Let’s be honest. Fasting can be and feel extremely annoying.
Even though, as Muslims, we try to focus on the immense blessings Ramadan has to offer, the truth of the matter is that we are also highly self-indulgent.
Throughout our normal days, we are consuming foods and beverages at any given opportunity. So, fasting all day, every day of Ramadan, is far from normal and certainly can be uncomfortable.
Not being able to eat or drink anything the entire day is a frustratingly annoying test of patience with symptoms that can include: headache, stomach ache, bad breath, dry lips, tiredness, and an inability to concentrate.
Some people, particularly those who are accustomed to having their morning tea or coffee – and those who smoke cigarettes – can even experience changes in their personality, making them a bit short-tempered; I’m sure you have an idea of what I am talking about.
But experiencing negative symptoms of fasting is not Ramadan’s fault per se.
Health First
We are obligated to take responsibility for our health.
It is crucial to consult with your doctor when contemplating or preparing for any period of fasting, particularly if you are on any medications.
Further, the Qu’ran provides a remedy for those who may be restricted from fasting due to health reasons or travel. Allah the Almighty, Most Merciful, says (interpretation of the meaning),
“During the month of Ramadan the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong).
So those of you who live to see that month should fast it, and whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead.
Allah wants ease and not hardship for you so that you may complete the number of days required, magnify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him.”
(Qu’ran 2:185)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says,
“…be moderate in your religious deeds and do what is within your ability.” [Bukhari]
Fasting Tips – And More Tips!
There are plenty of tips on how to fast properly and safely (minimizing some of the common side effects) and to feel energized in Ramadan.
As discussed, although fasting in Ramadan is prescribed, it is not to be taken lightly, particularly where our health is concerned.
While being mindful of our physical health while fasting in Ramadan, perhaps some of the tips below may be helpful in striking a balance between fasting and scheduling time to read the Qu’ran, perform good deeds, participate in the taraweeh prayers, and make lots of duas to supplement our spiritual health.
Here are my top five tips, based on personal experience (good and bad) and lots of experimentation over the 11 years I have passed through Ramadan as a revert Muslim:
Drink Plenty of Water
Take seriously drinking at least 1.5 – 2 liters (approx. 8 glasses) of pure water. If you exercise, you will need to drink more, but do not drink it all at once.
Drink it throughout the night. This is more important than eating because humans can survive quite a long time without food but only a few days without water.
Don’t Forget Your Vegetables
Eat a plentiful variety of vegetables between iftar and suhoor for optimal energy levels. Your power isn’t going to come from the fried stuff, the pastas, the chicken with rice, and definitely not the sweets.
Limit Sugar Intake
If you really need to use sugar, then at least substitute it with Eritrit, Stavia, or something less dangerous than white sugar.
If you crave sweets, eat fruits. Dates and bananas are quite sweet and a better choice over kunafa, baklawa, or any other traditional temptation.
Just remember: moderation in everything.
Avoid Binge Eating
Have mercy on your fast-shrunken stomach when it’s time for iftar; don’t binge-fill yourself all at once, even if it feels like you’re starving.
Eat small portions, drink plenty of fluids, and wait a bit for your stomach to digest what you’ve consumed.
You will find yourself feeling full vs. bloated and ready to crash-out on the nearest sofa, topping off everything with tea or coffee, sweets, and TV, and falling into the trap of laziness that causes far too many Muslims to end up missing the Maghrib prayer and/or the Taraweeh prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately…Always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of paradise).” [Bukhari]
Exercise
Don’t neglect your exercise. Lending a helping hand in cleaning up the post-iftar disaster counts as exercise! Ask any woman in the house!
Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was asked,
“What did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it.” [Bukhari]
After pitching-in, get some fresh air; take a short walk outside after iftar (you never know what opportunity may appear for a good deed!), or even do some light cardio and strengthening at home. You will feel much more energized.
Bonus Tips for Ramadan
Finish eating suhoor at least 30 minutes before fajr.
Try some natural yogurt with muzli and/or fruits, or a piece of whole grain bread with cheese and salad. Whatever healthy menu you opt for, just remember: keep it light.
After eating, drink water or a tasty smoothie.
If you want to sleep well, skip the fava beans or anything else ‘heavy’. Eating properly is essential, but our bodies have a right over us in more than one way, so do not underestimate the importance of sleep.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says,
“…Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you…” [Bukhari]
It’s a Wrap
You might walk away from reading these tips thinking, “Pfff…not for me!”
But if you are already passing the days of Ramadan feeling tired and annoyed instead of energized, remember this: it’s not because of fasting.
It’s because of bad habits and what you ate prior to and after fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately…Always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of paradise).” [Bukhari]
May Allah the Almighty grant you and your families a happy and blessed Ramadan filled with spiritual growth infused by a healthier lifestyle, and may you pass through it safely.
This article is from our archives.