The holy month of Ramazan is a reminder of some lessons which need to be learnt and re-learnt. We are blessed every year with the month of Ramazan to refresh our faith, compassion, obedience, punctuality and inclination towards doing good deeds.

There is no end to the spiritual benefits of Ramazan. As the sacred month of fasting draws to its end, if we spend the month wisely, we find ourselves in better health and as better human beings with a better understanding of the feelings of people less blessed than us. So it is better to remind ourselves about the virtues Ramazan, the blessed month, and how to makes it fulfilling time for us and our families.

find ourselves in better health and as better human beings with a better understanding of the feelings of people less blessed than us. So it is better to remind ourselves about the virtues Ramazan, the blessed month, and how to makes it a fulfilling time for us and our families.

Ramazan doesn’t teach us to stuff our refrigerators with all kinds of food. It is about learning to have self-control, moderation and discipline and empathising with how poor people survive with very little food they have. We have totally changed the meaning of this blessed month in which many people eat and buy things as if there is no tomorrow

Eat wisely

There are physical benefits as well as spiritual benefits of fasting. Doctors all over the world agree that fasting regularly boosts our health and flushes out toxins from our system.

We can derive the benefits of fasting only if we eat wisely at Sehr and Iftar. Eating light, easy to digest and non-greasy food keep us active during the day and less lethargic after we break the fast.

Usually, in our part of the world, Ramazan is associated with feasting. The Iftar table is full of fried goodies, juices and rich foods. Friends, these foods may appeal to our palate but they make us lose all the advantages of fasting. A single samosa, pakora and jalebi are fine for Iftar but stuffing our stomach or over-eating these foods will do us more harm than good.

Try to have fresh fruits, dates and a light meal when you are on the Iftar table. The days are long and hot, but drinking too much sherbet or soft drinks to quench our thirst will only raise the sugar level in our blood, which is not healthy. At Sehr also, stuffing ourselves unnecessarily in fear of feeling hungry during the long fasting hours is not a wise thing. Besides, Ramazan doesn’t teach us to stuff our refrigerators with all kinds of food. It is about learning to have self-control, moderation, discipline and empathising with how poor people survive with very little food they have. We have totally changed the meaning of this blessed month in which many people eat and buy things as if there is no tomorrow.

Stay indoors during the day

As this month of fasting is now coming during the summer vacation, you will have a lot of leisure time to spend at home when fasting. You may be excited to play with your friends, but if you are fasting you should keep in mind that the heat is on and you need to take care of your health.

Try to limit your activity in the daytime, because the scorching heat will only drench you more. Be as helpful as possible around the house as everyone is fasting.

I am often amused at the way children look forward to and mothers seem to dread summer vacation. Children usually stay up late at night and sleep in late during the day. As you spend all your time at home, you can create a mess in the living room and bedroom. And then there are arguments and quarrels on non-issues among the siblings which mummy needs to settle day in and day out. Always remember that your mum is not on a vacation like you are. She has her normal chores due on her during the fast which can be very straining, so don’t get on her nerves.

Try not to argue and if you have any dispute, settle it amicably and without involving mum. Help out as much as you can at Iftar and Sehr. The older ones can help their mothers in dishwashing and clearing up the kitchen. And the younger ones can help by clearing up their rooms, laying and clearing the table at Iftar and, if possible, at Sehr also. You can look after your younger siblings and attend to the doorbell and phone in the afternoon, so that your mother can rest for a while after toiling in the heat.

Be punctual in your prayers

One of the blessings of Ramazan is that we feel a natural inclination to pray. Offer your salat regularly and try to catch up on your Quran recitation. Try to read a few verses with their meanings so that you have a better understanding of the Holy book and its message.

Spread goodness

A kind word to your domestic helper or driver, and efforts to make their workload lighter will make them comfortable and thankful for your compassion.

Chill water in disposable bottles in your freezer and give them out to the guard in your lane or a passerby. Sharing a plate of your Iftar menu with them will also be a great gesture on your part.

Be moderate in Eid shopping

One of the biggest charm of Ramazan for children is shopping for Eid. Dear friends, goodness begets goodness, so try to brush up all your positive habits during Ramazan. Keep your temper under control and be kind to those younger than you and be obedient towards your elders.

I hope these reminders will be helpful and you will emerge from the blessed months a more content and better person. Have a blessed Ramazan.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 27th, 2017