This week Muslims all over the world enter a very noble month. This month all Muslims are required to fast. Al-Baqara in verse 183 has explained that said:
يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْکُمُ الصِّيَا مُ کَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ ۙ
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous"
Al-Baqara 2 verse 183
Regarding that verse, we should carry out this fast with full of joy and happiness. It can be said that Ramadan is totally different from other months. In this holy month, every breath we take is worthy of multiple worships.
Withholding hunger and thirst, refraining our lust and anger will be replaced by God with forgiveness and reward.
Here are 11 things you never knew possible during Ramadan.
Visit our Ramadan 2024 page for more Ramadan and Eid content!
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Fasting throughout the month may help in producing positive health benefits. Short bursts of fasting can release endorphins that will boost mental well-being if done correctly. A report by the NHS mentioned, “A detoxification process also occurs because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body".
When one is fasting, he or she will make a conscious effort to abstain from lying, gossiping or fighting with the people around him or her. Avoiding these acts will In Shaa Allah make you feel better about yourself.
Scientifically, fasting increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor or rather known as BDNF. According to Medium, an online magazine, BDNF is a type of protein found in the brain and elsewhere in the body that "protects neurons by strengthening resistance to damage, and it encourages the growth of new neurons." Typically, low levels of BDNF are linked to Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.
Hence, fasting is believed to help reduce the possibility of such health issues.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,
“Whoever stands (in voluntary night prayer) during Ramadan, with faith and in expectancy of reward, his previous sins are forgiven him.”
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Read 4 pages after each fardhu prayer every single day and you can finish reading the entire Quran in a month.
Iftar during Ramadan is a great opportunity to get in contact with your old Muslim friends and catch up on all the things that have happened in each of your lives. What's more, you can spend even more time with your friends by performing Taraweeh together, after eating. This will become a memory that you will treasure forever because friends who pray together will stay together InshaAllah.
Make the effort to eat the foods that the Prophet likes to eat. Some examples are honey, melons and dates are Nabi Muhammad's favorite foods. Eating them will receive rewards from Allah S.W.T In Shaa Allah.
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Nabi Muhammad SAW said:
"Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity".
Allah promises us that if we try our best to give in times of ease and hardship, In Shaa Allah our sustenance will increase. Giving indirectly awakens our soul and triggers concern for other people. Priority is given to feeding the poor and the needy, as that is one of the best acts in Islam.
Let's avoid feasting during iftar and break our fast wisely with foods that are full of nutrients and are filling for the tummy. It's always best to keep things simple. This means to eat foods that are grown or raised in a field rather than processed food.
You don't have to exert yourself to work out during Ramadan. Simply take a walk to the masjid for your prayers. Although this may seem simple, taking a walk every day or night will definitely be able to keep your metabolism running.
Did you know that fasting increases brain cells?
With this, one would be able to think clearly and take a conscious effort to improve on his or her spiritual well-being. Use fasting as an opportunity to eliminate bad habits and addictions. Use this time to rejuvenate and start afresh. Fasting enables your body to catch up on proper digestion. Take this opportunity to hit the pause button and put yourself back on track.
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Fasting helps you feel 'light'. Usually, one would feel heavy or lethargic after a meal. Fasting helps to give that boost of energy by converting energy from fats. Hence, boosting our natural energy levels.
