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Increase your knowledge by reading a book named "Blessings of Ramadan". It is an informative book in which you can find useful information about Ramadan. You can read the information on the following topics; Virtues of Ramadan The four names of Ramadan The Virtue of Zikr in Ramadan The reward of fasting The purpose of fasting More topics are also available in this book, click the picture below to download this book.

Measure of Zakat Al-Fitr A Sa’[ One sa: 2.40kg barley] is to be paid for every individual, and it has to be from man’s food e.g. rice, dates, wheat, in accordance with the hadith of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “We used to pay on the day of Fitr during the time of the Messenger of Allah a Sa’ of food” and he (Abu Sa’eed) said: “And our foods were barley, raisins, (cottage) cheese[ Aqit: dried, curled milk (cottage cheese) used in cooking] and dates.” [ Source: Al Bukhari] Sa’ is estimated by Hanafis as = 3.25 kgs, and for the majority of scholars as = 2.040 kgs It is also estimated as four handfuls of an average sized man. source: islamkingdom

This is the best period to perform Al I’tikaf. This is in accordance with the hadith reported by ‘Aishah, who said: “The Prophet ﷺ used to seclude himself for worship in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah Almighty took his soul.” [ Source: Bukhari.] Anyone who intended to perform Al I’tikaf would observe Salatus-Subhi on the 21st of the month in the Masjid where he intended to perform Al I’tikaf and would subsequently enter into his seclusion. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “The Prophet used to perform Al I’tikaf every year in the month of Ramadan; when he prayed Salatus-Subhi, he would enter the place of his Al I’tikaf.” [ Source: Bukhari.] Al I’tikaf ends with the sunset of the last day of Ramadan. However, it is recommended to delay leaving the Masjid until the early morning of ‘Eid day, because this is what was recorded as being practiced by many of our pious predecessors. source: islamkingdom

1- Sickness It is permissible for the sick to break fast in Ramadan. Allah Almighty says: “... but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number of days (should be made up) from other days” (Al-Baqarah : 184).The sickness that permits the breaking of fast is the one that causes or leads to a more serious pain, if the sick were to fast. 2- Traveling It is permissible for a traveler in the month of Ramadan to break his fast, and it is compulsory on him to pay back the missed days. Allah Almighty says: “... but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number of days (should be made up) from other days.” ( Al-Baqarah : 184).The same distance that permits Al-Qasr (reduction of the number of prostrations in prayers) (Salat) also permits the breaking of fast, provided it is known as traveling according to the customs of the people and it is a permissible form of traveling. If, however, it is a form of sinful traveling or a traveling done in order to be free from fasting, then it will be prohibited for him to break his fast.However, if a traveler decides to fast, it will be valid. This is due to the hadeeth reported by Anas ibn Malik who said: “We used to travel (during fasting) with the Prophet ﷺ, and those of us who fasted neither abused nor looked down upon those who broke their fast, nor did those who broke their fast look down upon those who fasted.” [ Source: Bukhari.] However, this permission is upon the condition that fasting is not a burden on him nor a cause of pain for him. If it is, then it will be better for him not to fast. This is because the Prophet ﷺ in one of his journeys, saw a man whose fasting had become burdensome upon him (had been severely weakened) due to the severe heat, and as such people had gathered around him. Thereupon, the Prophet said: “Fasting while on a journey is not part of righteousness.” [ Source: Tirmidhi.]3- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding A pregnant or breastfeeding woman who fears there would be a burden on herself if she fasted may break her fast, and she must pay it back, just like the sick.The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah Almighty has relieved the traveler of fasting and some parts of Salah (daily prayers), and He relieved the pregnant and the breastfeeding woman of fasting.” [ Source: Bukhari.]However, if she fears the burden on only her child or fetus, then she must pay the missed fasts back and feed one poor person for every missed day. Ibn ‘Abbas said: “As for the pregnant and breastfeeding women, if they fear the burden of fasting on their children, then they must pay it back (the missed fasts) and feed one poor person for every missed day.” [ Source: Abu Dawud.]4- Menstrual and Post-Partum Bleeding But a woman who menstruates or has post-natal bleeding is obligated to break her fast, as it is prohibited for her to fast. If, however, she does fast, it will not be valid; andshe will still have to pay back the equivalent fasts for the period she missed. When ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked why a menstruating woman pays back the missed fast, but not the missed prayers, she said: “That (i.e. post natal and menstrual bleeding) used to befall us and we were ordered to pay back missed fasts, but not missed Salah (prayers).” [ Agreed upon.] source: islamkingdom

Ramadan is the month of Mercy and Forgiveness. Ramadan is the month of charity, Barakah, and the ties of kinship. It is the moth that we wait from year to year for purifying from sins and repent to Allah. A lot of us are asking how to spend my day in Ramadan? this book is the answer for that . So, you can get used from every second in Ramadan. Read online and Download for free Your Day in Ramadan book. source: islamkingdom

Fasting, according to the prescription of Allah, is of two kinds: 1- Compulsory Fasting This is also of two kinds: a-Obligatory fasting which, from the beginning, Allah Almighty decreed as an obligation upon His servants. This is Fasting in the month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. b-Obligatory fasting whose compulsion was due to or caused by the servant of Allah. Examples include fasting due to pledges or as a result of expiation for one’s inequities. 2- Recommended Fasting This includes all forms of Fasting recommended by Allah Almighty and/or His Messenger. Examples of this is fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, three days of every lunar month, on the tenth day of Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar), the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month) and on the Day of ‘Arafah (i.e. the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah). source: islamkingdom

1- To establish piety by submitting to the commandments of Allah and responding by willingly complying to His rulings. Allah Almighty says: “So that you may gain piety” (Al- Baqarah: 183).2- To train the soul to be patient and to empower the mind over its whims.3- To inculcate in every individual righteousness and compassion towards the needy and the less privileged, as when he feels hunger his mind would be softened, making him milder when assisting the less privileged.4- To ease the body’s system of its copious tasks and thus ensure a good and healthy bodily function source: islamkingdom

1- It is impermissible to fast on the two days of Eid; Abu Hurayrah t narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting on two days: Day of Adha and day of Fitr.2- It is impermissible to fast the ayyamut- tashreeq, which are the three days after the day of Eidul-Adha [11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu’l Hijjah]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The days of tashreeq are days of eating and drinking,” [ Source: Muslim.]but one performing Hajj may fast these days if he is doing qiraan or tamattu’ Hajj and cannot find a sacrificial animal, as is explained by the Qur’an in Ayah 196 of suratul Baqarah: “Then if you are in safety and whosoever performs the ‘Umrah in the months of Hajj, before (performing) the Hajj (i.e. Hajj-at-Tamattu’ and Al-Qiran), he must slaughter a Hady (animal, i.e. a sheep, a cow, or a camel, etc.) such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should observe Saum (fasts) for three days during the Hajj and seven days after his return (to his home), making ten days in all.” 3- It is impermissible to Fast on the yawmul- shak (day of doubt), which is the day that one doubts whether it is the last of Sha’ban or the first of Ramadhan, when there is cloud or fog that prevents the sighting of the crescent. Ammar, t said: “Whoever fasts the day of doubt has disobeyed Abul Qasim (Muhammad, ﷺ).” [ Source: Tirmidhi.]Second: Abominable acts of fasting 1- It is makrooh (disliked) to single out Rajab for fasting, because this was a practice of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic time of ignorance) for they used to venerate that month and by fasting it, it would be a revival of their practices.2- It is makrooh to single out Friday for fasting, for the Prophet forbade us to do so. Abu Hurayrah t narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “No one of you should fast on Friday, unless he fasts (a day) before it or after.” [ Source: Muslim.] If this, however, agrees with something he usually does, then it is not makrooh.3- Wisal, which is fasting uninterruptedly day after day without a break in between, is makrooh. The Prophet forbade wisal as Abdullah bin Omar t said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade Wisal. They (some of the Companions) said: “But you fast uninterruptedly,” whereupon he said: “I am not like you. I am fed and supplied drink (by Allah).” [ Agreed upon.] source:islamkingdom

I feel like maybe I shouldn't be fasting because I recently reverted, but I am so intimidated in learning how to pray. I do want to learn, but I read that I should not be fasting during Ramadan if I have not learned salat. I feel like a failure and I am completely overwhelmed with how much there is to learn.

:sl: Ramadan health guide: a guide to healthy fasting Document type: Guidance Author: Communities in Action Published date: 13 September 2007 Primary audience: Public, Health and social care professionals Product number: 283570 Gateway reference: 8763 Pages: 30 Copyright holder: Crown This booklet is aimed at helping to understand the health issues related to fasting, to help people make more informed choices, minimise complications and maximise the benefit of the fast. The booklet gives a guide through the physiological changes that occur during fasting, gives examples of beneficial and harmful foods during fasting, discusses potential medical problems and remedies, suggests a diet plan, and responds to the most frequently asked questions about fasting in general and medical issues in particular. The booklet also contains a section for doctors and medical professionals, to enable them to provide more informed services. Download Ramadan health guide (PDF, 2113K) <<<<<<<<< Please, Click on It Source: http://www.dh.gov.uk

Valid Excuses For Not Fasting Tuesday 17/07/2012 Print (the five major categories in brief) Valid excuses for not fulfilling the obligations for fasting fall under five major categories (aside from menstrual and postnatal bleeding). When one breaks one's fast with a valid excuse, he should simply make up the missed day, whereas breaking the fast without a valid excuse entails a penalty, such as fasting consecutively for two months if one is able. Here is an expanded explanation of the five major categories of valid exemption from fasting. 1. The First Category: Illness Illness is that which takes a person outside the bounds of health as the result of some indisposition. Ibn Qudaamah says: "There is consensus among the scholars of the permissibility of breaking the fast due to illness in general, as evinced in the verse of the Quran: {...Yet if one among you is sick or is on a journey [such a person shall then fast] the same number of other days...} [Quran 2:185] Salaam ibn Al-Akwa reported: "When the verse `wa alal-ladheena yooteeqoonahoo...' was revealed, whoever wanted to break their fast was allowed to break their fast and pay the ransom, until the verse ‘Shahru Ramadhaanal-ladhee...' was revealed and abrogated the one before it." So, the prescription of fasting went through stages. First, it was permissible to break one's fast. Then it became necessary to fast unless one had an excuse for not doing so. Illness was considered a valid excuse. It is not any illness or pain that allows one to break the fast. If someone is afraid that fasting will make the sickness worse or delay the cure, or cause damage to anything in the body, then he has a valid excuse to break his fast. In fact, he should break his fast. This is because it is an obligation for people to keep themselves from perishing. As for a person who is well, it is not a sufficient excuse to break his fast if he feels fasting is difficult. The exception here, however, is the Hanafi opinion. According to the Hanafis, if a person who is well thinks it is very likely that he will become sick because of the fast, he can break his fast. But if this fear is not very real and more imaginary or just mental apprehension, then it is not permissible to break one's fast. The Maalikis say that if the healthy person has no illness to begin with but he fears that fasting will cause an illness, then he cannot break his fast because there is no real proof—or that his fear is not sufficient proof. However, if someone knows with great certainty that fasting will cause them real harm, they can break their fast. Real harm, here, is not to be confused with difficulty, as difficulty in fasting is a totally invalid excuse to break one's fast. Yet the fact that a person who is ill should break his fast does not mean that if he chooses to complete his fast that it is invalid. Some scholars divide the sick, in terms of the obligation of fasting, into four types: a. One not able to fast or legitimately afraid of illness or excessive weakness if he fasts. In this case, the person must break his fast. It is an obligation to do so. b. One who is able to fast but fasting imposes upon that person great hardship c. One who is able to fast, but with great hardship, and afraid that fasting will make his sickness worse. Some say this person must, some say this person should, break the fast. d. One who is fasting and for whom fasting does not present with any real danger, only real difficulty. In this case, one must fast. II. The Second Category: Travel The kind of travel that allows one to break one's fast must fulfill all of the following five conditions: A. Long enough for one to shorten their prayers (about 50 miles according to most scholars, but what is considered by people a journey) B. The person in the state of travel or far from home does not have the intention of staying at that destination for more than three days. In this latter case, the person may be permitted to not fast (during the travel if they fulfill the other three requirements), but must resume the fast when they arrive at their destination of more than three days. C. According to the majority of scholars, the person undertaking the journey must not be making it for unlawful reasons or to unlawful destinations, like a gambling trip to Las Vegas. This is because the allowance to break one's fast is to make travel easy. If someone is undertaking an unlawful action, they are not included in the principle of creating ease for the traveler. D. The Hanafis allow for someone who is traveling for something unlawful to break their fast because there is no text that specifies that the excuse is only for someone who is traveling for something lawful – and because the act of traveling itself is not unlawful. So, the exemptions, according to the Hanafis, is connected to traveling itself, not what comes after. E. One must go beyond the limits of the city or town one is staying in. This means if one were to travel 50 miles but still be within his city or town area, it would not count as travel. The question of whether one's metropolitan area remains as one's town should be considered seriously, such as greater Chicago, for instance. The majority of the Companions of the Prophet were of the opinion that whoever starts Ramadhaan while settled and then travels after they started Ramadhaan, he is still allowed to break his fast because of the generality of the texts and because the Prophet departed for the conquest of Makkah during Ramadhaan and broke his fast, even though he started his travel after Ramadhaan had started. This hadeeth was reported by Al-Bukhaari. In terms of the time of the permissibility of breaking fast, there are four situations, the last of which includes, not the traveling woman, but the breastfeeding or pregnant woman: 1. That he begin travel before Fajr (dawn) and he intend to break his fast. There is consensus here about his permissibility to break his fast because he was in a state of travel when the reason for the obligation of fasting commenced. 2. That he begin travel after the commencement of Fajr (dawn) and in this situation —according to the majority it is not permissible for him to break his fast since he began an obligatory fast in a state of being settled. However Ahmad ibn Hanbal was of the opinion that once one commences travel, they are allowed to break their fast. This opinion of Ahmad ibn Hanbal is the accurate one due to the hadeeth reported by Muslim that the Prophet headed for Makkah in the year of the conquest (of Makkah) in the month of Ramadhaan, and he traveled while fasting until he reached a certain place called Kiraa'Al-Ghameem. The people were fasting with him, and then it was said to him: "The fasting, indeed, has become a hardship for the people, and they are looking to see what you do." So the Prophet called for a vessel of water after `Asr (afternoon) and drank in front of the people and some of them broke their fast while others continued. When the news reached the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, that some of them continued their fast, he commented: "Those are the disobedient ones." Imaam Ahmad reported, on the authority of Ibn `Abbaas, that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, left for Makkah in the Year of the Conquest, during the month of Ramadhaan and fasted until he reached a certain point on the road. This was around midday. At that point, he reached a water source, and he saw the people with him looking longingly at the water. So the Prophet asked for a vessel of water, and he waited until all the people were looking at him, and he drank. So the people drank after him. The scholars that say it is all right to break your fast after the commencement of the fast use this story as a proof for their opinion. They claim also as proof that the status of the traveler has precedence over the status of the settled person. Most of the scholars, including the Hanbalis, hold that someone who intends to fast a day in Ramadhaan and then embarks on a journey, once he has begun that journey, should preferably not break his fast. 3. The majority of scholars say that breaking one's fast immediately before embarking on a journey—for example, breaking fast in one's home before leaving on a trip—is impermissible because the circumstance that allows for the permissibility of breaking one's fast is the traveling journey itself. So, one would have to wait until one is in a state of travel before breaking one's fast. 4. The jurists are in agreement that a breastfeeding or pregnant woman is allowed to break her fast, under the condition that she believes that fasting will cause harm to her or her baby. The Hanbalis actually hold the position that it is makrooh (disliked) for her to fast in this state. The proof for this is the hadeeth that At-Tirmithi reported that, "Indeed Allaah, Transcendent and Resplendent, has relieved the traveler of the obligation of fasting and relieved him of half the prayer and likewise relieved the pregnant and breastfeeding woman of fasting." III. The Third Category: Old Age There is consensus that it is permissible for people who are elderly not to fast. There is no specific definition for old age. It pertains to what people know and agree to be an age that is very advanced and disabling. IV. The Fourth Category: Thirst and Hunger Severe thirst or hunger are valid excuses not to fast but not any kind of severe thirst or hunger. If someone really believes that the continuation of their fast will physically harm them because they are suffering from severe thirst and hunger, then it is permissible for them to break their fast. Also, if one is anticipating battle, that he will be engaged in battle, and he breaks his fast because of that anticipation, but the battle does not ensue, there is no penalty for having broken his fast. V. The Last Category: Coercion If someone were to threaten someone else with a real threat such as, "If you do not break your fast, you will be executed or jailed!" there is no penalty if one breaks his fast under such circumstance, but one is obliged to make up this missed fast. Source: http://www.islamweb....icles&id=179261

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Fasting for Ramadan in pregnancy Last reviewed: May 2012 [show references] Is fasting safe? What do other women do when they fast? Is there anything I should do before fasting? What's the best way to break the fast? Are there warning signs I should know about fasting? How can I make fasting in pregnancy easier? I'm still unsure about whether or not to fast. What should I do? Is fasting safe? There is no clear answer, even though medical studies have looked at the effects of fasting. At the moment, we can't be sure if fasting during Ramadan is completely safe for pregnant women and their babies. If you feel strong and healthy enough to fast, especially during the early part of pregnancy, you can do so. However, if you don't feel well enough to fast, Islamic law gives you clear permission not to fast. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor and get a general health check before deciding to fast. Some studies seem to show little or no effect on newborn babies if their mothers fasted. Others suggest that people may have more health problems later in life if their mothers fasted during pregnancy. But it is hard to compare different studies done in different ways. Most of the studies we have on fasting in pregnancy are very small, so it's difficult to know for sure. Even one of the larger studies on the long-term effects of fasting says more research is needed. And much may depend on how healthy you were before you got pregnant. Here's what the research has told us: There is no difference between the AGPAR scores, which are a way of measuring babies' health at birth, of babies of women who fasted, and the babies of women who did not fast. Some women who fast during pregnancy may go on to have lower-birth weight babies. However, these results came from a study of women who were more likely to have poor diets or too little food. Another study found that fasting in the first month of pregnancy may lead to lower birth weight, but only by an average of 40g, which is a tiny amount. Fasting by a pregnant woman does not seem to affect the potential IQ of her baby. Women do experience changes in the chemical balance of their blood while fasting. But the changes do not appear to be harmful to either the women or their babies, and do not affect the babies' birth weights. There have been concerns about whether there is a link between fasting and how well a baby grows in the uterus (womb) and premature labor. Some studies have suggested that more babies are born early during Ramadan, but this depends on which country the mothers live in. Women whose weight and lifestyle are generally healthy seem to cope better with fasting. Your baby needs nutrients from you. If your body has enough energy stores, then the impact of fasting is likely to be lessened. And it may depend on the many other factors, such as: whether Ramadan coincides with hot weather and long days what stage you are at in your pregnancy your general health before pregnancy how long the fast lasts In places where the fast lasts longer and temperatures are high, dehydration may be more of a concern. Countries nearer the equator -- like the Philippines -- tend to have shorter fasting times. Check the accepted fasting hours for your area. What do other women do when they fast? Many pregnant Muslim women choose to fast for Ramadan. Some surveys suggest about three quarters of pregnant Muslim women worldwide will fast. Of course, everyone has a different way of observing Ramadan. Most Islamic leaders say you should fast if you are healthy enough to do so. But they also say that anyone who is unwell or has a condition such as diabetes must not fast. You should not ignore this special permission if you feel that fasting could harm you or your baby. Only you can judge how healthy you feel and what the right decision is for you. Talk to your family, your doctor and an Islamic sheikh to help you consider your options. Is there anything I should do before fasting? Plan ahead to make things easier during Ramadan: Talk to your doctor, who can review your physical health and any possible complications, such as gestational diabetes or anemia. Fasting women may be more prone to diabetes in pregnancy. You may have more check-ups during your fast, to monitor things such as your blood sugar levels, for example. If you normally have a lot of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and cola, try to cut back before starting your fast to avoid withdrawal headaches. Experts say pregnant women shouldn't drink more than 200mg of caffeinated drinks -- or two mugs of coffee -- a day. Talk to your employer about managing your work during Ramadan. In some countries the working hours are reduced during this time. Read more about working and fasting. Your doctor or a dietitian can help you work out your dietary needs. Keep a food diary, so you know what you are eating and drinking. Start preparing early by doing shopping and errands before the fast. What's the best way to break the fast? Be sure to have a variety of healthy food and plenty to drink at Iftar, the pre-dawn meal, and Suhoor, the meal taken at dusk. Choose foods that release energy slowly. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and seeds, and high-fiber foods, such as pulses, vegetables and dried fruits, will help to keep you going and avoid constipation. Avoid sugary foods that will raise your blood sugar levels quickly. Your blood sugar may also drop quickly, and this may make you feel faint and dizzy. Try not to eat high-fat, refined foods. Chose a healthier option, such as potatoes or chickpeas. Make sure you get plenty of protein from beans, nuts and well-cooked meat and eggs. Protein is needed to help your baby grow well. Drink plenty of fluids overnight. Try to drink two liters of water between dusk and dawn and avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine makes you lose more water when you urinate, because it is a diuretic, so you may become dehydrated, especially if the weather is hot. Are there warning signs I should know about fasting? Contact your doctor if: There is a noticeable change in your baby’s movements. If you feel that your baby is not moving around or kicking much, it is very important to talk to your doctor right away. You are not putting on weight or you are losing weight. Pregnant women are normally weighed during prenatal appointments. You may want to weigh yourself regularly at home when you are fasting. You become very thirsty or your urine becomes dark-colored and strong-smelling. This is a sign of dehydration. You notice contraction-like pains. This could be a sign of premature labor and you should tell your doctor straight away. You feel dizzy, faint, weak or tired , even after you have had a good rest. You develop a headache or other pains, or a fever. You become nauseous or start vomiting. How can I make fasting in pregnancy easier? Try to keep calm and avoid stressful situations. Changes in your routine, a lack of food and water and eating and drinking at different times can all cause stress. One study found that pregnant women who fasted had higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in their blood than women who didn't. Just take things easy and accept help when it is offered. Although the rest of your family and friends may stay up late, you may need to mark this Ramadan with more quiet, restful time. Ask the other women in your family for tips and suggestions about how to cope while you are pregnant. Keep cool. You can become dehydrated quickly and that's not good for you or your baby. Plan your days so that you can take regular rests. Try not to walk long distances and carry anything heavy. Cut down on housework and do as little as possible. <a name="14"> I'm still unsure about whether or not to fast. What should I do? Ask your doctor to give you a general health check-up before you begin. An Islamic sheikh will probably suggest getting medical advice to help you make your decision. Think about doing a trial fast for a day or two. See how you feel and go back to your doctor for a check-up. Source: http://www.babycenter.com.ph/pregnancy/nutrition/ramadan/pregnant-fasting/

Tips for a healthy fast How can I make fasting easier? Is there an ideal Iftar for women? Do I have to eat a heavy meal for Suhoor? I love drinking coffee and tea after breaking my fast. How can I substitute them? What should I include and avoid in my diet during Ramadan? How can I make fasting easier? There is no need to limit yourself to your Iftar (evening meal) and your Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). In fact, rather than feasting at these two times, it is better to have several well-balanced, nutritious meals after you break your fast. This will help you maintain your weight and prevent constipation, headaches, indigestion and lethargy. These are all symptoms you are prone to as a fasting pregnant woman. Is there an ideal Iftar for women? There is no ideal Iftar, but try these tips for the best ways to break your fast. Start with: three dates and juice (good for bringing your sugar levels back to normal) semi-skimmed milk clear-based soup Then eat a well-balanced meal that may include: salad as a starter protein from chicken, meat or fish, or lentils, chickpeas or beans complex carbohydrates from brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholewheat bread plenty of vegetables Try not to eat high-fat meals. These will fill you up, but give you poor nutrients, and possibly indigestion, too. Do I have to eat a heavy meal for Suhoor? Suhoor is one of the most important meals to consume during Ramadan to keep your energy levels up during the day. Do not skip this meal, as it will provide you with nutrients that fuel your body. It will also decrease hunger pangs, headache, and sleepiness. Suhoor should be a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling and provides enough energy for many hours. Try to eat high-fiber foods and complex carbohydrates, such as grains and pulses. Your body takes longer to break down and absorb these foods, so they will fuel you better during your hours of fasting. Your healthy meal could include: wholewheat breads, with a little jam, cheese or labneh high-fibre cereal with semi-skimmed milk fresh and dried fruit, including bananas and dates unsalted nuts I love drinking coffee and tea after breaking my fast. How can I substitute them? Drink fresh fruit juices instead of coffee and tea. Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can make you lose more water when you urinate, because it is a diuretic. Drinking tea with food can reduce the amount of iron your body is able to absorb, so stick to water when you're eating. If you find water boring, try adding a slice of lime or lemon to liven it up. A fruit smoothie made with milk, yoghurt, ice and fruit makes a refreshing drink and gives you plenty of your daily fruit allowance. What should I include and avoid in my diet during Ramadan? Ramadan is a time when your activity level tends to decrease, and in pregnancy it may mean you become more tired. To follow a healthy fast, keep in mind the above tips when eating and: Limit your intake of sweets and desserts to once a week, and opt more for fresh fruits. After dinner, relax for a while and then get up and move around. Avoid snacking late in the evening before sleeping, but be sure to take your Suhoor. Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor to prevent dehydration. Adapted from BabyCenter UK, August 2009 End of Article 1

Ramadan Food: When And What To Eat Ramadan (in Arabic: رمضان, Ramadān) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During the whole month, faithful observers of Islam fast from sunrise (Sahour) to sunset (Iftar). During the fast, no food or drink is consumed, and thoughts must be kept pure. Followers of Islam believe that fasting helps the Muslim learn patience, modesty, and spirituality. Meals are served before sunrise and after sunset, and eaten with family or with the local community. The elderly, sick, and mentally ill are exempt from the fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. In some Muslim communities, people who miss the fasting portion of Ramadan are expected to compensate by feeding the poor and unfortunate during the suhoor and iftar meals. In 2009, Ramadan ends on September 20th. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, so it retrogresses about two weeks backwards every year. In 2010, Ramadan will be closer to the middle of the summer. The fast is strictly observed, even in higher latitudes. Muslims living in Northern Europe or Canada have to fast longer than Muslims living in the Middle East due to daylight hours being longer. During Ramadan, two main meals are served; the suhoor, which is served before dawn, and the iftar, which is served after sunset. Since the suhoor is intended to last one throughout the day, it tends to be a heavy and hearty meal. Suhoor ends when the sun rises and the fajr, or morning prayer, begins. At the end of the day, when the sun sets, the maghrib prayer starts, and the day's fast is broken with the iftar meal. Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates before beginning the iftar meal. Muslims can continue eating and drinking throughout the night until the next day's suhoor. At the end of the Ramadan month, Muslims celebrate the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, called Eid al-Fitr. Both of the suhoor and iftar meals contain fresh fruit, vegetables, halal meats, breads, cheeses, and sweets. Remember that the Muslim world is large and is not only in the Middle East; there are Muslims worldwide in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The types of food served vary by region. The meals are served either at home with family, or in the community Masjids, or other designated places within the Muslim community. Some foods that may be served at a Ramadan suhoor or iftar: Dates, pistachios, other nuts, and dried fruits Fresh seasonal fruits Fresh seasonal vegetables Chabbakia - a dessert made of fried dough flavored with orange blossom water and coated with sesame seeds and honey. (Morocco) Paomo - a bread & mutton soup (China) Ramazan Kebabi - a dish made with lamb, onions, yogurt, and pita bread. (Turkey) Sherbet - the world's first soft drink, developed in the Ottoman Empire. Sherbets are made from fruit juices, extracts of flowers, or herbs, and combined with water and sugar. (Turkey) Chapatis - unleavened flatbread that is rolled up with vegetables and meats. (India and Pakistan) Lavash - a soft, thin crackerbread. (Armenia, Azerbaijan) Fattoush - a salad made of vegetables and pita bread. (Lebanon and Arab countries) Tabbouleh - a salad made with fresh tomatoes, parsley, garlic, and bulgur wheat. (Middle East) Khyar Bi Laban - cucumber and yogurt salad (Middle East) Chorba - lamb stew with tomatoes and chickpeas (Morocco) Fasulia - stew with green beans and meat (North Africa and the Middle East) Bamia - a stew made with meat and okra (North Africa and the Middle East) Mujadarra - a dish made with rice and lentils (Middle East) Konafah - a pastry made with phyllo dough and cheese (Middle East) Qatayef - a type of Arabic pancake filled with sweet cheese and nuts (Saudi Arabia, Palestine) Ful medammes - fava beans cooked with garlic and spread on bread (North Africa) Kolak - a fruit dessert made with palm sugar, coconut milk, and pandanus leaf. Fruits such as jackfruit or banana are added, or mung beans. (Indonesia) Haleem - a porridge made of meat, wheat, and lentils. (India) Paneer cheese (Persia and India) Jalebi - deep-fried dough batter soaked in syrup. (Pakistan) Shabi kebab - fried patties of ground meat and chickpeas. (India and Pakistan) More: • Allrecipes has a good list of Ramadan recipes here. • More Ramadan recipes, via AsiaRecipe. • The Boston Globe's Big Picture Blog has wonderful photos of Ramadan food and activities here. If you are currently traveling in a Muslim country or live in a Muslim neighborhood, please recognize that right now is a holy time for Muslims and they are fasting during daylight hours. If you need to purchase food or drink during fasting hours, please be respectful and carry them in a non-see-through bag back to your home or hotel room where you can consume them in privacy. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about Ramadan and meeting Muslims in person, many Masjids and Islamic cultural centers have community outreach programs where they invite non-Muslims to enjoy an iftar meal with the other members of the Masjid. Be sure to check beforehand what the dress code is, as women may need to cover their arms and/or head. Here is a primer on Muslim etiquette. I am attending a Ramadan Open House Iftar meal in San Francisco this weekend. I discovered it by doing a Google search for "Ramadan Iftar Outreach San Francisco." As-Salāmu `Alaykum - "May peace be upon you." (Images: Premshree Pillai, Hamed Saber, Binnur's Turkish Cookbook, Raja Islam, Ghadeer Alqattan, Vit Hassan, and Amazon - thanks!) Adapted from: http://www.thekitchn.com/ramadan-when-its-ok-to-eat-and-94989

Time Has Come: Tips For Women in Ramadan Tips and Advice By Rasha Dewedar Freelance Writer-Egypt Wednesday, 11 July 2012 00:00 Ramadan Mubarak! While Sha'ban is approaching its end, Muslims all over the world start counting down for Ramadan with unprecedented motivation and high hopes to do many things; to get the maximum of this holy month. However, good intentions are not enough! Muslim women like everyone else have high expectations for the blessed month, as well as more loads and duties. Achieving what you want in Ramadan is strongly related to time management and realistic plans. Women have more duties in Ramadan, especially if they are working, however, they still have several opportunities for getting rewards, which makes it even more important for them to arrange and coordinate diversity of activities only in one month. Charity is a widely open door in which women can participate by different ways. Cooking food for needy people, collecting money from relatives and friends for charitable reasons, among other activities. Women have also a very important and crucial role in helping their children understand what Ramadan is all about, and in organizing activities and entertaining activities relevant to the holy month. Ramadan is considered an excellent opportunity for kids to live 30 days in a comprehensive experience that includes fasting, praying, playing, and helping others either physically or financially. Time management is not only how you manage your time in Ramadan, but extends to how you manage to decrease your tasks and duties during the holy month. Everyone has different priorities, abilities, and circumstances, nevertheless, you can tailor the following tips to your life style. Pray that Allah grants you Baraka in your time. Don't go to one of the extremes; don't put very high expectations that you are unlikely to make, be always sure you are not a superwoman (no one actually is). You are not helpless as well, you can achieve a lot if you put realistic plan that goes along with your abilities, responsibilities, and circumstances. Make it simple, don't overwhelm yourself with lists of food items you should prepare everyday on Iftar, just make sure meals are nutritious and have all necessary elements. Get your kitchen prepared; prepare different ingredients for meals before Ramadan, so that in Ramadan, you just do the final steps. For example, prepare in your fridge a good amount of onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. Get meat and chicken washed and spiced. Prepare some homemade drinks like hibiscus, and leave them in the fridge. Keep your home organized; this way you can get things easier and save time of searching for items. Set your priorities; Put your plan starting with basic tasks followed by less important to 'you'. Don't schedule what you think less prior, just focus on more important things and get them done efficiently. Put a schedule to your appointments and visits; avoid unnecessary outings, and put definite dates and times if you can. Make it clear to your family and friends that Ramadan is a very special time to you and that you'd rather give more time to prayers and related activities and you can postpone gatherings and errands and do it afterwards. Be smart when you invite; inviting guests to Iftar no doubt has a great thawab, and spread happiness to both you and your guests, and it can be a great load as well, unless you have a good plan for it. Cook simple meals that do not need much time or effort. Prepare some or most of the dishes one day before if you can, so you don't have all the work on the same day. Get someone to help you with preparing, lifting, and washing the dishes if feasible, and if you have kids, let them help you as well. Dish parties are an excellent choice in this case, where everyone gets a dish and you all share cooking and you also share thawab. Make a checklist in which you put basic duties as well as extra activities, and make one for each child, this will act as a good reminder as well as an alert if you put too much or too less tasks. Don't say tomorrow, if you have a task, do it immediately, this will even give you a push to do more. Take some rest; enough sleeping hours are very important for you to be able to complete the whole month with the same pace. Eat well; healthy food will give you the energy to work, pray, and do all your duties. Avoid eating junk food and food with big amount of fats as much as you can, this kind of diet will make you more sleepy and lazy in addition to its health hazards. After managing your time a way or another, help others to do the same, especially family members. Exercise; many people think Ramadan is absolutely the wrong time to exercise, this is not true. You can have few minutes of stretching or any kind of work outs that makes your body stronger and make you feel better. For Working Women: Needless to say that working women have a harder job that need more care and control. The good news however, is that working women are mostly used to time management, checklists, and arranging tasks beforehand. Working efficiently is an important gate to Paradise, so be always sure that you are doing a great job which will essentially reflect on your psychology in a positive way. Set your schedule carefully, according to your working hours so that you have adequate time to sleep, work, and good time to spend with your family. Make use of the time of breaks and transportation in reading Qur'an and Dhikr. Help your Muslim colleagues make the most of the holy month by exchanging information, and encouraging each other. Get your family involved; you can get the help of your family members in household responsibilities. You should always know that time management is not a tool for more duties to accomplish. It's rather a system that helps you having a clear vision of what you want to do, identify your responsibilities, feel productive, which will finally grant you control over your life with a sense of empowerment. Source: http://www.onislam.n...in-ramadan.html

Fasting can help protect against brain diseases, scientists say Claim that giving up almost all food for one or two days a week can counteract impact of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's ######you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/2/18/1329597254104/Fasting-can-help-protect--007.jpg[/img] A vertical slice through the brain of a patient with Alzheimer's, left, compared with a normal brain, right. Photograph: Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library Fasting for regular periods could help protect the brain against degenerative illnesses, according to US scientists. Researchers at the National Institute on (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetguardian.co.uk/science/ageing"]Ageing[/url] in Baltimore said they had found evidence which shows that periods of stopping virtually all food intake for one or two days a week could protect the brain against some of the worst effects of (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetguardian.co.uk/society/alzheimers"]Alzheimer's[/url], Parkinson's and other ailments. ######you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_######1.biu.ac.il/images/news/img_biu_11_11_30_15_19.jpg[/img] [DO NOT CHANGE COLORBlue]Professor Mark Mattson[/color] "Reducing your calorie intake could help your brain, but doing so by cutting your intake of food is not likely to be the best method of triggering this protection. It is likely to be better to go on intermittent bouts of fasting, in which you eat hardly anything at all, and then have periods when you eat as much as you want," said Professor Mark Mattson, head of the institute's laboratory of neurosciences. "In other words, timing appears to be a crucial element to this process," Mattson told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Vancouver. Cutting daily food intake to around 500 calories – which amounts to little more than a few vegetables and some tea – for two days out of seven had clear beneficial effects in their studies, claimed Mattson, who is also professor of (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetguardian.co.uk/science/neuroscience"]neuroscience[/url] at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Scientists have known for some time that a low-calorie diet is a recipe for longer life. Rats and mice reared on restricted amounts of food increase their lifespan by up to 40%. A similar effect has been noted in humans. But Mattson and his team have taken this notion further. They argue that starving yourself occasionally can stave off not just ill-health and early death but delay the onset of conditions affecting the brain, including strokes. "Our animal experiments clearly suggest this," said Mattson. He and his colleagues have also worked out a specific mechanism by which the growth of neurones in the brain could be affected by reduced energy intakes. Amounts of two cellular messaging chemicals are boosted when calorie intake is sharply reduced, said Mattson. These chemical messengers play an important role in boosting the growth of neurones in the brain, a process that would counteract the impact of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "The cells of the brain are put under mild stress that is analogous to the effects of exercise on muscle cells," said Mattson. "The overall effect is beneficial." The link between reductions in energy intake and the boosting of cell growth in the brain might seem an unlikely one, but Mattson insisted that there were sound evolutionary reasons for believing it to be the case. "When resources became scarce, our ancestors would have had to scrounge for food," said Mattson. "Those whose brains responded best – who remembered where promising sources could be found or recalled how to avoid predators — would have been the ones who got the food. Thus a mechanism linking periods of starvation to neural growth would have evolved." This model has been worked out using studies of fasting on humans and the resulting impact on their general health – even sufferers from asthma have shown benefits, said Mattson – and from experiments on the impact on the brains of animals affected by the rodent equivalent of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Now Mattson's team is preparing to study the impact of fasting on the brain by using MRI scans and other techniques. If this final link can be established, Mattson said that a person could optimise his or her brain function by subjecting themselves to bouts of "intermittent energy restriction". In other words, they could cut their food intake to a bare minimum for two days a week, while indulging for the other five. "We have found that from a psychological point of view that works quite well. You can put up with having hardly any food for a day if you know that for the next five you can eat what you want." ------------------------------------------- [DO NOT CHANGE COLORmagenta]O you who believe fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. [/color]But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [DO NOT CHANGE COLORBlue]Quran 2:183-185[/color] [DO NOT CHANGE COLORBlue]((يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ. أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْراً فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ [using large font size is not allowed][/color]وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ [using large font size is not allowed][DO NOT CHANGE COLORBlue]))[using large font size is not allowed][/color] ************************************************ It was narrated that 'Aishah said:[using large font size is not allowed] "The Messenger of Allah used to be keen to fast on Mondays and Thursday." (Hasan)[using large font size is not allowed] أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ الأُمَوِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ ثَوْرٍ، عَنْ خَالِدِ بْنِ مَعْدَانَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَتَحَرَّى الاِثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسَ ‏.‏[using large font size is not allowed][using large font size is not allowed] (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_sunnah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/urn/1123710"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_sunnah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/urn/1123710[/url] ----------------------- Source (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetguardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/18/fasting-protect-brain-diseases-scientists"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetguardian....ases-scientists[/url] (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_esciencenews(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/sources/the.guardian.science/2012/02/18/fasting.can.help.protect.against.brain.diseases.scientists.say"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_esciencenews.....scientists.say[/url] (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yettodayonline(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/World/EDC120220-0000024/Fasting-twice-a-week-can-help-"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yettodayonli...-week-can-help-[/url] (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetheegantv(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/?p=28007"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetheegantv(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/?p=28007[/url] (you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_healthwirenews(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/13714/fasting-can-help-protect-against-brain-diseases-scientists-say-the-guardian/"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_healthwirenew...y-the-guardian/[/url]