Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that is lunar, based on the cycles of the moon. As such, it does not fall on a fixed date every year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. In the entire Muslim world, Ramadan is regarded as the most consecrated month, holding unique importance. The month of Ramadan is one in which the Holy Quran was revealed as a guidance for mankind. It included the criteria between right and wrong.
During Ramadan, fasting permits Muslims to devote themselves completely to their faith and come closer to Allah. At times, health problems can get in the way of fasting for Ramadan. Devising a strict food menu during the holy month helps in keeping you on the wellness track the entire month. A healthy Ramadan morning routine serves as the starting point for your healthy diet course.
What time does Ramadan start in the morning?
Ramadan or Fasting lasts from early morning till sunset. Ramadan starts early after the adhan of Fajar a few hours before sunrise and it lasts for 16 to 18 hours a day based on the daylight.
Ramadan Presents With No Undue Compulsion
As far as the health issues are concerned, some of these might hinder your Ramadan schedule. Our religion has laid down clear rules that help followers control this situation aptly. If the ailing condition is temporary, the person can make up the fast later. If it is permanent, the believer should give away enough in charity to feed another needy person for each day skipped.
Read Also: 35 Ramadan Facts That Are Important For All Muslims
Fasting Exemption During Ramadan: No Compulsion In Religion
Source: Zakat Foundation of America
Most Muslims describ fasting as a source of joy, community, and spiritual growth. For them, the exemption doesn’t equate with the feeling of freedom from responsibility. It feels more like being relegated. Also, fasting is not an absolute religious requirement. Children generally don’t participate until they attain puberty. Then there are exemptions for people who are rendered unable to fast owing to illness, age or pregnancy, or traveling.
The Spiritual Aspect Of Ramadan
Quite necessarily, there is more to the Islamic holy month than abstaining from eating or drinking. The holy month of Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing virtuous deeds, and spending time with family and friends.
People make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to destitute individuals who need a helping hand. When Ramadan turns into a spiritual matter for a person, missing out on its process of fasting creates an emotional brunt. While others manage to find true solace in its observance.
During Ramadan, the reward for good works is multiplied 70 times. The best way one can follow Ramadan is to act as if they are standing in front of Allah twenty-four hours a day. While doing this, you are trying to hone your relationship and your practice in a real, practical manner.
No More Distractions
Fasting redirects the heart away from distractions. Its sole objective is to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those less fortunate. It gives rise to generosity and charity.
Source: Daily Times
A Healthy Ramadan Morning Routine Ensures Wellness And Wellbeing
The month of Ramadan happens to be a good time to practice punctuality and restrain. The fasting cycle follows a strict schedule, beginning from a pre-dawn Sehri to post-dusk Iftaar.
A Ramadan day in the life of a Muslim begins earlier than most are accustomed to. Muslims are supposed to wake up quite early to consume Sehri (pre-dawn meal) – It is really early morning or rather the very end of the night. In all earnestness, this time is the most valuable of both the day and the night.
Allah Almighty is closest to us during these last moments of the night before dawn. After eating their Sehri, many Muslims try to spend the pre-dawn time offering the Tahajjud prayer. This last third quarter of the night is the perfect time to turn to the Almighty, pouring our hearts out and ask Him to fulfill our needs.
The Time Of Dawn
At the time of dawn, just prior to sunrise, the first of the five daily prayers, Fajr, becomes obligatory to offer. After Fajr prayers, depending on the individual’s schedule, they may sleep for some time until they need to wake up for school or college, or work. They may also engage themselves in Quran recitation until the full sunrise.
Source: The Cook Book
The daylight hours comprise of regular routine activities, but with an enriched awareness of fasting for the sake of Allah. The hunger pangs and thirst due to dehydration turn a lot more significant and worthwhile keeping in view the purpose of fasting.
With the approach of Iftaar time just at the sunset, the last moments of the fasting day are another time when supplication is highly encouraged. It is said to be a time of acceptance by the Almighty Allah. When the Muslims break their fast with a sense of contentment and gratitude, successfully making it through a fasting day.
Ramadan Morning Routine Can Be Tough And Challenging
Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s worship. The spiritual purpose of fasting is the surrender, the submission to a higher authority, which is the Creator. It is time to be patient and yielding and it is an opportunity to carry on a month-long discourse with the Creator. It is essentially quite personal and one-on-one.
Fasting in Ramadan is definitely challenging, and Muslims learn to exhibit much self-control during the month. It is the physical body we are feeding all day. But, by refraining from eating we are paying attention to the pains of acute hunger and thirst. This makes us realize the sufferings of those who never get to break their fast since they are without nourishment all the time.
Source: Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia
You may turn your Ramadan morning routine overflow with opportunities for reward and the pleasure of God. It is the month wherein lives are transformed. It is in this month that many Muslims finally acquire the strength and motivation to refocus their lives on their faith.
If your intention and commitment are strong enough, you move through it as smoothly as silk. And, one thing to remember is the fact that Ramadan fasts are no excuse for not working at all and idling all day.
Read Also: Tips For Ramadan That Ensure A Healthy And Religious Experience
