This talk was given last year and was highly acclaimed and InshAllah, this year on August 17th, Muhammad Al Shareef is presenting another highly anticipated talk live, titled “The Fasting and the Furious”. I got a chance to watch/listen to “Towards An Outstanding Ramadan” on Youtube today and decided to share some notes I took down as I listened. Here we go:

• When Allah(swt) gives the command to fast, the ayah begins with “O you who believe…” - this is always important to note, as either a) some good will be highlighted for you to do, or b) you will be warned about some harm that may come to you for a certain act.
• Various religions today have some remnant of fasting, modified from the original fast but only Islam has the original method of fasting preserved through centuries. SubhanAllah!
• What is your goal for Ramadan? It is illogical not to have a goal – like a traveller who would turn up at the airport without knowing the destination he wanted to travel to!
• Imagine Ramadan as a “marathon”. There are some who are just spectators at the start and finish lines (likened to those who just worship at the start and end of Ramadan). In the middle are the participants who’re putting in all the effort to win the race, from the start to the finish, likened to those who do Ibadah throughout, consistently.
• Ramadan is the month of feeding people – giving charity, cooking food for the needy. It is not about about eating more ourselves or attending dinner parties where we stuff ourselves with food.
• We have lots of excuses for not being regular in prayers or not waking for Fajr or being unable to control anger throughout the year. In Ramadan, we are able to do many of these things – there is no substance in “excuses” then – we are only lying to our ownselves.
• Ramadan is a time to build up Taqwa. There are only two instances in Islam where Halal things are temporarily denied for us – in the Hajj (eg: cutting hair) and during Ramadan (eg: not having food while fasting) – why? It is to…
  - recognize the blessings we have and
  - to train the body to avoid what is Haram
  This is training for after Ramadan!
• The Imam of a masjid is the person to look to – he leads the prayers throughout the day, is not able to attend iftaar parties that are far away as he has to be in the masjid. What about the people who come to the masjid? Very easily, they cite an iftaar party far away from the masjid as the excuse for missing Taraweeh.
• The Imam cannot eat much at Iftaar as he has to lead Maghrib and Isha, then Taraweeh while the people stuff themselves with food and then are late for Taraweeh.
• We have forgotten past Ramadan that we spent but is there any time that we particularly remember? Usually, it has something to do with offering Taraweeh regularly and with concentration – it makes Ramadan unforgettable!
• Ramadan makes us disciplined – why not continue after Ramadan?
• Make your intention now – do not be like the traveller who shows up at the airport and does not know his destination.

“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn.” (2:183)

Ramadan is fast approaching and I’ve been spending the past few days trying to get that into my head – it’s time to pick up the pace and prepare for Ramadan in the right way. I’ve still got under two weeks of vacation to go before college starts again so this is a golden opportunity to spend more time reading or listening to the Quran, audio lectures on various subjects and organizing other tasks. Every year, I enter Ramadan with a lot of excitement and zeal, only to slack off very early and this time, I’m hoping that preparing myself early on will protect me from going off track later on. Besides, every time we get to experience this amazing month, it’s a huge blessing from Allah(swt) – how many people have passed away during this year after the last Ramadan?

Allah(swt) commands us to fast and then tells us that the purpose of fasting is to become Muttaqoon – those who have Taqwa. Taqwa means piety or being conscious of Allah(swt), avoiding sin out of that awareness and happily doing good deeds for His Pleasure. When you think about it, does everyone who fast become such a kind of person or even close to it at the end of Ramadan? Everyone can analyse their ownselves here. If the answer is ‘no’ or something like that, we’ve missed the whole point of fasting. Sadly, that’s what we’re doing every passing year – not all of us, but many – and that’s why Ramadan’s coming and going makes no positive difference, may Allah forgive us!

Part of the reason for such a tragedy is that we don’t prepare for Ramadan at all. Washing your face and sitting down at the table for Suhoor on the first day of Ramadan is not what preparing for Ramadan is about. Checking out the Iftaar deals in your favorite restaurants is not preparation either. Fasting is for the pleasure of Allah(swt) and to strive to become more righteous in our relationship to Him and to His creation so that’s what our preparation should be about. But how does one prepare the soul and body for that?

Preparing the soul:

(Preparing the body is pretty useless without focusing on the soul)

• Read more Quran than in usual days, reflect and ponder upon it’s meaning
• Listen to Quran audio tapes or mp3 on your ipods, car CD players, etc. by your favorite Qari
• Read inspiring books geared at cleansing yourself of wrong characteristics, such as “The Ideal Muslim” and “The Ideal Muslimah” by Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi
• Try to develop a routine that you can carry into Ramadan – such as one juz of the Quran recited after Asar prayer everday
• Try to offer your prayers in the golden timings – immediately after the Adhaan (except Ish’aa which is preferably delayed an hour or two)
• Become more conscious of all the wrong you’re doing as Ramadan is the time to work off those habits
• Keep a close check on the words you’re uttering, your relationship with your parents and other people close to you
• In the days leading up to Ramadan, try to wake up for Tahajjud if you don’t do that already

Preparing the body:

• Eat a little less than usual if you’re not already on the way of the Sunnah (that is, keeping only one-third of the stomach for food, one-third for water and one-third empty)
• Try to cut down on your sleeping hours to put in more time for Ibadah in Ramadan
• Something I’d like to do is take this opportunity to give up one bad eating habits (at least) this Ramadan, like giving up certain ‘junk’ foods InshAllah
• Try and go without food for six hours at least between meals, to prepare the body metabolism to adapt to the change

That’s what I can share right now. I’ve got to apply it all on myself first InshAllah. I really, really, really hope you all have an outstanding Ramadan InshAllah that strengthens the soul, liberating us from all the shackles that hold us back from worshipping our Lord and then carry that on throughout the year… Ameen!

Wassalam!

“And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me.“ (Quran 51:56)

Have you ever got that feeling when you wished you could really cleanse your life of all those bad habits that you’ve developed and bring it as close as possible to the Prophet(saw)’s Sunnah? It so happens that whenever my Iman takes a dip for a period of time and (Alhamdolillah) grows stronger again, I begin analyzing the reasons for that dip. Anyone who’s tasted a period when their conviction was really strong would know how bad Iman dips are! And so, the analysis on the cause of the dip. One of the reasons I almost always come up with, as I mentioned earlier, are the numerous habits of routine and traits of personality we’ve come to live with, that have no real connection to the Sunnah and in fact are in contradiction to it.

Here’s an example: how many Muslims have you met and noticed that when they are served beverages by a host, they always leave a bit of the drink in the bottom of the glass? If someone (a friend or older person) casually points out that they haven’t finished their drink, the usual answer is, “No, No… I don’t want to appear like a very hungry person.” In fact, this practice is considered a very important part of the social etiquette followed in many households, where the elders explicitly instruct the children to not drink up all of what they are served… such that you will see even a five-year old towing the line perfectly.

I went out to eat with some friends recently and, as we were leaving, one of our group advised another to clean up her desert bowl. The girl responded with, “I wouldn’t want to appear that hungry!” It set me thinking… as Muslims, our actions reflect upon our beliefs and to a non-Muslim or impressionable youngster it would seem as if Muslims, and thereby Islam, regards hunger as an embarrassment. Before you cast that off as an exaggeration, just notice how we behave in the following situation…

Sara and her mother were visiting some friends. The host’s wife was preparing dinner for them but since it was running a little late, she apologized and said, “I’m sorry for the delay, the stove’s developed some problem today. Sara, you must be hungry, would you like some fruit before dinner?” Sara’s tummy growled in hunger but she firmly shook her head and said, “Oh no Aunty! I’m really quite fine, I had a really heavy lunch today!”

I’ve been in Sara’s place a great number of times and now realize what a lie that was, answering what I answered. But see, that’s the truth… our notions of social etiquette and what’s right and wrong can go so twisted and off the path of Islam that owning up to feeling hungry is a big no-no and in fact, we would go to the extent of lying to – ironically – save face!

When we read the Seerah of the Prophet(saw), it becomes clear that hunger was never a thing to be frowned upon. I can recall one or two occasions where the Prophet(saw) and his companions admitted they were hungry and even requested a little food from others, to satisfy the pangs of hunger.

Safiyya, the Prophet’s wife, said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, came one day and asked, ‘O Daughter of Huyay, do you have anything, for I am hungry.’ I said, ‘No by Allah, O Messenger of Allah, save two measures of flour.’ ‘Cook it!’ he said. I put it in the pot, cooked it, then said, ‘It is cooked O Messenger of Allah!’ He said, ‘Do you know if there is anything in the fat container of the daughter of Abū bakr?’ I said, ‘I know not O Messenger of Allah!’ He went himself to her house and said, ‘Anything in your fat container O daughter of Abū Bakr?’ ‘Nothing but a little,’ she said. He brought it back, squeezed it into the pot until I saw something coming out. He put his hand [on it] saying, ‘In the Name of Allah, invite your sisters for I know they feel as I do!’ I invited them and we ate until satiated. Then Abū Bakr came and entered, then ‘Umar came and entered, then a man came. They all ate to satiety and some still remained. (Majma’ al-Zawa’id)

In fact, I just remembered the time when the Prophet(saw), on the occassion of one of his marriages, said something very important.

In the hadith narrated by Asmaa’ bint Yazid ibn As-Sakan who said: “I beautified Ayesha for Allah’s Messenger, then called him to come to see her unveiled. He came, sat next to her, and brought a large cup of milk from which he drank. Then, he offered it to Ayesha, but she lowered her head and felt shy. I scolded her and said to her: “Take from the hand of the Prophet.” She then took it and drank some. Then, the Prophet said to her, “Give some to your companion.” At that point, I said: “O Messenger of Allah, rather take it yourself and drink, and then give it to me from your hand.” He took it, drank some, and then offered it to me. I sat down and put it on my kness. Then, I began rotating it and following it with my lips in order that I might hit the spot from which the Prophet had drunk. Then, the Prophet said about some women who were there with me: “Give them some.” But, they said: “We don’t want it.” (ie. we are not hungry). The Prophet said: “Do not combine hunger and fibbing!” (Ahmad and al-Humaidi)

 So now, you’re wondering what a little thing like that has to do with weakening of Iman? The truth is, all these numerous tidbits add up to make a really un-Islamic picture of our routines and personalities. Really, if our actions and words do not reflect our faith, what must be the reality of such a faith even if one should claim it is “very strong”? Both, the big picture and the little details matter in the end, to make a huge difference.

You might have wondered, at some point, why I chose to name this blog, “Between Dusk and Dawn”. It’s not just something that I picked out of a hat, neither was it planned as a mystical name to capture the attention of readers. It’s not the title of any book or sonnet I know, nor any great work of art. And no, there’s no movie by that name either!

The answer is simple – I love the beautiful period of time between the setting of the sun and its next rising. As the sun sinks into the horizon, the sky takes on a myriad shades and hues to merge gracefully into the enchanting, velvety darkness of night. If you step outdoors or look out your window after Maghrib, you’ll find every moment a pleasure – something new to discover and enjoy. The stars peek between the fading brightness, then appear one after the other in quick succession until – before you know it – you’re looking at a masterpiece of art!

The night passes by smoothly, punctuated by the adhaan for Isha’a and soon, it is time for the true purpose of night to be fulfilled – sleep and rest. It’s amazing how, when you observe the creation of Allah at this time, it is silent and at peace with itself – eager to rejuvenate for the following day. Among mankind too, those who have the intellect and the insight to understand this natural order would know that there is great wisdom, the Wisdom of their Maker, in moving with this pattern of night and day. A few hours of sleep at night are worth more than double their measure during the day, as any person who suffers from insomnia, or has to work the night shift will tell you.

However, the most beautiful wonder of all in the nighttime has been highlighted innumerable times in the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet(saw). What is this blessed quality of night? It is the opportunity, the beauty and the absolute joy of being able to turn to Allah in quiet seclusion, with nothing to distract and no chores to perform. We read about Prophets in the Quran who stayed up in worship a part of the night and the Seerah of the Prophet(saw) records how he too prayed Tahajjud, along with his companions. The Quran even specifically instructed the Prophet(saw) to awaken for the night prayer and gave the reason for it too – to be able to worship in Allah without distractions.

O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad SAW)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that (see verse 20). Or a little more; and recite the Qur’ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, legal laws, etc.). Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). Verily, there is for you by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties, And remember the Name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with a complete devotion. (He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as Wakîl (Disposer of your affairs). (Quran: Surah 73: Verses 1-9)

Why the emphasis on the nighttime though? In the last third of the night, the hours of Tahajjud, the night is almost completely silent and at its darkest too. In these hours, if one is awake, the heart very naturally softens towards prayer and worship. It becomes easier to reflect upon ones deeds and wonder about the Hereafter, the accountability before Allah. Prayers are made with sincerity, not like an automaton in a hurry to roll up the prayer mat and run off to study or work. And when the Quran is recited, it is a joy to see how only the Words of Allah ring through the otherwise silent night – something that is not possible during the daytime. Then, as Allah invites man to ponder and reflect upon His Words of guidance, the receptive heart feels the tug and wants to give up wrongdoing and just please his Master through only saying, thinking and doing what He commands. It is this feeling – a refreshment of Iman – that carries the person who offers Tahajjud and Fajr, through the day ahead, ready to face the challenges and tests set by Allah.

Do you still wonder that I love the night? There’s more – I love the merging of night into day and all the changes that herald the rising of the sun. The beauty of the night lingers until the sun lights up the land and then, it’s a different story altogether. For me, dawn symbolizes a new beginning – a second chance to do things differently, re-prioritize my life, and focus on the Hereafter through perfecting my actions and my intentions in this life. Every few days, I try to spend a few minutes just observing the world around me at the time of dawn and I realize that truly in the Statement of Allah is the Absolute Truth:

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding. (Quran: Surah 3: verse 190)

For those forgo their Fajr prayer and wake up just to drag themselves off to school or work, they lose out on the Pleasure of Allah through obeying Him, His reward and the great joy and peace that the last hours of the night bring. May Allah guide them before the sun sets on their lives to rise on a certain day… but that Day would not be a day for second chances. Arising for Fajr is thus full of blessings – peace, joy, the Pleasure of Allah, avoiding His Wrath and thus, being saved, if Allah Wills, from the Fire. There is no catch to this amazing offer, is there?

Verily, the Muttaqûn will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs (in the Paradise), Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinûn .They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allâh)] and praying, with fear and hope. (Quran: Surah 51: 15-18)

O Allah guide us all towards You, Your Worship and give us the Tawfeeq to performs acts which You love for us, and the Tahajjud to come closer to You. And O Allah, make us consistent in our amal and accept our meager deeds from us. O Allah, save us from the disgrace and humiliation of the Day of Judgment through your Mercy. O Allah, we are not such that we deserve anything but it is your Mercy alone that can guide us, enable us to do righteous deeds, earn your pleasure to protect us from the Fire! O Allah, shower us with Your Guidance and Your Mercy! Aameen!

It is easy to talk about something or make tall claims without having experienced the situation we’re so confidently declaring our opinions about. In times of ease and comfort, when the going is good and the prospects are bright, it’s not difficult to say that I would certainly remain thankful and patient if unpleasant or trying times come my way. Then again, we learn from our experiences and realize the true meaning of all the theory we’d been learning.

I’d like to share one such experience here, which taught me a lot about how to practice effectively what I learned in theory. Very recently, I was single-mindedly focusing on something I dearly desired, a matter of great personal relevance. I hoped and hoped I would be blessed by what I desired such that I started weaving great ideas and dreams into the hope. Alhamdolillah, I remembered that Allah(swt) knew best what was good for me and I modified my ‘hope’ to include an additional line – “if it’s good for me”. I prayed that if what I wished was, in Allah(swt)’s Knowledge, not good for me at all, then let my wish not be fulfilled and further, that I may remain satisfied with not getting what I wanted.

Then, I discovered that this specific wish of mine could not be fulfilled and in one tiny moment, all the dreams and hopes came crashing down. It was a very crucial moment for me, a “test” as I’d later realize upon reflection. How would I react to this verdict? What would be my response in the moments following immediately? How would I deal with the emotional baggage? If past experience with “crashing dreams” was anything to go by, I’d probably go into a depressive state, crying often and lamenting in silence and aloud about how pathetic my life really is and that my joy, as I wanted, could never be realized.However, the guidance of Allah(swt) through the Knowledge of the Quran and the Sunnah is truly a miracle that needs to be experienced in the most testing times of your life, to realize how precious it is. I could not be so calm and natural had I not the guiding light of Allah(swt) to take me through this trial. Thus, I want to share this serene calm with you because I know every person has to go through such situations in their life… the best solution is to be prepared for it.

• The first reaction: It’s difficult, oh yes, but shut the lid on those swear words and expressions. Allah(swt) looks for our reactions the moment we encounter the trial – will we remain composed and utter only words that please Him? Or are we going to collapse in a bundle and forget Him entirely?
  
  The Prophet(saw) said, ‘No doubt, patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.’”  (Sahih Bukhari)
  
  Alhamdolillah and SubhanAllah, as well “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhee Raji’oon” are the most beautiful words that Allah(swt) wants to hear from us.

  Salamah narrates: I heard the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam say, “Any Muslim that says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it – (any Muslim that says this) Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost).” (Sahih Muslim)

• The moments following: I find this the most difficult part because here’s when the reality starts to sink in and the analysis begins. And this is the fork in the road, I discovered – if you choose the road of despair, you will end up in Despair Land but if you pause to take the road of Patience, with Allah(swt)’s Help, you’ll be in Peace Land very soon. I felt sad, which was a natural emotion and not contradictory to the concept of Sabr (patience) but I remembered that Allah(swt) had merely answered my prayer when I had asked for my wish not be fulfilled if it was harmful for me. It was a moment to thank Allah(swt) for averting disaster from my life and even though my weak heart was sad at not getting what I wanted, I knew I had to try and focus.I quickly made Wudhu and performed a Sajda (prostration) to Allah(swt). Feeling shaky and trouble still, I opened the Quran and read the first Surah that I saw. I recited the Quran, read the translation and reflected on it for a while, all the while trying to stay positive. Abu Suhayb ibn Sinaan narrated that the Prophet(saw) said: “How amazing is the case of the believer; there is good for him in everything, and this characteristic is exclusively for him alone. If he experiences something pleasant, he is thankful, and that is good for him; and if he comes across some diversity, he is patient, and that is good for him.” (Sahih Muslim)
• “Seek help in patience in prayer”:
  
  “O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). ” (2:153)

  This ayah just came to my mind and, Alhamdolillah, this is just what I needed. Vowing not to cry or even dwell on what had happened, I did try to distract myself and, as Sabr entails, not let the distress show on my face. However, when I went to offer my Ishaa prayer I truly realized how important it is to seek Allah(swt)’s Help directly and clearly by letting all the emotion flow before him. Yes, I let some tears flow but Alhamdolillah, without sinking into negativity, which would be wrong. Satan does whisper negative thoughts, some of which even go as far as blaming Allah(swt) for not letting us have our way! Yes, such thoughts strayed into my head as well but Alhamdolillah, with Allah(swt)’s Help I cut them off as soon as they appeared. Crying is okay but keeping the focus on the positive by asking Allah(swt) for His Help in facing the test He set me so that I may pass with flying colours is what is important.

• Keep asking Allah(swt) for what you want: I did this too and this is what helped me the most Alhamdolillah! I cried a little but I again prayed to Allah(swt) and asked for something even better than what I had been aspiring for, something He Knows is out there somewhere. I asked for strength to bear with patience what He had decided for me and tried to remember to thank Him again and again for averting trouble from me.

• Remember the great favors of Allah(swt) on you: This is something which made me realize just how a “bad time” can be so beneficial that it can create a special bond between Allah(swt) and His slave. My Iman had been weak for the past few weeks but, as a result of this situation, I reflected properly on just how much Allah(swt) loved me. The very fact that I was imploring Him to bestow patience on me and offering my Ishaa prayer was because He had chosen to guide me towards His Way. There are many who are unaware of the very existence of Allah and many more Muslims who, despite being born into Islam, are unable to experience the fruits of their faith. Such reflection brought on a wave of gratitude and positivity which felt like a warm glow within me.

• Don’t dwell on what happened: Again, impossible as it may seem, there is no joy or solution to be derived from pointlessly dwelling upon what happened. “Ifs” and “buts” may offer alternative scenarios to dream up and think upon but they are oftentimes a trapdoor to despair – and such despair that keeps worsening, making return to normalcy increasingly difficult. I was tempted to dwell upon what had happened and even make up theories as to the “why” of the situation but Alhamdolillah, I was able to find distractions.

• The hope of tomorrow: Even now, as I calmly write this,  some part of my mind tells me that my optimistic hopes and prayers to Allah(swt) are not going to bear fruit but that’s a natural fear after being bruised. However, to say that “good” will definitely not happen is a great allegation on Allah(swt), Whose Mercy and Bounty have always given me better than I had ever dreamed. It’s only my limited and narrow vision that makes me forget all the good outcomes of such situations in the past and doubt the importance of “hoping again”. This is crucial – believe in Allah(swt) and leave your matters to Him, to be fulfilled in the right manner and at the right time, as He Sees fit.

• Pray for the reward of Sabr: Patience at the first stroke of the calamity, putting on a happy face when you’re sad and consciously putting a lid on the negativities is no easy job but when done for the sake of Allah(swt), His Pleasure and rewards makes the monumental task seem easier with every passing second.

  “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fuits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones).” (2:155)

Writing this has further lessened the feeling of sadness in my heart and strengthened my resolve Alhamdolillah. This is the first time I was ever able to, by the Might of Allah(swt), to exercise patience in the right manner and this experience has taught me exactly what is expected of a Mo’min when confronted with a trial. It’s going to be a dynamic state, I know, because the heart keeps turning and changing… and so, the effort must continue untill I am able to fortify myself properly. It’s going to require conscious effort and most importantly, the Help of Allah(swt), to get on with my life… but then, who said we would be handed Paradise on a silver platter? =)

Allah says in the Qur’an:

Alif, Laam, Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, “We believe,” and will not be tested? Indeed We tested those who (lived) before them.” (Qur’an 29:1-3)

It’s Hajj, SubhanAllah! Since my own Hajj in 2006, I’ve loved this time of the year because of the mixed emotions it evokes and all the memories. And even if I put that aside for a bit, just watching three million people pour into Makkah for the beginning of a unique pilgrimage is a massive dose to boost a weakling Iman. (Watch it on Saudi TV, online, here.)

The best part about Hajj is the way it brings together mankind – there’s NO, NO, NO discrimination on the basis of skin tones or bank accounts in Islam and no where is that more evident than in Hajj! There’s the dark-skinned pilgrim shading himself with his umbrella and a fair-skinned man will hand him a cool drink of water. The call to prayer is made and everyone lines up – all you can see is a mass of people, all dressed in the same pilgrim’s dress (two sheets of plain white, unstitched fabric for men) attesting to their faith in ONE God. They’re not here to bow down to an idol, a stone or any object created by God… they’re here because they believe in, worship, revere, love the One God… Who sent as His Messengers Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), Suleman (Solomon), Dawud (David), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Mohammad… may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all (and all other Prophets that He sent with His Message to every nation).

The pilgrims cry  “Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk! Labbayka La Shareeka laka labbayk!”

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am! Here I am, and You have no partner (in worship i.e. You Alone are the Creator, Sustainer)!”

May Allah accept the Hajj of all the pilgrims who made the effort to perform this worship for Him in the best manner! May Allah pverlook any mistakes they may have made inadvertently! May Allah forgive us and them, all their previous sins! O Allah, bless us with your Mercy and grant us entry into Your Paradise!

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (”La ilaaha ill-Allaah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

Ramadan is fast approaching, evoking excitement and much anticipation about this holy month. The very thought of Ramadan conjures up images of a splendid month of fasting and guarding the soul, highlighted by extra visits to the mosque for Salat-ut-Taraweeh and a general spirit of well-wishing and generosity. And no mention of Ramadan would be complete without referring to the special foods and drinks that are prepared in this month, that have come to strengthen our cherished bond with this time of the year. Samosas, special sweets and drinks all lighten up the dinner table at Iftaar.

With the joys and wonders of Ramadan, sometimes, we also face newer issues such as excessive sleeping and eating, obesity, heartburn, constipation, lethargy, disturbed routines. These are problems that have mushroomed up in recent years due to our own mishandling of this auspicious month and they greatly reduce what we can gain from Ramadan. To help ensure our Ramadan this year is fruitful and fulfilling in all ways, spiritual, physical and even social, here are some general tips and advice.

As Ramadan approaches, prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Make an effort to unburden yourself at work in Ramadan by getting more work done in the preceding month. If that is not possible, then try to reorganize your routine ahead of Ramadan, to ease the transition and to shift the workload appropriately.

Examine your individual routine, or collectively as a family, to plan for Ramadan. In Ramadan, sleeping at night tends to become limited, to make more time for prayer and awaken earlier for Suhoor, so prepare your mind and body by trying to sleep earlier and waking up earlier as well. “Early to bed, early to rise” may be cliché but for Ramadan, it is especially important. This way you’ll save yourself from lethargy and ‘dark circles’ when Ramadan actually arrives. Tick off items on the “pending chores” list. Try to get the kitchen cabinets cleaned out in advance and fix that leaky tap before end of Shaban!

For housewives and working ladies, there’s extra work in Ramadan, related to food preparation and shopping for Eid clothes and gifts. This extra load can be lessened by preparing storable food items in advance and completing much of the Eid shopping (if not all) before Ramadan. This relieves physical as well as mental pressures and burdens on ladies in Ramadan, making more time for worship and prayer.

As Ramadan draws nearer, make a sincere effort to switch to healthier eating habits because indeed, binging on food cannot be made the focus of this month. This does not mean that one gives up good food but rather that the food is taken in the right quantity and manner. Some general meal-time advice for Ramadan:

In the time leading up to Ramadan, adopt simple Sunnah that encourage healthier food habits, like eating only when hungry and refraining from eating your fill (rather, leaving a portion of the stomach empty). This will make your body more active, light and full of energy by stimulating the utilization of internal energy stores. Your body will also store energy in the right way which will be helpful in Ramadan.

Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that contains food from all the major food groups – cereals, poultry, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Organize your meals, especially at Iftaar. Experts say that binge eating at Iftaar – or Suhoor for that matter – has no positive effect on energy levels and an average meal of healthy foods is best. If you’re having Iftaar and also plan to have dinner later, lighten either meal and try to bring in a gap of at least three hours between the two. Also, for a more fulfilling sleep, avoid eating within two hours before your bedtime. The best recommendation would be to take an Iftaar of fruits, juices and other light snacks, including Samosas if you wish and then, if the need is felt, to take a light dinner later on (perhaps after Taraweeh).

For Suhoor, include slow-digesting foods such as foods that contain grain and seeds like barley, wheat, millets, oat, semolina, lentils, beans, wholemeal flour and unpolished rice. These last longer – up to 8 hours and provide good energy, compared to fast-digesting foods such as those containing refined carbohydrates (white flour) and excess of refined sugar. Fast-digesting foods only last about 3-4 hours, resulting in lower energy levels throughout the day and thus, should be consumed preferably at Iftaar (light sandwiches, for example).

Avoid excess of spicy and fried items as they cause heartburn, obesity, acidity and also increase thirst. So Samosas and Kebabs are fine, as long as one doesn’t binge on them! Here also, encourage high-fiber foods because they help to counter acidity, heartburn as well as constipation.

Juices and fresh fruits are a must for Iftaar as they restore essential minerals and water levels, thereby preventing dehydration, constipation, cramps, formation of kidney stones and lethargy. Dehydration and loss of calcium, magnesium and potassium will make you dizzy and fatigue easily in Taraweeh so this is something that cannot be taken lightly. Dates are a rich source of fiber, carbohydrates as well as the essential minerals just mentioned so a couple of dates at Iftaar is a truly refreshing Sunnah.

Try to cut down on caffeinated drinks and beverages in Ramadan because these drinks actually increase urine output, robbing the body of essential minerals and salts, thus actually aggravating dehydration and muscle-cramping.

Try a hand at these simple and easy tips and you’ll notice the difference. I speak from experience when I say that you’ll actually enjoy yourself more this way and even lose a few pounds by the end of Ramadan. That’s spiritual as well as physical gain that cannot be found, no matter how hard you try, in stuffing in all kinds of food at every meal in Ramadan. Here’s the key to unlocking the true joys and rewards of Ramadan, with a little extra effort. Wishing you all the best and a great Ramadan!