The Islamic holy month of Ramadan
In this blog, I will talk about;
a) What is Ramadan?
b) Why do Muslims break fast with dates?
c) The health benefits of dates and women's health
d) How does fasting affect a woman’s health?
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a very important time in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan falls during this month because this is when the holy book that's followed by Muslims, called the Qur'an, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but the date changes each year.
This is because Islam uses the lunar calendar (based on the cycles of the Moon), so it isn't a fixed date in the Western/solar calendar.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink between dawn and sunset.
This is called fasting.
Fasting is important during Ramadan as Muslims believe it allows them to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. During Ramadan, Muslims will make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help.
To prepare for the day’s fasting a meal is prepared (known as the suhoor) to be eaten just before dawn and another meal (known as the iftar) is eaten directly after sunset.
At the end of the fast - when the sun has gone down - families and friends will get together for Iftar to break their fast.
Quran The Holy Book and a Bowel of Dates, Dark Background Image by Unsplash
Why do Muslims break fast with dates?
Following the Prophet Muhammed tradition, Muslims tend to break fast with dates and water, Muslims follow this practice as a way of following the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) example.
Dates have a significant religious and cultural significance in Islam. They are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, and are often referred to as the "fruit of paradise." Breaking the fast with dates is also a way of celebrating the end of the day's fast and expressing gratitude to Allah for providing sustenance.
Dates are a good source of carbohydrates, fibre, and potassium, which can provide a quick burst of energy and help replenish the body's depleted glycogen levels after a day of fasting. They are easy to digest, which can be beneficial after a day of not eating or drinking anything.
What is the Impact of Eating Dates on Women’s Health?
Dates offer many health benefits to women, especially during the different changes in womanhood.
Dates are rich in nearly 70 bioactive minerals (much higher than is documented) that support the adrenal glands to help women handle life’s daily challenges.
Dates are amazing for the digestive system. As one of the most anti-parasitic foods on the planet, dates bind onto, destroy, and sweep away parasites; yeast, mould, and other fungi; heavy metals; unproductive bacteria; viruses; and other poisonous pathogens from the gut. It makes them one of the most beneficial Candida killers known to humankind.
One of the most heart-healthy foods available, dates also contain a record-breaking, undiscovered amount of amino acids. Similar to bananas, more potassium to sustain and fortify muscles and nerves. This process also stops lactic acid from taking over the body when it’s under stress.
Dates are a good source of calcium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially during post-menopause.
They are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
A good source of folate, Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6 is important for a healthy pregnancy and can help prevent birth defects.
If you are experiencing Insomnia, night sweats and any other sleep-depriving issues try to eat two dates before bed. Dates help your body produce melatonin, which in turn helps you to have a good night's sleep. And with its high levels of fibre, taking time to digest will keep you full throughout the night.
How does Fasting Affect a Woman's Health?
In addition to its spiritual effects, fasting is also profoundly healing for the physical body. It is probably the oldest known healing method. Great physicians such as Hippocrates, Paracelsus, and Galen prescribed it.
When we fast, the body is focused on the removal of toxins and the regeneration of damaged tissue. The eliminative systems (skin, lungs, kidneys, bowels, and liver) become more active.
Nisha Arya says:
A lot of people don’t know the beauty of Ramadan. Every year I look forward to putting my body through such pressure to reap the emotional, physical and most importantly spiritual attributes. In the past week of Ramadan, my resting heart rate has lowered, meaning I have a healthier heart after just 6 days of fasting! It’s typical for you to get hungry and have a short fuse due to the lack of water and food and prolonged headaches. But Ramadan teaches you to have control over your emotions and learn discipline when it becomes very difficult. Not only have I gotten closer to Allah and my religion. But I’ve got closer to myself and understand my flaws and where I need to improve A lot of people are afraid of Islam because it doesn’t meet their lifestyle requirements. But the more you come closer to Islam spiritually, you’ll start to understand why certain lifestyle choices impact our health, well-being and spiritual self.
As the great Persian poet Al-Ghazali wrote: “He who buries his head deep in a nosebag full of food cannot hope to see the invisible world.”
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