high in fat and sugar. In the daytime, physical activity tends to be reduced and some patients do not perform glucose monitoring.

The main aims of manipulating therapy are to avoid hypoglycaemia and to prevent deterioration in glycaemic control. Hypoglycaemia should not be an issue for patients on metformin monotherapy, although they may experience more nausea and gastrointestinal side-effects. Patents who normally take the drug three times a day should usually combine the lunchtime dose with the pre-meal dose at night.

For patients on sulphonylureas, long-acting agents such as glibenclamide should not be used. When the sulphonylurea is taken twice daily, the larger dose should be given in the evening (the opposite of standard practice).

The post-prandial glucose regulators repaglinide and nateglinide can be given as usual, but omitting the lunchtime dose.

The situation is more complicated for patients on insulin, and advice depends on the regime used and acquiescence with blood glucose monitoring. Short-acting insulin analogues used with long-acting insulins such as glargine (in a basal-bolus regime) provide the most flexibility. Here the lunchtime analogue dose will be omitted, the pre-breakfast dose reduced and the evening dose increased according to blood glucose readings.

For the many patients with poor control who are on a twice-daily fixed mixture, simply reducing the pre-breakfast dose or reversing the morning and evening doses may be enough to see them through the fast.