Fasting is simple. There are only a few rules and regulations to practice:
First Rule
The person must intend to fast before the start time for the Morning Prayer. Intention is in the heart and so one should not say anything in particular. The Messenger said, "He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr (Morning Prayer), then there is no fast for him."
Second Rule
If a person eats or drinks out of mistake and did not know it is Ramadan, then he should stop eating or drinking anymore and complete his fast for the rest of the day. Some scholars disagree with this and say that fasting later after Ramadan should make up this particular day. It seems the best opinion is that there is no need to make it up, but we must not argue about this.
Another point is that many people think brushing one's teeth, washing the nose or mouth, giving blood or taking an injection, which does not provide nourishment, using the inhaler for those who suffer from asthma, pouring water on the head or taking a bath may break or affect the fast. This is not true. As long as food or water does not enter the throat then it is OK. A person who is a traveller, ill, very old, pregnant or breast-feeding does not have to fast but can make up the days later. A woman in her menstruation must not fast but make up the days later.
Third Rule
All eating and drinking must stop immediately at start of Morning Prayer time. The Quran and the Sunnah clearly teaches how to tell when to stop eating. As soon as the reddish whiteness spread sideways in the horizon then it is the true start of Fajr time. It is not when you can see the very first sign of whiteness in the horizon that rises upwards.
But remember though, if you are in the process of drinking and the call to prayer is given, then finish drinking before putting it down!
In this age a lot of people rely upon timetables and astronomy. These can be used to help make things easier but not to replace the way taught in the revelation. The method in the revelation is natural and easier because it directs us to use our eyes and look. If we are mistaken then there is no problem. Also, this method frees us from becoming strict with precise timings leading to quarrelling with one another. If you cannot get a time table or it is difficult to find out by looking at the sky for any reason, then a suitable way is to find out from a newspaper the Greenwich sunrise time and then work out something suitable. The start time for fasting could be an hour to an hour and a half earlier than the sunrise time for the day.
Fourth Rule
The person must break his fast directly after sunset. He should not delay it as some people do just to make sure the sun has really gone down. As soon as the disc of the sun disappears then fasting should be broken. It is possible that at that time it is still quite bright outside, but this does not matter at all.
What is the best way to break the fast?
Well, it is reported that the Messenger used to break the fast with fresh dates before praying, if not with fresh dates then with older dates, and if not with older dates then with some mouthfuls of water.
What do we say when we break the fast?
The best supplication (du'a) that is reported from the Messenger that he used to say when breaking the fast is: Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills. (Dhahabadh dhama'u wabtaallatil 'urooqu wa thabatal ajru inshaa Allah) It is very good to feed others so that they break the fast with your food. The Messenger said that for every person whom we help in breaking the fast by feeding them, it would be like as if we did their fasts too.
Fifth Rule
The person should try his best to take a meal before starting to fast. This meal is called suhoor. The Messenger spoke of its blessings and how it is a true characteristic of fasting in Islam. In one of the sayings of the Messenger he said,"The suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just take a (gulp) of water, since Allah sends mercy and His Angels seek forgiveness for those who take the suhoor."
It is better to delay the suhoor until just before the Fajr prayer according to the way of the Messenger. The ideal way is to finish eating before the Fajr prayer so that there is time to read up to 50 verses from the Quran.
Sixth Rule
It is very important to behave well when fasting. One should try his utmost not to lie, argue, or use bad language. Here are two sayings of the Messenger:
1. Whoever does not give up falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty the Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and his drink.
2. Fasting is not (merely giving up) from eating and drinking, rather it is (keeping away) from ignorant and indecent talk. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say, "I am fasting, I am fasting."
Seventh Rule
The following things definitely cancels the fast:
1. Eating and drinking deliberately
2. Vomiting intentionally
3. Menstruation
4. Injections containing nourishment
5. Sexual intercourse or deliberate ejaculation
Wallahualam.
Showing posts with label ramadhan tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ramadhan tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Taraweeh prayer.
Question:
Does the Tarawih Prayer substitute for two rak`ahs of
sunnah following the `Isha' Prayer?
If it does not, when should the two rak`ahs of sunnah be
performed?
What is the time of the Tarawih Prayer?
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
The true opinion states that the Tarawih Prayer is not valid before the `Isha' Prayer. There is no disagreement among the jurists that the Tarawih Prayer is valid after the `Isha' Prayer; however, it is better that Muslims pray the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' before the Tarawih Prayer. Muslims should not neglect the sunnah Prayer after `Isha', as it is sunnah mu`akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) and the Tarawih Prayer does not substitute for it.
If the people of a certain mosque are not used to giving time for the people to pray these two rak`ahs, they should be kindly advised to follow the Sunnah. If they refuse, there is no need for dissension. The sunnah Prayer can be performed after the Tarawih Prayer, or one can perform the first two rak`ahs of the Tarawih Prayer with the intention to perform the sunnah Prayer of `Isha', and then complete the Tarawih Prayer.
Muslims should observe the two rak`ahs of sunnah after `Isha', as Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), narrated that she heard him say, "If any Muslim servant (of Allah) prays for the sake of Allah twelve rak`ahs (sunnah prayers) every day, over and above the obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise, or a house will be built for him in Paradise" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I have not abandoned observing them after (hearing it from the Messenger of Allah)."
It is stated in the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia of Fiqh that the majority of the jurists assert that the Tarawih Prayer is sunnah mu`akkadah and it should be performed after the `Isha' Prayer. The Tarawih Prayer is considered a sunnah Prayer, as it is performed after the obligatory Prayer. Its time starts after performing the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' and ends shortly before Fajr, to leave time to pray the Witr Prayer. It is preferable not to delay it, if one will miss the prayer in congregation.
Moreover, the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia mentioned the madhhabs of the scholars as follows:
The majority of the scholars hold the opinion that the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer until the Fajr [Prayer], before performing the Witr Prayer, as the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to pray it during this time. If a Muslim prays it after the Maghrib Prayer and before the `Isha' Prayer, the majority of jurists and many Hanafis hold the opinion that it does not replace the Tarawih Prayer and the Malikis say that it is a nafl (supererogatory) Prayer. However, some Hanafis say that it is valid, as all the night—before and after `Isha'—until Fajr is a time for the Tarawih Prayer. The Hanbalis say that it is invalid because it is performed after an obligatory Prayer, i.e., the `Isha'; hence, it is invalid before the `Isha' Prayer, just as is the sunnah Prayer following `Isha'. Also, they say that the Tarawih Prayer is performed after the two rak`ahs of sunnah Prayer after the `Isha'. Al-Majd, one of the Hanbali jurists, says, "As it is disliked to delay the Sunnah prayer of the `Isha' to be performed after the chosen time of the `Isha', it is more suitable to perform the Tarawih prayer following the Sunnah of the `Isha'."
If one performed it (i.e. the Tarawih) after the `Isha' Prayer and the Witr Prayer, many of the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is sufficient. Some of the Hanafis and Shafi`is say that it is preferable to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the third or the half of the night. The Hanafis differ concerning performing it after the half of the night: Some say that it is disliked, as it succeeds the `Isha' Prayer, just like the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'; and the right opinion that it is not disliked, as it is the Night Prayer that is preferable to be performed late at night. The Hanbalis say that it is preferable to perform Tarawih in the early part of the night, as people used to do so during the time of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). When Ahmad was asked to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the last part of the night, he answered, "The sunnah of the Muslims is dearer to me."
It was mentioned in Al-Insaf fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali:
According to the right opinion of the madhhab and the chosen opinion of the majority of the scholars, the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer and its sunnah Prayer. As reported and asserted by Harb in Al-`Umdah, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said that it is performed after the `Isha' and before the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'.
Also, it was stated in Kashshaf Al-Qina` fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali, "If he prayed the Tarawih Prayer after the `Isha' Prayer and before its sunnah, it is absolutely valid; however, it is better to be performed after the sunnah Prayer."
Allah Almighty knows best.
Does the Tarawih Prayer substitute for two rak`ahs of
sunnah following the `Isha' Prayer?
If it does not, when should the two rak`ahs of sunnah be
performed?
What is the time of the Tarawih Prayer?
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
The true opinion states that the Tarawih Prayer is not valid before the `Isha' Prayer. There is no disagreement among the jurists that the Tarawih Prayer is valid after the `Isha' Prayer; however, it is better that Muslims pray the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' before the Tarawih Prayer. Muslims should not neglect the sunnah Prayer after `Isha', as it is sunnah mu`akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) and the Tarawih Prayer does not substitute for it.
If the people of a certain mosque are not used to giving time for the people to pray these two rak`ahs, they should be kindly advised to follow the Sunnah. If they refuse, there is no need for dissension. The sunnah Prayer can be performed after the Tarawih Prayer, or one can perform the first two rak`ahs of the Tarawih Prayer with the intention to perform the sunnah Prayer of `Isha', and then complete the Tarawih Prayer.
Muslims should observe the two rak`ahs of sunnah after `Isha', as Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), narrated that she heard him say, "If any Muslim servant (of Allah) prays for the sake of Allah twelve rak`ahs (sunnah prayers) every day, over and above the obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise, or a house will be built for him in Paradise" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I have not abandoned observing them after (hearing it from the Messenger of Allah)."
It is stated in the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia of Fiqh that the majority of the jurists assert that the Tarawih Prayer is sunnah mu`akkadah and it should be performed after the `Isha' Prayer. The Tarawih Prayer is considered a sunnah Prayer, as it is performed after the obligatory Prayer. Its time starts after performing the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' and ends shortly before Fajr, to leave time to pray the Witr Prayer. It is preferable not to delay it, if one will miss the prayer in congregation.
Moreover, the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia mentioned the madhhabs of the scholars as follows:
The majority of the scholars hold the opinion that the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer until the Fajr [Prayer], before performing the Witr Prayer, as the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to pray it during this time. If a Muslim prays it after the Maghrib Prayer and before the `Isha' Prayer, the majority of jurists and many Hanafis hold the opinion that it does not replace the Tarawih Prayer and the Malikis say that it is a nafl (supererogatory) Prayer. However, some Hanafis say that it is valid, as all the night—before and after `Isha'—until Fajr is a time for the Tarawih Prayer. The Hanbalis say that it is invalid because it is performed after an obligatory Prayer, i.e., the `Isha'; hence, it is invalid before the `Isha' Prayer, just as is the sunnah Prayer following `Isha'. Also, they say that the Tarawih Prayer is performed after the two rak`ahs of sunnah Prayer after the `Isha'. Al-Majd, one of the Hanbali jurists, says, "As it is disliked to delay the Sunnah prayer of the `Isha' to be performed after the chosen time of the `Isha', it is more suitable to perform the Tarawih prayer following the Sunnah of the `Isha'."
If one performed it (i.e. the Tarawih) after the `Isha' Prayer and the Witr Prayer, many of the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is sufficient. Some of the Hanafis and Shafi`is say that it is preferable to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the third or the half of the night. The Hanafis differ concerning performing it after the half of the night: Some say that it is disliked, as it succeeds the `Isha' Prayer, just like the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'; and the right opinion that it is not disliked, as it is the Night Prayer that is preferable to be performed late at night. The Hanbalis say that it is preferable to perform Tarawih in the early part of the night, as people used to do so during the time of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). When Ahmad was asked to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the last part of the night, he answered, "The sunnah of the Muslims is dearer to me."
It was mentioned in Al-Insaf fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali:
According to the right opinion of the madhhab and the chosen opinion of the majority of the scholars, the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer and its sunnah Prayer. As reported and asserted by Harb in Al-`Umdah, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said that it is performed after the `Isha' and before the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'.
Also, it was stated in Kashshaf Al-Qina` fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali, "If he prayed the Tarawih Prayer after the `Isha' Prayer and before its sunnah, it is absolutely valid; however, it is better to be performed after the sunnah Prayer."
Allah Almighty knows best.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Ramadhan the blessing month
The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.
These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation.
These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith.
The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan:
01. Taqwa:
- Fearing Allah (SWT)
- Practicing the Revelations of Allah (SWT)
- Accepting the little things that one has achieved
- Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
- Self-discipline
- Self-control
- Self-restraint
- Self-education
- Self-evaluation
By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life.
02. Protection:
- Avoiding Immorality
- Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
- Avoiding stupidity
- Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram
By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society.
03. Revelation of Holy Quran: The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be:
- A Guidance to mankind
- A Manifestation of right from wrong
- A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
- A Glad-tiding to the believers
- A Healer
- A Mercy
04. Doors of heaven are open
05. Doors of hell are closed
06. Devils are chained down
07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation: Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins.
08. Door of Rayyan: There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area.
09. Rejoices: There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are:
- When breaking fast
- When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment
10. Mouth Smell: The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath)
11. Glad-Tidings: These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting.
12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan: Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year.
13. Multiplication of Rewards: Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan.
14. Feeding Others: Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s).
16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal): This meal time gives the opportunity for:
- Night Prayers
- Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation
- Recitation of Holy Quran
- Fajr Salat in Jamaat
- Dua of Fajr
17. Night Prayers: Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes.
18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness): Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of:
- Ramadhan
- Holy Quran
19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake): Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings.
20. Itikaf (Retreat): A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get:
- Blessings and rewards
- Peace of mind
- Contemplation and evaluation
- Better citizen
21. Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power): Whoever observes it with sincerity and good intention will get the following benefits:
- Forgiveness of mistakes
- Better than 1,000 months
- Dua
- Zikr
- Prayers
- Reading Holy Quran
- Rewards
- Blessings
- Better human being
22. Generosity: Kindness, hospitality, visitation, etc. All of these and many more are among the benefits of Ramadhan.
23. Zakat al-Fitrah (Charity on Eid Day): The benefits of paying such as charity to the needy are tremendous, among which are the following:
- Purity
- Feeding the needy
- Sharing happiness
- Improving human relations
- Improving society
24. Sadaqah (Charity): The benefits of paying sadaqah are many. These are summarized as follows:
- Purity
- Flourishing of wealth
- Improving economy
- Circulation of wealth
- Elimination of inflation
- Elimination of poverty
- Purification of body from toxins
- Reducing of weight
- Purity of brain
- Rejuvenation of body
- Living of life with happiness
- Looking younger
26. Change of Lifestyle: By living a different life style, one gets rid of the monotony of life and hence enjoys his life span.
27. Sharing: Of hunger, thirst and rituals with others in the society.
28. Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast): Sharing of happiness and visitation of one another as members of the society.
29. Graveyards Visitation: One will get the following benefits by visiting graveyards.
- Dua for the deceased
- Preparing oneself for departure from this world
- Feeling respect for the deceased
- Making the person to be humble in his life
30. Every breath is Tasbiih. Every breath and even sleep is Ibadah and awarded.
31. Umrah in Ramadhan: Visiting Makkah during the fasting month of Ramadhan is:
- Equal to one Hajj (pilgrimage)
- Equal to one Hajj with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
32. Historical Successes and Victories in Ramadhan: Muslims throughout their history received many benefits during Ramadhan the month of fasting, among which are the following:
- Battle of Badr
- Battle of Khandaq
- Opening of Makkah
- Battle of Tabuk
- Tariq Ibn Ziyad opened Europe
- Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from the crusaders
- Egypt and Israel, 1973 – Egyptians kicked the Israelis out of Egypt during Ramadhan the month of fasting, etc.
33. Learning lessons from historical incidents that happened during Holy Ramadhan the month of fasting, e.g.
- Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh (as).
- Wiladat Imam Hassan bin Ali (as).
- Shahadat Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (as).
- Youm-al-Quds
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Dua’ Recited (optional) after Wajib Salaat in fasting month, or in the Qunoot.
Allahum’maj’al siyaami fihi siyamas’ saaimeen, wa qiyami fihi
qiyamal qaai-meen wa nab’bih’ni fihi an-naomatil ghaafileen, wa
hab-li jurmi fihi yaa ilaahal Aalameen, wa’fu anni yaa aafiyan
anil’mujrimeen.
O Allah, make my Fast (in this month) like those who fast (sincerely), and
make my nightly prayers like those who pray (sincerely.) Awaken me from
the sleep of the heedlessness. Overlook my wrongdoings, O’ God of the
universe; and Grant me forgiveness, O’ He, who forgives the wrongdoers.
(Al’laahum’ma Salli Alaa Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad)
Rabbi Aziq-ni Fihi Halaawata Dikrik
My Lord, let me taste the sweetness of Your Dikr (remembrance)
The Qur’an
Alaa bi-Dikril-laahi tat-ma-in-nul Quloob. 13:28
Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction (rest)
Friday, 22 June 2012
How to control appetite during Ramadhan?
It’s time to break your fast. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessing be upon him) says, “The fasting person experiences two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord” (Muslim). That first joy is something we can all attest to. Especially with the long, 16 hour fast, it feels great to finally quench your thirst and get some satisfying food in your tummy. Ok, well, some might not be the right word. For many of us, when sunset rolls around, we eat like there’s no tomorrow. Or, should I say, to stock up for tomorrow? Whatever the reason – being tempted by delicious food, compensating for feeling deprived during the day, storing energy for the next day’s fast, or just plain old social eating – we struggle repeatedly with over-eating at iftar time.
Subhan’Allah (Glory to God), the Prophet ﷺ said: “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third empty for air” (Tirmidhi). Most of us know the Prophet’sSunnah (practice), but how many of us continue to eat until we’re 5/3rds full, to the point where we can’t breathe and feel uncomfortably stuffed, lethargic, sleepy, and not as energized for prayer and worship as before we broke our fast? It’s amazing how we can practice complete self-restraint with food while we’re fasting, but we struggle to apply it even partially when we have the green light to eat.
We are now in the second half of Ramadan, and before we know it, the month will be over. Let’s make it one of our goals (and insha’Allah [God-willingly] commit to it for good) to minimize over-eating so we can maximize the benefits of this blessed month. Here are seven tips to help develop a more mindful approach to eating:
1. Think of the Purpose. One of the benefits of fasting is that it makes you appreciate the blessing of food. Allahsubhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) says, “So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship” (Qur’an, 16:114). Your ultimate purpose in life is to worship Allah (swt), so food provides you the energy and strength you need to worship Him with more devotion, concentration, and reverence. As you have iftar every day, ask yourself: are my eating habits hindering me, or helping me increase the ihsan (excellence) in my worship?
2. Remember the Source. If friends or relatives shower you with gifts, it is common courtesy to thank them and show appreciation. Allah (swt) provides you with sustenance on a daily basis, so remembering Him when you eat is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is pleased with His slave when he eats something and praises Him for it, or drinks something and praises Him for it” (Muslim). When you take the time to remember Allah, mindfully and with contemplation – before, during and after you eat – it is more likely that you will be satisfied with less food.
3. Start Small. Break your fast with something light (i.e. dates and water), then pray Maghrib (evening prayer) before having the rest of your meal. That should take the edge off your hunger, which makes you less susceptible to binging and ravenous eating. Also, when you serve the food, serve it in a small plate, then go for seconds if you feel the need. Keep the main dishes away from sight and not where you’re sitting. The more food you see in front of you, the more you will eat without thinking about it first. If you’re having trouble holding back, think of Allah’s rewards, “And eat and drink but do not be wasteful, certainly He does not like those who are wasteful” (Qur’an, 7:31). Remember that waste is not just what goes in the trash, but also what we consume in excess.
4. Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you break your fast. You’ll be less likely to eat too much afterward because that hunger sensation (which is often mistaken for thirst) can partly subside with hydration. Also, sip the water slowly and smile with thanks as you feel it tingling down your body. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finish (drinking)” (At-Tirmidhi).
5. Share with People. Ramadan is a beautiful time because it brings family and friends together, and strengthens the bonds of kinship and brother/sisterhood. Part of that bond is built when you share food together. Sharing not only increases the blessing in your food, but also makes you realize how little you can be satisfied with. Some of the Companions came to the Prophet ﷺ once and said, “We eat but are not satisfied.” He ﷺ said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions affirmed that. He then said, “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you” (Abu Dawud). If you’re at home, make sure you don’t eat alone, and invite people to eat with you. If you’re eating out in a group, partner up with someone and order a dish together. You will be surprised how filling it will be. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Food for one person suffices for two, and food for two people suffices for four, and food of four people suffices for eight” (Muslim).
6. Go Super Slow. Eating too much can sometimes be a result of eating too fast. It takes a mindful, conscious effort to actually slow down your body’s motions while you’re eating. Try to be aware of every piece of food you eat; raise it to your mouth slowly, chew it slowly, and swallow it slowly. That will give you time to enjoy the food, savor every bite, and be thankful for it. It will also give your body time to process the food you ingest, and give you time to listen to your body when it tells you it’s satisfied.
7. Plan Ahead and Get Cracking! One way to avoid over-eating is by shortening the meal time, and not making the evening revolve around food. Besides planning and making simple meals, every day before iftar, have a plan set that specifies how you will spend the rest of the night. Every moment is precious in Ramadan, so bring that to mind often, and plan accordingly. As soon as you feel satisfied with what you eat, consciously stop eating. Don’t eat more just because there’s food on your plate! It’s better to save leftovers than stuffing yourself so food doesn’t get thrown away. Then, after you finish eating, get moving; help clean the kitchen, go for a walk, read Qur’an. If you can, leave the area where food is visible so eating more isn’t an option. And whatever you do, don’t linger around the sweets and desserts for too long because that’s just asking for trouble!
3. Start Small. Break your fast with something light (i.e. dates and water), then pray Maghrib (evening prayer) before having the rest of your meal. That should take the edge off your hunger, which makes you less susceptible to binging and ravenous eating. Also, when you serve the food, serve it in a small plate, then go for seconds if you feel the need. Keep the main dishes away from sight and not where you’re sitting. The more food you see in front of you, the more you will eat without thinking about it first. If you’re having trouble holding back, think of Allah’s rewards, “And eat and drink but do not be wasteful, certainly He does not like those who are wasteful” (Qur’an, 7:31). Remember that waste is not just what goes in the trash, but also what we consume in excess.
4. Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you break your fast. You’ll be less likely to eat too much afterward because that hunger sensation (which is often mistaken for thirst) can partly subside with hydration. Also, sip the water slowly and smile with thanks as you feel it tingling down your body. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finish (drinking)” (At-Tirmidhi).
5. Share with People. Ramadan is a beautiful time because it brings family and friends together, and strengthens the bonds of kinship and brother/sisterhood. Part of that bond is built when you share food together. Sharing not only increases the blessing in your food, but also makes you realize how little you can be satisfied with. Some of the Companions came to the Prophet ﷺ once and said, “We eat but are not satisfied.” He ﷺ said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions affirmed that. He then said, “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you” (Abu Dawud). If you’re at home, make sure you don’t eat alone, and invite people to eat with you. If you’re eating out in a group, partner up with someone and order a dish together. You will be surprised how filling it will be. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Food for one person suffices for two, and food for two people suffices for four, and food of four people suffices for eight” (Muslim).
6. Go Super Slow. Eating too much can sometimes be a result of eating too fast. It takes a mindful, conscious effort to actually slow down your body’s motions while you’re eating. Try to be aware of every piece of food you eat; raise it to your mouth slowly, chew it slowly, and swallow it slowly. That will give you time to enjoy the food, savor every bite, and be thankful for it. It will also give your body time to process the food you ingest, and give you time to listen to your body when it tells you it’s satisfied.
7. Plan Ahead and Get Cracking! One way to avoid over-eating is by shortening the meal time, and not making the evening revolve around food. Besides planning and making simple meals, every day before iftar, have a plan set that specifies how you will spend the rest of the night. Every moment is precious in Ramadan, so bring that to mind often, and plan accordingly. As soon as you feel satisfied with what you eat, consciously stop eating. Don’t eat more just because there’s food on your plate! It’s better to save leftovers than stuffing yourself so food doesn’t get thrown away. Then, after you finish eating, get moving; help clean the kitchen, go for a walk, read Qur’an. If you can, leave the area where food is visible so eating more isn’t an option. And whatever you do, don’t linger around the sweets and desserts for too long because that’s just asking for trouble!
What tips do you have on how to eat less at iftar time? Share with us!
We ask Allah (swt) to grant us the ability to always be grateful for His blessings, and to utilize His blessings in a way that is most pleasing to Him.
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