In the Spotlight
By Sharmini Jayawardena
For the year 2018, the Ramadan, also known as, Ramadhan, Ramzan or Hari Raya (in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei), begins on 16th May 2018, with the first sighting of the new crescent moon, on this day, with fasting beginning at Sunrise.
This is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar. The Gregorian calendar, we all follow, being a solar calendar.
Yet, the period of fasting, (abstaining from both food and drink), which begins at Sunrise and pauses at Sunset, in each time zone, follows the Sun☀❗
So, the Muslims observe both, the lunar and the solar in their period of fasting.
The Islamic calendar consists of twelve months. The twelve months last for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan”, is derived from the Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink.
Muslims, excluding, children, the sick, and the elderly, abstain from food, drink and certain other activities during daylight hours, in Ramadan. These activities being, gossiping, fighting and sexual intercourse.
Ramadan is considered the holiest season in the Islamic year. It ends with a great big celebration to mark the end of having achieved the great feat, when the first crescent of the moon is sighted again, denoting the new lunar month’s beginning.
Eid-al-Fitr or Hari Raya, is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
How to Drink and Eat during Ramadan Fasting:
1. Begin by consuming about 4 to 6 dates. Dates have a copious amount of minerals and nutrients, and it is the best way to start when beginning and breaking your fast.
2. Then, drink liquids starting with water, very slowly, followed by a smoothie, possibly, and a soup.
3. Go on to a portion of fruit and then on to a portion of vegetables coupled with carbs and meat.
4. End with a dessert dish which can include cake, to make your whole effort worthwhile where food and drink are concerned.
It is best to avoid consuming large amounts of food just because you fasted.
Once you begin your fast, and break your fast for the day, (puasa in Malay), you must drink enough water and liquids to see you comfortably through the day. You must make sure to take in the regular in take of water for the day.
InshaAlla! Your fast will be easy on you and you will complete all the days of fasting in this month of Ramadan❣
