ramadan

By Saima Iqbal

As the fourth pillar of Islam fasting is mostly observed during the month of Ramadan. Although technically you can fast at various other times of the year too, the month of Ramadan is the most well known for it. Fasting is a means of abstaining from not only food and drink but also putting in more effort in following the teachings of Islam.

As well as the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are also many other benefits that can be gained from fasting.

Question

The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to achieve Taqwa, i.e. to become God-fearing and pious etc. But I fast year in, year out and see no change… especially when Ramadan is over! So what can I do to help become and remain a God-fearing and pious person?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

By Sara Salim and Imaani Aslam

Jameela: As’salaam alaikum Sis. How you doin’?

Aliyah: Alright Jameela, where you at?

Jameela: Er… I’m good Alhamdulillah. What you been up to?

Aliyah: Not much, not much. Listen yeah, Ramadan’s starting soon innit?!

Jameela: Yep Sis, I can’t wait!!

You Mean You Can’t Eat ANYTHING? Not even drink water? Isn’t that like bad for you?”

Yep, when Muslims fast for the 30 days in the month of Ramadan from dawn till dusk they can’t eat or drink anything throughout Ramadan.

Fasting is not bad for your health, even Celebs occasionally fast (they call it “detox”), abstaining from food and drink cleans out your insides, gives your digestive system a rest and causes harmful chemicals to be flushed out of your system.(1)

30 whole days?! You’d die!

Find Out how you REALLY spend Ramadan and what kind of muslim you are:

1-The moon has been sighted, Ramadan has officially begun- How do you feel?

A-Excited! You can’t wait to keep your first fast. You intend to derive the most out of Ramadan this year.
B-You get irritated at the thought of waking up for Sehri but look forward to keeping your first fast.
C-You feel depressed-This is gonna be a loooooooong month. You can’t do jack in Ramadan.

2-Mums waking you up for Sehri-Do you…