Art of Fasting during Ramadan Kareem for Dummies!

It is that time of the year again when Muslims throughout the world usher in the month of Ramadan as a precursor to Aidilfitri whereby Muslims rejoice, marking the end of the fasting month. During this holy month, Muslim devotees are required to adhere to strict rules or religious observance of the fasting etiquettes of Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan is generally a month for introspection; a time to reflect on our past deeds and to count our blessings. It is a time to ponder upon the abundance which we have all been provided or inherited, as well as to contemplate about the needs of others. The challenges of undergoing fasting are often rewarded with an abundance of physical benefits and other intangible rewards. Malaysian Muslims welcome the coming of Ramadan on March 22, and celebrate Hari Raya Puasa when the month-long fasting rite or ritual concludes. Here are simple tips and guidelines for the laymen during fasting.

Eating and drinking

First and foremost, eating and drinking are strictly prohibited during Ramadan. This of course is a no-brainer for the local mainstream population. However, for the ignorant or the uninitiated, it is by far the toughest act to follow. Fasting (“sahur”) commences at dawn at about 5.30 am, and ends with the breaking of fast (“iftar”) which begins at around 7.30 pm daily for the next thirty days. For average Muslims, fasting and breaking fast are typically accompanied by the daily prayers (“solat”), whereby individuals and family members visit local mosques to receive their blessings. A typical meal consumed during sahur and iftar may include dates, cereal, congee, sandwich or nasi lemak; which are downed with a glass of plain or warm water.

Minimize indulgence

Fasting during Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from eating and drinking per se. The act of fasting literally requires plenty of self-control, notwithstanding having a strong religious faith. In addition to curbing one’s personal indulgence, refraining from other excesses or extravagance such as drinking and bingeing are widely considered as off-limits through this time period – i.e. lust, wrath, gluttony, and promiscuity being the most reputable of all sins or evils in any holy book or scripture. Henceforth, having an insatiable appetite for sex is a definite no-no or taboo. Entertainments such clubbing and partying are also ill-advised, whilst wholesome recreational activities such as picnicking, boot-camping and family outings are most welcomed and duly encouraged. Inculcating abstinence amidst a hedonistic society which advocates entertainment and other worldly pleasures would be a tall order indeed. As usual, proper family upbringing and a pious religious education do help in fostering good habits, righteous morals and positive values amongst law-abiding citizens and common folks.

Advantages of fasting

There are tons of scientifically-proven documented evidence with regards to the benefits and advantages of fasting. The human body is largely able to take a rest and to recover from excess food consumed during regular days. The average metabolic cycle of most humans normally lasts between eight and twelve hours. Thus, abstaining from food for half-a-day or more helps the physical body to recuperate, and the mind to rejuvenate during this fasting period. This allows time for our body to rest or heal, and to facilitate the removal of unwanted waste and harmful toxins. It is a universal truth and well-known fact that detoxification (“detox”) is one of the key elements or core ingredients towards creating a healthy mind and healthy body. Once the toxins have been eradicated, the body will be recharged and reenergized, and the mind feeling refreshed and revitalized. Other benefits attributed to fasting include more discipline, better disposition, greater coordination, sharper focus, improved sleep, healthier complexion, and livelier personality.

Fasting is a simple yet noble act; a symbol of human repentance and thanksgiving to God. Last but not least, kindly beware of gastronomic pitfalls and honey traps when fasting. Cornerstone Xstate wishes all Malaysian Muslims Salam Ramadan Kareem 2023 and Happy Fasting! (This article is not meant as an authoritative reference, guide or canon on fasting. Always abide by official rules of fasting at all time!)