All Muslims are promised a handsome reward by Allah if they surf their abilities in serving Allah and His mankind. This is why Ramadan is always seen as a great opportunity in all Muslim community.

Ramadan is ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be the holiest of all. In Quran and Hadith, there are several verses quoting the significance of the Ramadan. All Muslims believe that this month provides them with an ideal opportunity to fight the evil spirit and get uncountable virtue. This is because, firstly, in the month of Ramadan Allah fetters Satan and as a consequence Satan cannot whisper bad ideas in the minds of believers. Secondly, as all Muslims observe fasting so they spontaneously learn tolerance and patience. Fasting also teaches them how to learn self-restraint.

Allah declares this learning of self-restraint the purpose of fasting, the Quran says:

“Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon nations before you so that you may learn self-restraint. “

In this way the month of Ramadan serves as the training platform for fight against evil, as individuals learn self-restraint, commit good deeds and follow the right path. This makes the person a stronger believer and even when the Satan is set free again, the Satan does not finds it easier to make a believer indulge in any wrongdoing. Ramadan purifies believers spiritually as Allah forgives the mistakes of believer and awards them with great reward for their good actions.

Furthermore, Muslims are also blessed with the uncountable virtue in this month. Allah blesses believers seventy times more than he blesses them, for the same deed, in other months. A Nafl prayer is rewarded with a reward equivalent to Farz prayer and Farz prayer is rewarded with the reward of 70 Farz prayers.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Such are the blessings of Allah in this month and hence it can be concluded that Ramadan is the key to defeat evil spirit and avail uncountable virtue.

Ramadan is a month of special significance to Muslims because of a number of reasons. It is the month in which the holy Quran was revealed to the final Prophet of Allah and this is the month which is home to the Lail-at-ul-Qadar. Allah rewards believers seventy times more for a good deed than in any other month; the reward of Nafl prayer is raised to the reward of a Farz prayer and the reward of keeping a single fast in this month is more than the reward of keeping fasts in the entire year. Such are the blessings of God during this Holy month. To make things further convenient for believers, Allah orders to fetter the Satan and to close the doors of hell.

Ramadan is truly the month of spiritual purification as it provides every individual with a chance to purify him from the wrongdoings he commits during the entire year. Fasting in the month of Ramadan requires Muslims to practice self-restraint as Allah says in the Holy Quran “Fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed to nations before you so that you may learn self-restraint“. This verse also suggests that fasting is an article inherited from the previous Sharias.

The month of Ramadan has been divided in three different decades.  Ashra is the Arabic term for a decade (a period of ten days). Each decade has its own significance and its own purpose. The first decade is the decade of Mercy, the second decade is the decade of Forgiveness and the last decade is the decade for freedom from the hell fire.

At the end of Ramadan comes the day of Eid – the day of joy and celebrations – on the first of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. Muslims are rewarded with this day as a reward of their profound worship during the holy month of Ramadan. Allah asks Muslims to celebrate the day of Eid with liveliness, joy and cheerfulness. However, He also orders them to look after the underprivileged on this day and to provide them money so that they can buy new cloths and share the happiness of the Eid day with rest of the society.

Let’s begin with seeing what the Islam has to say about this concept. The Holy Quran addresses Muslims and says: ”O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed on those before you so that you may learn self-restraint “. Analyzing this you can see that at the time of Prophet (S.A.W), the concept of fasting already existed, and nations before Islam used to fast.

But did they fast in Ramadhan? Ramadhan, historians claim, was a month whose significance existed even before Islam the arrival of Islam. It was called Natiq at that time, a month that fell in the warm seasons. However there is no cogent evidence supporting the claim that Ramadhan held the same importance at that time that it enjoys these days. It only gained importance in the era of Holy Prophet because of the fact that the last revelation Holy Quran was sent down in this month. The Holy Quran has also emphasized on the importance of Ramadhan on many occasions.

If you compare the concept of fasting in all religions, you get to know that all religions prescribe fasting in one way or the other. In Christianity, Christians have been advised to fast. In fact, the Bible says that fasting does not only mean abstinence from food and water, and a fast in which one does not care for the poor is unacceptable. Christian historians have chronicled incidences when the Christ himself kept fast too.

The nature of fasting varies for different sects of Christianity, i.e. some sections abstain from meat and milk only while others fast for an entire day, but the essence remains the same. Even in Islam, a fast is meant to experience the sufferings of underprivileged and for learning self-restraint.

In Hinduism, the concept of fasting is slightly different. However, fasting has been prescribed for them too. Some Hindus fast on Mondays while others fast on Tuesday. Some fast on Thursday too the reason for this variation in fasting is because Hindus fast particularly for a certain goddess or god. Followers of Hinduism fast from after the sunset of previous day to 48 minutes after sunrise. Non-vegetarian Hindus cannot even touch any animal product during fasting; milk is an exception though.

Similarly, the concept of fasting is also present in Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and other religions. Ramadhan is of enormous importance to Muslims only but fasting has its roots in most religions.

In this article, a short discussion of the common routine followed by Muslims is presented, along with the description of the various ways in which this routine helps a Muslim in gaining physical fitness and mental cleanliness. The routines followed by Muslims all over the world vary in different regions, because the physical requirements of fasting and culture are different for different places. The fundamental routine, however, is quite similar, and revolves around the Seher and Aftaar timings.

Muslims begin their day by getting up atSeher (Suhoor). This is the time before dawn and Muslims get up around this time in order to take in meals and water to fulfill the bodily requirements for the fast of the upcoming day. The women generally get up before men because they have to handle all the cooking responsibilities. In some households, food for seher is prepared in the night to prevent the risk of skipping seheri (seher meal) the next morning due to late awakening. The Seheri food is mostly simple breakfast food supplemented with servings of water/juices to make up for the liquid intake of the rest of the day. The kind of meal served in Seheri differs in different cultures, but it is generally simple food comprising of bread, eggs and fruits.

The time for Seher gets over with the call (azaan) of Fajr, after which Muslims offer the Fajr prayer. From Fajr time to early morning, Muslims enjoy free time with no religious or worldly obligation. Some Muslims resume their sleep during this time while others use it to complete their work, projects or assignments. However, the majority of Muslims use this time to engage in worship and in reading the Holy Quran.

After this time, Muslims go to their works and begin their business/office activity as usual. Some Muslims begin their work a bit later in the morning during Ramadan to make up for the sleep lost during Seher. They continue their work activity till evening, taking two breaks for prayers for Zuhr and Asar prayer. Most Muslims like to offer these prayers in a congregation during Ramadan.

In the evening, Muslims return back to their homes as Aftaar time approaches. This is the time for feast for Muslims, as they eat ravenously to make up for the lack of food during the fast. This is not a good approach because taking such high amounts of food negates the very essence of fasting, i.e. to inculcate self-restraint in Muslims.

After this, Muslims rest for a while and then go off for Isha prayer after which they offer Tarawih prayers.

This is the routine commonly followed by most Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Holy Quran and Ahadith have emphasized the great importance of fasting for a believer, and in one of the Ahadith, it is reported that the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S.A.W) said that fasting is for Allah and its reward will be set by Allah Almighty Himself.

The significance of the month of Ramadan is also enormous. Ramadan is set apart from the rest of lunar calendar as a month of purity and piety, where material desires are pushed back and a desire to attain greater inner purity through faith is expressed. The three ten day periods of Ramadan each carry its own significance. Blessings, mercy and forgiveness define the three 10 day periods in Ramadan. The significance of Ramadan can be understood from the fact that Allah chose this month to complete the revelation of Holy Quran.

In view of these facts, it is not surprising that Muslims are never willing to lose any fast. The punishment of skipping or breaking a fast is great, and is prescribed by the Shariat (Islamic law). However, Islam allows Muslims to skip fasts under certain permitted conditions, or break the fast before time if a genuine need arises. In such a case, the person is due to keep a ‘Qaza’ fast after the end of Ramadan and before the next Ramadan.

If the person breaks the fast due to a failure to control his material desires, he is due to pay a ‘kaffara’ (punishment). In this article, a description of the Qaza and Kaffara matters is given to guide Muslims about the conditions in which both of them applicable and the prescribed ways in which both the Qaza and Kaffara should be offered by Muslims.

Qaza Matters: Muslims are allowed to skip a fast under special circumstances. Women who are feeding a baby, or are pregnant and unable to fast or undergoing similar feminine complications may skip the fast. Similarly, old men and women who are too weak and are unable to fast are also allowed to skip the fast. Adults who are very ill and for whom their physicians fear that fasting and lack of water may exacerbate their position,may also skip the fast.

People who undergo the fast but are unable to complete it due to sudden medical complications (e.g. unpredicted illness) may break their fast before Maghrib. All these groups of people are only required to offer a Qaza fast later in the year after the end of Ramadan.

Kaffara Matters: People who intentionally break their fast as a result of failure to control their instincts for food or sexual pleasure are required to offer Kaffara for their broken fast. This Kaffara can be offered by fasting for 60 continuous days or by feeding 60 poor people twice a day (or giving them equivalent cash for eating twice a day). If any one day from this chain of 60 days is skipped, the whole chain has to be restarted from the scratch.

Do You Know?

1.5 billion Muslims of the world celebrate their holiest month of Ramadan every year. It is an obligation on every adult and healthy Muslim to fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is a total abstention from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan. Also, avoiding immoral behavior and anger and showing compassion is part of the requirements of the fasting. The month of Ramadan is also the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in piecemeal basis over a period of 23 years. It is a very joyous occasion for the Muslims of the world. Muslims fast during the day and pray and read Quran during the part of the night.

A Few Hadith On Fasting:

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 115

Narrated Talha bin ‘Ubaid-Ullah: A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers.” He replied: “You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting.” He replied, “You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Tell me how much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me.” Thus, Allah’s Apostle informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, “By Him Who has honored you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah’s Apostle said, “If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise).”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 118

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 120

Narrated Sahl: The Prophet said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 123

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 124

Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can’t see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)”.

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 125

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 126

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur’an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 127

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 128

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 212

Narrated Abu Sa’id: The Prophet forbade the fasting of ‘Id-ul-Fitr and ‘Id-ul-Adha (two feast days) and also the wearing of As-Samma’ (a single garment covering the whole body), and sitting with one’s leg drawn up while being wrapped in one garment. He also forbade the prayers after the Fajr (morning) and the ‘Asr (afternoon) prayers.

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 226

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 228

Narrated ‘Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) Allah’s Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan.

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 231

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 233

Narrated Abu Salama: I asked Abu Sa’id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, “We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet . In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, ‘I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in l’tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day’s period)’, and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah’s Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead.”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 237

Narrated ‘Aisha: Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan ,”

• Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 32 :: Hadith# 241

Narrated ‘Aisha: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

Source: doyoukno.wordpress.com

Ramadan is the only holy month in which Muslims from all over the world go for the fasting to please their Allah Subhana Wa Tallah. It is necessary for them from not only Islamic point of view, but also it is important for the maintenance and growth of their physical health. Fasting in Ramadan is an effective treatment for both emotional and psychological illnesses.

Fasting is not simply the orderly skipping of harmful meals but it is helpful to boost the person’s will power, improve his taste and manners, reinforce his beliefs, encourages doing well and avoiding of sins. It also strengthens the faith of a believer and the person during the fasting has to avoid disagreement, sulkiness, rashness and all that does not contribute towards a well-balanced and healthy personality.

Besides nutrition, the resistance and ability to face hardships and endurance develops and enhances. Fasting reflects on external physical appearance by eliminating greediness and getting rid of negative thoughts. There are number of benefits of fasting on health, which are instrumental in alleviating a number of physical diseases, such poor digestive system, chronic stomachache, indigestion and so on. Obesity, high blood pressure and other threatening maladies can also be cured with the help of fasting in Ramadan. Scientists and physicians have suggested that fasting should be regarded as an effective means of restoring youthfulness and longevity. However, Islam exempts the sick and old from fasting.

In order to take full benefit of fasting and improve your general health in Ramadan you must follow some rules and regulations improvised by Islam. You can have a good Sehari and eat sensibly at iftar. Do not eat too much fried or spicy products to avoid the fat building and drink lots fluids for the detoxification process of your body during Seher and Iftar.

Fasting in Ramadan is not very different from normal fasting but it is done for against special nyiah and for a very special purpose to please Allah Subhana wa Tallah. Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for the all healthy and adult Muslim men, women and older children who crossed the stage of puberty.  On the other hand fasting for weight reduction and other purposes is optional or as prescribed by the doctor. Many patients go for fasting for a number of laboratory tests and other treatment including surgical methods.

When you are not fasting and on crash dieting you may feel:

• Tired and lethargic
• Cold and shivery
• Slow in thinking
• Food cravings
• Stomach ache and grumbling
• Depression and anxiety

When you are fasting for Allah Subhana wa Tallah you will feel:

• Refreshed and energetic
• Warm and comfy
• Charismatic, Focused, alert  and conscious
• Hardly think of having food
• Adopt Good eating habits
• Happier, healthier and comfortable

Fasting in Ramadan is not only meant for weight reduction and fat burning. Fasting otherwise, is not a good way to reduce weight by punishing yourself. Fasting in Ramadan for the pleasure and blessing of Allah Subhana wa Tallah cannot be the same as crash dieting, fasting and not eating. Fasting is a blessing and supports focus on yourself rather than food.

Allah says in Quran Surah Baqra, “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become Muttaqoon.” [2: 183]

Iftar or iftari is a meal that people take to break their fasting of almost 12 hours or more. There are many traditions about iftari that people follow but they have less to do with the religion and more to the culture and society. Many families arrange get togethers within the family, for their friends and business associates or contacts.

Traditionally, iftar was not a cultural event but nowadays people have turned it into a source of increasing their business clientele and opportunities by inviting their prospective clients to the iftar dinner, buffet or party. After 15^th of Ramadan, people start inviting their relatives and acquaintances important for their bilateral and corporate relations. These lavish iftar dinners and parties are arranged in big hotels or at other venues.

As soon as the Muslims hear the Maghrib prayer call, they break the fast with dates, salt or water. Iftari can be light or heavy that includes protein enriched foods and lots of carbohydrate rich dishes. Many people prefer to have a light iftari and leave for the mosque for traweeh and isha prayer. In the eastern culture, women are usually responsible for arranging the iftari for everyone in the family. Everyone can enjoy food, drink sorbets and chat for a while before leaving for supplication and invocation.

Feeding some needy in order to seek the mercy or blessings of Almighty Allah is the essence of Ramadan. Many Muslims arrange iftar as a charity that pleases their souls as it was practiced by our last beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallaho alaih-e-Waalehi Wasalam and His SAAS companions and disciples. It is considered a good act of kindness to stick to invite the poor to your dinner table. Simplicity is the best thing one can learn and adopt during and after Ramadan. Along with enjoying the cultural activities, it is mandatory for the Muslims to follow the basic guidelines and principles.  Keeping Islamic ideology foremost and always in your mind will lead to achieve longer lasting blessings of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah in Ramadan and afterwards.

The Prophet Muhammad said: “He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor remains hungry by his side” (Baihaqi).

“By Allah, he has no faith (the Prophet repeated it three times) whose neighbors are not safe from his wickedness” (Bukhari).

Ramadan is a great opportunity to share Islam and more specifically, its values of spirituality, generosity and kindness with others, especially your neighbors. It’s a great time to do Dawa. And Dawa is very much needed in the current atmosphere of anger, tension and sadness in the wake of September 11, 2001.

Here are some ideas on how you can share the joy with your neighbors this Ramadan.

1. Begin with Dua

Make Dua that Allah give you and your family the sincerity, strength, motivation and wisdom to do this. Dawa is hard work, and it needs preparation, commitment and organization.

2. Put up a Ramadan banner on your door

This can be something handmade or something more formal.

But don’t stop there. Print out a factsheet on Ramadan and stick that on the door to educate readers passing by about the blessed month and what it means to Muslims.

3. Send neighbors Iftar snacks

Include a note with the food that the month of Ramadan is here and you are sharing your joy with them.

You can offer snacks that are not just “American” but also “ethnic” (i.e. African, Middle Eastern, Indo-Pakistani, etc.). You can include index cards with the snacks listing all of the ingredients. This will help neighbors avoid food that causes allergies.

4. Give kids Ramadan Mubarak balloons and candy

Let your neighbors’ kids also feel the happiness of Ramadan by including chocolate and candy among your snacks. Balloons also add a nice touch, and if you can get some printed which have “Ramadan Mubarak” written on them, they may remember the blessed month even after it has passed.

5. Publish Ramadan information in your neighborhood newsletter

If you are part of a tenants’ association, a group within your housing complex or your neighborhood block parents’ association and they publish a newsletter, inform them about Ramadan and prepare a short write-up about the month. This is a great way of informing many more neighbors about Ramadan.

6. Have a neighborhood Iftar gathering

You don’t have to invite everyone. Perhaps just the closest neighbors can attend this event. Send handmade invitations for an “Iftar gathering” at most a week in advance (avoid the word “party” as it may be misunderstood to mean a gathering including alcohol, loud music, etc.).

Ask about allergies or other food issues before establishing the menu. Include American and “ethnic” food.

Be sure to invite Muslim family and friends who are comfortable interacting with non-Muslims to this event, and brief them about how they should properly share Ramadan with the neighbors.

Also, have some written material on Ramadan available for your guests. You can print out this factsheet and put it on some fancy paper to add to the festive air of the evening.

At the gathering:

Be cordial, generous and friendly, but maintain Islamic rules of behavior and modesty. This should not be a “party” in the common understanding, but more of a religious celebration that is spiritual and respectful to all.

Don’t impose information. Just let non-Muslim guests ask questions, if they want to. As well, be ready for questions about Islam and violence/terrorism, the oppression of women, etc. Give neighbors the benefit of the doubt and clarify their misunderstanding in a calm, gentle manner.

7. Get your kids on it

Tell your kids to inform other neighbors’ kids what Ramadan is all about and have the children invite their classmates to your Iftar gatherings.

8. Talk about what Ramadan means to you

What’s it like to fast? How do you work/go to school and still fast? These are some questions you may be asked. Don’t just point your guests to the pamphlets. Tell them and use some personal examples they can relate to.

Source:islampeace1.wordpress.com

Many people crave for glowing and healthy skin to look younger. But what they do not know is that beauty is skin deep. Only healthy skin can make you look ravishing without needing much makeup on it.

There are plenty of treatments and methods to get radiant skin. Plethora of websites is there to update their users with latest techniques, products and methods to look ravishing all the time. Good skin needs plenty of nourishment and you need to give enough time to establish a good beauty regime including expensive spa treatments.

Late night sleep, avoiding exercise, taking junk foods, using generic skin products, not taking plenty of water are like hazards to get desirable skin. A stunning look of the skin can be achieved and maintained by taking healthy sleep, metabolized exercises, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, using herbal skin products and consuming at least 8 glasses of water daily.

It is obvious that there is no magical pill or it cannot happen overnight. Some of us follow the above suggestions but get tired or bored soon after. It is not easy to maintain a regime or feasible to spend thousands of dollars on the useless skin products and treatments. It is perhaps more difficult with a tight budget, increasing inflation and recession in many countries. So, what you need is the real secret of having healthy and beautiful skin. A good way of getting ravishing skin and beautiful healthy complexion is fasting in Ramadan.

Most of the recoveries are usually faster than normal while fasting. Fasting is way of getting rid of toxins, and allowing the body to prepare itself from the root level on its own risks. Fasting is the best method to replenish and detoxify tired dull looking skin. And, fasting in Ramadan for the sake of pleasing your Allah Subhana Wa Tallah is the most kind act towards your body, heart, soul and of course, the skin.

Fasting has a potential to improve mental abilities. It strengthens and aids in the process of quick weight reduction without slackness. Fasting for Allah Subhana Wa Tallah can keep the nervous system balanced and last but not the least your skin gets benefitted the most.

Fasting is an admirable act that brings happiness to the believers in two ways; first at the time of iftari when he relishes himself with bounties and delectable food items to break his fast. He considers that he has pleased Allah by his good deeds and getting the power to fast and worship him, as others were unprivileged by the countless blessings of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah. The second is when he will meet his Lord on the Day of Judgment or Qyamah he will get compensation and rewards for leaving his food and drink to obey the command of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah.

Dieting is a practice of controlling excessive weight for the overweight person or someone with some kind of disease. Usually crash dieting is not encouraged by most of the practitioners, because of course it is not a way by which one can easily reduce weight. All he is supposed to lose is nutrition, strength and energy. It is commonly seen that a large number of population is on diet, calculating calories in one way or the other. Dieting can be fad or just a healthy trend but it has very less to do with the religion or people hardly get any spiritual benefits and enhancement. Atkins Diet, Grapefruit Diet and many more are just the famous diet names popular in modern circles. Fasting and dieting are two different and opposite things.

Fasting can benefit the person on dieting with added bonus, mental and spiritual strength and deeper connection with the Creator. As far as, dieting is concerned it cannot help the individual more than shedding a few pounds after striving hard for many years. Dieting is only suffering with no reward whereas fasting is a pleasant activity that satisfies the soul and inner being with unconditional and pure obedience of Allah the Almighty.

Fasting is purely a superior form of worship for Muslims, in which they act against their desires in order to gather blessings of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah. Fasting is the way to show admiration, your love and devotion to Allah.  The nature of man is desirous of only the best and better than all that he has. Fasting helps in maintaining the morality and develops patience. His inclination and devotion enables him to follow the orders of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah to become receptive, virtuous and spiritual.