few health tips in ramadan

8/14/2019 Few Health Tips in RAMADAN

1/12

RAMADHAAN - THE MONTH OF BLESSINGS

Ramadhaan is a month of countless blessings and virtues. The word Ramadhaan isderived from "ramdh' which means "burning of the feet from heat" This is because of thefast, which burns the sins of a Muslim into ashes.

Ramadhaan has been given the name of blessed month because:

1. In this month, the whole Qur'aan was sent down to the first sky from Lawhe Mahfooz.2. In this month, there is the night of Qadr which is better than 1000 months.3. In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the fardh of another month.4. This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah.5. This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others.6. In this month, the daily-bread of Muslims is increased.7. In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness andthe last ten days are of being freed from Hell.


2/12

8. The month of Ramadhaan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah Ta'aladescend upon us continuously.

This month is so precious that one should fast, recite Qur'aan and keep himself engagedin worship (Ibaadah) day night. One should perform Taraaweeh, Nafl Salaat, make du'aa,etc. In this way, by giving preference to religion over self-desires, a person can acquire the

Pleasure and Nearness of Allah. Each day and night of this blessed month can bring thereward of Ibaadah of years.

RAMADHAAN IN THE LIGHT OF AHAADEETH

Ka'b Ibne 'Ujrah radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamsaid, "Come near the pulpit,"and we came near the pulpit. When he ascended the firststep of the pulpit, he said, "Aameen."When he ascended the second step, he said,"Aameen."When he ascended the third step, he said, "Aameen."When he descended, wesaid, "O Prophet of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, we have heard from you todaysomething which we never heard before."He said, "When I ascended the first step,

jibra'eel appeared before me and said, 'Woe to him who found the blessed month ofRamadhaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness.'Upon that I said: Aameen.

When I ascended the second step, he said, 'Woe to him before whom your name ismentioned and he does not read Durood (Salaat) on you. 'I replied: Aameen. When Iascended the third step he said, 'Woe to him in whose presence his parents or either oneof them attains old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enterParadise.' I said: Aameen." (Bukhaari)

Salmaan radhiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said,"Ramadhaan is a blessed month. In this month is a night better than a 1000 months.Fasting has been made compulsory and Taraaweeh Sunnah. Whosoever tries drawingnearer to Allah by performing any virtuous deed in this month, for him shall be suchreward as if he had performed a 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. And whoever

performs a 'Fardh' for him shall be the reward of seventy 'Fardh' in any other time of theyear. This is indeed the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise; it is

the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen; this is the month wherein a true believer'sRizq is increased."Bayhaqi

In this month the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of hell are closed. And theShayaateen are chained. Bukhaari, Muslim

This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah's Mercy, the middle of which brings Hisforgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from the fire of Hell. Bayhaqi

During each day and night of this month, Allah sets free a great number of souls from Hell.And for every Muslim during each day and night, at least one prayer is certainly accepted.(Bazzaa)r

In this month, the Ummah of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam are given these thingsspecially.

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more sweeter in the sight of Allah thanthe fragrant smell of musk.2. On their behalf the fish in the sea seek forgiveness until they break their fast.3. For them, paradise is decorated everyday.4. For them, the evil minded shaytaan is chained.5. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven.


3/12

THINGS TO DO IN THIS MONTH

Four things have been instructed in the Hadeeth which one should continue to practice inabundance:

1. Recite the Kalimah Tayyibah.

2. Make Istighfaar.3. Ask for Jannah.4. Seek refuge in Allah from Hell.

In this month one should fast, perform all Salaat with congregation, engage in recitation ofthe Qur'aan, perform Taraaweeh, give charity and do whatever is possible to acquire thePleasure of Allah. One should make sure that he does not do anything contrary to theCommand of Allah and the teachings of His beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

FASTING

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made fasting compulsory. It is one of the five pillars of Islaam.

Just like the flower which outsmarts other flowers in its smell and colour, and like the fruitwhich surpasses the other fruits in its taste, the Ibaadah of fasting outweighs the otherforms of devotions in reward. A person gives up everything whilst fasting, only to pleasehis Almighty Creator. It is one of the most accepted forms of Ibaadah, because AllahHimself will give the reward for fasting.

SEHRI

Allah and His Angels send Mercy upon those who eat Sehri. Allah has made Sehri full ofmercy and blessings. People of other religions also fast, but they do not eat Sehri,therefore, to differ from them, it is advisable to have at least a sip of water with theintention of Sehri

IFTAAR

Many virtues have been narrated for those who feed others when breaking fast. A personwho feeds another who fasted in order to break the fast (at sunset), for him there shall beforgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Hell. Allah grants the same reward to himwho gives a fasting person a mere date or a drink of water to break his fast.

TARAWEEH

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made w0 Rak'at Taraaweeh Sunnah. It is also Sunnah tocomplete the full Qur'aan in Taraaweeh. Taraaweeh is Sunnah for women too.

LAYLATUL QADR

This is a night of great blessings. It is better than a thousand months. The people of thepast had very long lives compared to the much shorter lives of this Ummah. If this Ummahthen wished to compete with them in doing of the good deeds, it would mean that becauseof the shorter lives it would be impossible for this Ummah to either emulate or surpassthem. For this reason, Allah in His Infinite Mercy granted this Ummah, this night of greatblessing. This night has great virtues i.e.


4/12

1. The Qur'aan was revealed in this night.2. The reward of worship in this night is better than the reward of 1,000 months.3. On this night, Jibraeel descends to the earth with a group of angels, reciting salaam andpraying for the blessings for those they see in Worship and Praises Allah.4. This is a night of peace. The blessings and mercy descends right until the break of day.

The author of Mazahir-e-Haqq states the following significance and virtues of thisauspicious night:

* On this night, the angles were created.* On this night, the matter from which Adam alayhis salaam was created had beencollected.* On this night, Jannah and Jahannan were created.* On this night, 'Eesaa alayhis salaam was raised up bodily into the heavens.* On this night, the repentance of Banoo Israa'eel was accepted.* It is stated in a Hadeeth: "Whosoever stands in Ibaadah on this night with sincere faithand with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." Bukhaari,Muslim

WHICH NIGHT IS LAYLATUL QADR

There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulamaa about this night. According to thevast majority of them, the Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd dates of the last ten days of themonth of Ramadhaan - i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. However, one should strive to search for thisgreat night in all nights of the month of Ramadhaan, particularly in the last ten nights.

I'TIKAAF

It was the general practice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to perform I'tikaaf inthe last ten days of Ramadhaan. The women should also try to perform I'tikaaf in theirhomes. It is stated in a Hadeeth: Whoever performs I'tikaaf in the final ten days of

Ramadhaan, for him is the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

Moulana Muhammad Uthmaan Ghani

Ramadhaan 1420

SOME HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR RAMADHAAN

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encounteredin Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully thespiritual benefits of Ramadhan.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normaldiet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain ournormal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is anideal time to normalise one's weight.


5/12

In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods includingfibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.

Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat,oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called

complex carbohydrates).Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refinedcarbohydrates).

Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains andseeds, 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 areunhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weightproblems.

AVOID

Fried and fatty foods.Foods containing too much sugar.

Over-eating especially at sehri.

Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuablemineral salts that your body would need during the day.

Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting afew weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop

completely.

EAT

Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you lesshungry.

Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and

magnesium.

Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

DRINK

As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your

body may adjust fluid levels in time.

CONSTIPATION

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

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


6/12

Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brownflour 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 gettingup 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 readingwhen symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medicationadjusted 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. Whenassociated 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. Reorganise your schedule during theRamadan 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 oflow blood sugar.

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

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

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

MUSCLE CRAMPS


7/12

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

Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meatand 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 thethroat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.

Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven pepticulcers 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 isessential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

JOINT PAINS

Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the kneejoints 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 thelower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being

physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah withease.

Dr. Farouk HaffejeeIslamic Medical Association of South Africa - Durban

Ramadhaan 1419

WHY FAST?

It has been related from Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallaahu Anhu), he says that Rasulullah(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Whomsoever fasts during the month of Ramadaanout of deep sincere faith, with hope for an abundant reward from Allah, all his past sinswill be forgiven, and he who passes his nights in devotions out of deep sincere faith, withhope for an abundant reward from Allah, and also he who keeps awake on the sacrednight (Laylatul Qadr) their previous sins will be forgiven."

IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVE AND NIYYAT


8/12

Everybody knows that a voluntary murder is abhorred by all civilisations and that allreligions condemn such a murderer to Hell, whereas the innocent victim in question, themartyr merits Jannat. Everybody also knows that the defence of a rightful cause (againstan aggressor) is a duty: and the one who kills an aggressor is considered to be a hero whomerits all the rewards in this world and the hereafter. Is not the difference between thesetwo killings of merely the intention? Similarly if one abstains from eating and drinking onlyon the prescription of a doctor, will he not be doing the same act as the one who gives upeating and drinking in compliance with the command, and for the sake of Allah? Allah isour Creator, Lawgiver who is going to revive us after death and to demand accounts of ouractions in the present world. Whoever will have obeyed Him, shall obtain His pleasure,even if we have not understood the underlying secrets of His commandments. The fastingenjoined by a religion, by a revealed law must entail Divine pleasure if we accomplish it.And what spiritual and worldly benefit can be greater than the eternal pleasure of ourLord? Material motives should not be allowed to mar the purity of the intention. Let ourfast be wholly and solely for the pleasure, and in compliance with the commands of Allah.Hence the celebrated saying of Rasuluilah SAW. "Indeed acts are judged according totheir intentions."

SPIRITUAL ASPECTS

Shah Waliullah Dehlavi, a predominant personality of the 18th century, a great scholar andalso a great saint, respected on all hands, In his celebrated work "Hujjatullah ul Baalighah"has made some penetrating remarks on the spiritual aspects of fasting:-

"Since the excess of animality hinders the emergence of angelic aspects, it was necessarythat one should try and dominate one's animality. Since the excess of animality and theaccumulation and abundance of its stratas have their origin in food, drink and indulgencein carnal pleasures, a fast accomplishes what abundant food cannot. Therefore themethod of dominating the animality is the diminishing of causes (of the excess ofanimality). That is why there is a uninamity among all those who desire the emergence ofthe angelic aspect in man as to diminish and reduce these. (eating, drinking etc.) There isno difference among the peoples of the world in spite of the difference of their religions

and the distance between their respective countries. Moreover the ultimate goal is that theanimality of man should become submissive to mans angelic side, so that the animalityacts according to the inspirations and dictates his angelism, take colour from its colour,and his algelism prevents his animality from taking mean and lowly colours and gettingabject impressions-like a wax getting the impression of a seal. To attain this, there is nomethod other than this. The angelic side of man should select something according to itsown exigencies and should inspire and suggest this to the animal side of man; and thatthe animality should submit to this inspiration, not, act obstinately or rebel against it.Angelism should continue again and again to inspire its exigencies to the animality, andthe animality should continue to submit to these exigencies, so that it becomesaccustomed to them and proficient in them "

MATERIAL ASPECTS

Students learn for several months continuously, then they get a vacation. Employees workfor six days a week, the seventh day being a holiday for leisure and rest. Men exert mentaland physical energy the whole day, where after the repose of sleep renovates theirfaculties for the next day. Even machines and tools require relaxation, and we observe thisfor motor cars, aeroplanes, locomotives, etc. Is it therefore not reasonable to think that thestomach and the digestive organs also require rest? In fact modern medicine has alsoreached the same conclusion, and a large number of doctors in Europe, America, etc.prescribe, for various chronic diseases, forced hunger and thirst for longer or shorter


9/12

periods according to the exigencies of the sickness and the physical capacities of the sickperson.

They have also found various glands that secrete certain acidities in the stomach onaccount of hunger and thirst, and that these acidities kill many a germ which producedifferent diseases. Statistics have also shown that several digestive and other diseases

are less abundant among people who have the habit of fasting every year.

We know that man requires a change of climate, air and water from time to time. Doctorssend the person recovering from sickness for convalescence to a place other than hishabitual living place. The more fortunate pass a time for vacation outside their home. Inother words, it is necessary to change the normal habits from time to time. This is also akind of rest. We see, for instance, that cultivators use their fields alternatively and give"rest" to the ground also. Continuity being harmful, Islam has forbidden the fasting duringthe whole year, even for those who want spiritual benefits thereby. Experience has alsoshown that if one fasts for ever, it becomes a habit, a second nature and therefore such aperson does not profit by it as does the one who fasts with intervals. In fact, if one fastsfor more than forty days consecutively, it becomes a habit; and if one fasts for less than amonth, it has not much effect.

Those who fast on medical prescription or even under compulsion - as a discipline orsuch - do get the material benefits inherent in fasting; but there being no intention of aspiritual search, they do not benefit thereby spiritually. Muslims fast with the intention ofcomplying with the order of Allah. They therefore have a piety and its reward; and at thesame time they do not loose the physical and material benefits of the fasting. Fromwhichever point of view one may study the Muslim way of fasting, it compares favourablywith its counterparts in other civilisations.

By Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah

Waterval Islamic Institute

A FEW IMPORTANT DIRECTIVES FOR THEMONTH OF RAMADHAANUL MUBAARAK

By the Late Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Badre Aalam

I write these few important words to Muslims generally and especially to my associates, bethey menfolk or womenfolk. The Mubarak fasting month of Ramadaan comes but once ayear, and this is a month bestowed with a lot of Barakat. One of its special qualities is thatif this time is spent in righteous devotion then the Barakat of this month will remain for thefull year, and if this time is unfortunately wasted negligently then no Barakat will remainuntil the next Ramadaan. Because of this it is urgent that all my Muslim brothers andassociates should make a programme for the month of Ramadaan in which, according toinclination and opportunity, they set aside a special time for devotion in this month.

1.When one awakes for Sehri, and by eating prepares forthe following day, similarly should it be considered

necessary to prepare spiritually for the same period, bymaking at least 8 rakats or the full 12 rakats of Tahajjud,

and if there is time, by sincerely reciting Tasbeeh(Subhanallah), Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Tahmeed


10/12

(Alhamdulillah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Istighfaar(Astaghfirullah). In the same way these 5 praises should

not be forgotten after each of the 5 Fard Salaats. Thisshould in earnestness, be the daily schedule. In the

second ten days devotion should be increased, and in the

last ten days of Ramadaan-ul-Mubarak, in search ofLaylatul Qadr, devotions should be further intensified. For

obtaining this Sawaab, if possible, the whole night or

most of the night should be spent in Tilaawat (recital ofQuraan) and repeating of Kalima Tayyeba, Kalima Tamjid,

Kalima Tawheed, Istighfaar, Towba and performing Salaatetc. During this time there is no objection in taking food

and drink or discussing religious matters to assist instaying awake, but it should be borne in mind that bystaying awake, the Fajr Salaat should not be jeopardised.

For these devotions, sacrifices have to be made; forinstance to stay awake one should eat less. To eat one has

the remaining eleven months. Hadhrat Anas RA. relates:"Once with the approach of Ramadaan Rasulullah

(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said. 'On you has comesuch a month in which there is a night which is superior

to one thousand months. That unfortunate person whohas missed this night has deprived himself of all good and

only that person is excluded from the bounty of this nightwho is in fact very unfortunate"'. In many Ahadeeth,

mention has been made about the auspiciousness of this

night.2.During this month of Barakat Kalima Tayyeba, Durood and

Istighfaar should frequently be read even whilst sitting,

walking etc. This month is important for the Tilaawat ofQuraan, for it was revealed in this month. It is our duty toread Durood on Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)

and this should be read and repeated as many times aspracticable.

3.Fasting during this month is just as obligatory as the fiveFard Salaats. No Muslim should be lax with his Sawm and

should be more mindful of his five Fard Salaats than atother times. More attention must be given to Tahaarat

(Paaki), Jama'at and modesty in this month. To neglectthe Sawm and make Salaat is as sinful as to observe fast

and be careless with ones Fard Salaat.4.In this Mubarak month it is more important to stay away

from evil than to do good deeds. As much as possible oneshould endeavour to save the eyes, ears, tongue, heart


11/12

and all parts of the body from the slightest sin. Oneshould especially refrain from slander and harmful talk.

Kindness, good manners and the remembrances of Allahare the ornaments of this month of Barakat, and these

should not be destroyed by vulgarity and bad manners.

5.This is the month in which sympathy should be shown tothe needy and poor. Therefore one should give as much as

can be afforded in Sadaqa, Khayrat, Iftari, Sehri etc., and

preparation should be made for the Hereafter. It is statedin the Hadeeth that anyone who provides a fasting person

with Iftari, it will assist him in having his sins forgiven,save him from the fire, and he will receive as much

reward (Sawaab) as the person who has fasted. Whengiving charity. It must be clearly borne in mind that onesNiyyat should be free of attaining fame and publicity, for

this will nullify the reward. 'A good way of making charityis to send some money at the end of every ten days with

the niyyat of Sawab to the homes of the poor and needy(those who do not go out to beg). In this way one could

sympathise with them.6.Especially on the night of Eid, staying awake, being aware

of its importance, and knowing that it is the end of theMubarak month, one should ask for whatever one wants

and seek forgiveness for ones sins. Similarly on Eid daymake Miswaak, change into clean clothes and use Itr. All

this should be done with the Niyyat of observing Sunnat

and not in imitation of other unbelieving people. Ifunfortunately on this Islamic occasion one takes part incinema shows and places of evil, then it so much

resembles the ways of the unbelievers that it is difficult tocall it an Islamic festival. Therefore people who regularlydo these undesirable things during the year should refrain

from these acts, so that non-Muslims can see thedifference between the Eid of Muslims and the festivals of

non-Muslims. The happiness of Muslims on this day shouldbe because of the completion of the important Ibaadat of

Roza. Contrary to this on Eid day Muslims are indulging inall sorts of unlawful activities. How wonderful will it be if

Muslims could show other nations what a true Islamic Eidshould be.

Note:- With regard to Ramadaan, Sheikh-ul-Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Sahebof Mazahirul Uloom, Saharanpur, India has written a book entitled 'Faza'le Ramadaan'(Virtues of Ramadaan) in which he has selected Ahadeeth with translation and


12/12

commentary. It is important to obtain and read or listen to it as opportunity allows, so thatit includes a yearning for devotion during this Mubarak month.

It is my sincere Duaa that Allah make this Mubarak month bountiful for allMuslims and especially for my associates and bless them to obtain asmuch of its Barakat as possible and guide them according to the Sunnatand His wishes. I appeal to all gracious readers and all my associates toinclude me in their Isaale Sawaab and Duaas.

Waterval Islamic Institute

Ramadhaan 1419

few health tips in ramadan

Documents