I don't want to keep lying about my fasts. Ramadan should be a happy time not a stressful one. What should I do?
Answer
Salam alaikom wa rahamtullah wa barakatuhu,
Thank you for sharing your concern related to fasting this Ramadan.
You explain in your letter that as a track athlete with almost every – day training, and due to the hard work, you are not able to keep your fast.
At the same time, you do not want to keep lying about your missed fasting days.
Sister, I understand your situation. It seems that you have steadfastness and perseverance to work for a goal that is important to you, in this case being an athlete.
Doing regular sports and exercise at your age is so beneficial, as it definitely has positive effects on your physical and psychological well-being.
I encourage you to keep up habits, like regular exercise and training that helps maintain your health.
I am sure that you are doing well as an athlete, and you gain energy and motivation from successfully completing your daily standards, and seeing your gradual improvement.
Who is Behind Our Results?
However, being a Muslim also put obligations upon us.
Everything that Allah has prescribed for us has multiple benefits on our well-being and physical health.
First of all, our body and physical health is amanah – trust- from Allah, so we have to make sure that we maintain our health according to our best abilities.
Alhamdulillah, by doing sports you are keeping your body healthy!
But I would like to remind you, that all abilities, talents we possess are gifts from Allah; just like the results and worldly prizes we gain by the permission and will of Him.
Allah is Al – Wahhab – the Giver of Gifts, so He deserves our praise and gratefulness for every single good result and achievement we get by His permission and His mercy.
I encourage you to reflect upon your good results and your motivation from this perspective.
In Sha Allah you might realize that the first and most important thing is to fulfill your obligations towards Allah and to be constantly aware of Him and His Mercy for all blessings you have in your life.
He is also All – Aware, so there is no need to lie about your fasting, because the reward will not come from your parents, but from Him alone.
You might avoid conflict at home but what about Allah, who knows everything?
Ramadan is a great reminder each year to develop this awareness – taqwa by fasting and worshiping Him.
So, I would like you to emphasize that Ramadan – and generally your ibadah – should have priority in your life, whether we are talking about studies, work or sports, whatever.
Inspiring Muslim Athletes
In social media and in the news we each year see well-known and professional football players, athletes who publicly announce that they are fasting in Ramadan and sometimes they break their fast in the middle of the competition, at maghrib time.
They openly express their pride for being Muslims, and they pray and give thanks to Allah for each goal during the game.
I encourage you to search for these images, and find motivation in their success and example. Check this article for inspiration.
I would give you some practical tips to make the best out of this situation in sha Allah.
I understand that this is the first Ramadan that you are an athlete, so you are just gaining experience on how to balance fasting with daily routine and sports.
Surely, in the beginning it could be difficult to adapt your standard to this month that indeed tests all of us, because we eat and drink less, sleep less, yet still have to maintain and accomplish our daily tasks.
Set Realistic Expectations
First, I would advise you that while setting your standard goals as an athlete, make your plans keeping in mind the challenges of this month.
Of course, you can easily feel frustrated if you do not consider this shift.
Even your frustration would be double: for not achieving your goals as usual, and for not keeping your fast.
Yes, you might not be as energetic as outside Ramadan, but you do not have to be!
Lower your training expectations for this month: you do not need to stop completely, but maybe this month is not about making the best tracking results ever.
Try to set realistic goals, and think about Ramadan as a month of maintenance and preparation for greater achievements after it is over.
Graduality and Good Timing
Try to increase your goals gradually during this month: each day you can do a little bit more towards your previous standard.
Also, you might need to modify your training times: right before Maghrib, or after iftar for the intensive exercise.
For the rest of the day leave the rather lighter, less energy consuming training, stretching, etc.
Take Care of Your Diet During Iftar and Suhoor
Make sure that you adjust your diet for this month.
Probably, as an athlete you take care of your energy intake and diet during the rest of the year as well.
However, you might need to consider more hydration during the evening hours: make sure to drink a lot of liquids containing vitamins, minerals.
Better not to drink a lot at once; try each 20 -30 min a big glass of liquid: soup, shakes, energy drinks.
You can take some extra vitamins at suhoor that might keep your energy up during the day.
Also, your meals would need to contain sufficient proteins and carbohydrates. You can also use food supplements designed for athletes.
Here is an article with more precise recommendations for fasting athletes.
InSha Allah with adjusting your schedule and standard, and with the right expectations you will feel less challenged during your training.
And being conscious of Allah and His control over everything you might realize that there is no need to worry about your results, just need to be thankful for each and every achievement.
Keep up the good work sister, I wish you success from my heart!
Ramadan Mubarak!
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