ETIQUETTES OF FASTING
Fasting is an obligation, and to remove the obligation from your responsibility, all you have to do is avoid eating, drinking and relations from dawn to sunset. However, this is just the legal aspect. The fast itself is spiritual and holds many blessings.
In order to gain these blessings, you have to ensure you do the following:
• You must avoid sinning. The whole idea of fasting is to create discipline and abstinence from sins. If we sin throughout our fasts, though the obligation is lifted and we won’t be accountable for it on the Day of Judgement, the fast itself will be of no other use. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم says:
Whoever doesn’t avoid dishonesty and acting on falsehood, Allah has no need for
him to leave his food and drink. (Bukhari)
How many people are there whose fasts are nothing but thirst, and how many
people are there who perform nightly prayers yet their praying is nothing but
sleeplessness. (Darami)
We can see from these stern Hadiths how sinning whilst fasting leaves you with no reward—it’s just staying hungry for nothing. We’re aware of the rewards for fasting and we can’t afford to lose them.
Another thing to avoid is arguing. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم teaches us:
When someone fasts on a day, he shouldn’t be vulgar, nor wrong others. If someone insults him or tries to fight him, he should say, “I’m fasting. I’m fasting.” (Muslim)
Not only is quarrelling usually pointless and violent, it takes away the spirit of fasting. After a dispute, both sides normally remain preoccupied with the other party and will find it difficult to focus on Allah Ta’ala and other important matters.
Lastly, when fasting, because of remnant food and other particles, your mouth will inevitably have an odour. However, we shouldn’t’ think ill of it, as the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
The smell from the mouth of a person fasting is more fragrant to Allah than the
scent of Musk. (Bukhari)
TIPS FOR FASTING
Fasting can be tough, especially with work and school. This is why it’s important to make it as easy as possible. You may feel hungry, but avoid complaining if you can help it as it’s Makruh, since it’s like complaining about Allah Ta’ala’s commands. Think about why you are fasting, the benefit you’ll have and how Allah Ta’ala is pleased with you.
To make the fast easier, do the following:
• Rest as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity, as it will burn you out. If you have an exercise routine, reduce it. If you can, take off your Ramadan from work, or at least for the last ten days.
• Sleep if you feel tired. Since you are eating less, you’ll feel more sleepy and may require an extra hour or more of sleep a day. Try to fit in the Qaylula (Sunnah afternoon nap) after the Zuhr Salah if you have the time. However, avoid sleeping between the ‘Asr and Maghrib Salahs, as that period is an important part of the day for remembering Allah Ta’ala and making Du’a. Under no circumstances should you miss any Salah because of sleeping!
• If you feel thirsty, have a shower. It’s the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم to pour water over himself when he would be thirsty whilst fasting or when feeling hot (Abu Dawud).
• Use the Miswak regularly to avoid mouth odour. Brush when you wake up, during Wudu and any other time you feel that your mouth odour may have changed. Regularly trim your Miswak when the flavour wears out.
• Properly eating and maintaining your hydration is key to feeling energetic. Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhur, and ensure you eat the correct foods.
BY HUDA PRESS
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