Everything You Need To Know About Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan is the blessed month of whole year. This precious month brings with it a fresh wave of festive cheer for Muslims all over the world. It lasts for 29 to 30 days depending on the sighting of moon. Muslims start their day at dawn by eating meal called Sehri before the Fajr prayer and abstain from food and water till sunset. This year, Ramadan Kareem started on 7th June 2016.
Suhoor
Pre-dawn meal or Suhoor meal is wholesome and packed with energizing food in order to fuel us through the day. Vegetables and fruits should be eaten in Sehri meal as they contain fiber that keeps us full for almost an entire day. This meal also comprises of rice and bread that are rich in carbohydrates to keep our energy level up and protein such as meat, egg or dairy to increase our resistance. Nuts are also famous choice as they release energy over a period and help us in preventing laziness and fatigue. It is always recommended to avid consuming coffee or tea during Suhoor as the caffeine in it leads to loss of water, which in result increases our thirst.
Iftaar meals All Over The World
Holy Prophet PBUH used to break His fast with three dates. So traditionally, we Muslims should also break our fast with dates, juice, milk or water. The Maghrib prayer follows this Iftaar meal. It is interesting to note that countries across the world cook up the iftaar meal differently. Muslims in Bangladesh and Pakistan indulge in Haleem, parathas, sweetened drinks, meat curries, rice preparations, fruit salads and many more meals for Iftaar.
Significance of Ramadan
We Muslims observe Sawm or fasting for the whole month of Ramadan. Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are travelling, ill or elderly men and women. Ramadan is not just about fasting. It is the month of compassion, devotion, generosity, repentance, and forgiveness.
One of the most basic ideas behind observing fast is the cleansing of body and mind. It is a period of appreciation and self-reflection. By keeping roza, Muslims all over the world express their gratitude towards Allah Almighty for revealing Holy Quran to Hazrat Muhammad SAW during this blessed month. This holy month also encourages us to be charitable.
