Fasting In Ramadan

During this holy month, we are given the privilege to seek for rahman from Allah, the Lord of the world. Rich people in our society in this holy month distribute food items to the disadvantaged ones so that they can enjoy themselves throughout the Ramadan period.

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What is the main purpose of fasting in Ramadan?

The main purpose of Ramadan is to move closer to Allah in order to gain more reward in this life and the hereafter. This month is a blessing for the Muslim ummah where they will enjoy divine grace. Fasting is mandatory for Muslims and it also plays a significant role in seeking Allah's guidance. Fasting helps Muslims apply what they learn during the holy month so that their life can be meaningful, thereby imbibing good conduct to receive Allah's blessings. After Ramadan ends, Muslims should not revert to their previous bad habits that once led them astray.

Ramadan is the period when Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. Fasting Muslims will try to avoid worldly pleasures and instead focus on how to promote their spiritual growth. Another purpose of fasting is to increase piety and appreciate what Almighty Allah has given them.

How does fasting benefit a person spiritually and physically?

Fasting during the month of Ramadan led us to the right way and serves as a reminder for believers to do good deeds that will please Allah. The spiritual aspect of fasting connects believers with their creator; that's why some Muslims use this opportunity to read the Quran often to seek Allah's mercy. Through fasting, our minds will be at peace, and our hearts will become purified.

The physical aspect of Ramadan is that it helps us burn fat in our bodies, allows hormones to grow in a normal way, and lowers our blood pressure. Although people with chronic illnesses are not included, those willing to fast can consult a medical doctor for guidance on how to fast.

Tell us about your favorite Sahoor and Iftar Recipes. What are their benefits?

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My favorite food is Yam flour, commonly called Amala in the community. I take this food in sahoor because it gives me more energy to be able to withstand fasting throughout the day. Eating Amala within the family promotes togetherness and creates mutual connections in the family. Another benefit is that it gives us vitamin C and minerals which contribute to our overall well-being.

I break my first with watermelon or dates sometimes before I consume the main food. The food I take for iftar (Post sunset) is Rice and Beans. This type of food is common in Africa. I eat both together because it promote our heart health to function effectively and efficiently. Rice and beans can easily be seen in the community and are affordable by people. They also contain nutritional value that benefits everyone. Rice and beans also have a large amount of protein our body needs so that it can prolong our life.

Tell us about the things which we should do or should not do while fasting.

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It was during this only month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet to serve as guidance for humanity.

These are the things to do in the month of Ramadan:

• Recite Glorious Quran: It's important to read the Quran as many times as you want because it's the only way to communicate with Almighty Allah, the Lord of the universe. There are so many lessons we need to learn from the Quran, and we should let it reflect in our daily lives.

• Offer Solat: It's essential to pray the five daily prayers. If a person does not offer Salah and is still fasting, such a person's fasting is invalid. This prayer will be useful to us in this life and the hereafter.

• Engage in charity: We must engage in charity by donating a percentage of our wealth to feed those in need during this holy month.

These are the things we should not do during Ramadan:

• Refrain from eating and smoking: Muslims should not consume any type of food after having sahoor until post-sunset. Muslims who observe fast should refrain from drinking water to ensure the validity of their fasting.

Smoking is totally prohibited during Ramadan, as it is not allowed while fasting.

• Avoid music: Listening to the audio of the Quran will also earn you big rewards from your Lord. Even if you have to listen to music, you must use headphones so as not to disturb those who are fasting.

• Abstain from sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse is not allowed in the month of Ramadan. A person who engages in this illicit act commits a great sin, and their fasting is not acceptable.

Thanks to everyone who read my post, and I really appreciate the organizers for arranging this interesting contest. I would like to invite @ahsansharif, @muhammad-ahmad and @afsan12 to participate in this contest.

Ramadan Kareem to all steemians