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Thursday, October 21, 2004

Health Guidelines for Ramadaan

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalise one's weight.

In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.

Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).

· Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).

· Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.

The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.

AVOID

Fried and fatty foods.

o Foods containing too much sugar.

o Over-eating especially at sehri.

o Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.

o Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.

EAT

Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.

§ Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.

§ Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.

§ Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.

§ Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

DRINK

As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.

Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.

Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.

INDIGESTION AND WIND

Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.

Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.

LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')

Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.

Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.

Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.

Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.

HEADACHE

Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.

Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.

Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA

Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend upto the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.

Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.

KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

JOINT PAINS

Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.

Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Ramadhaan - Q & A - Part 2
 
WET DREAM
During Ramdhan, if one has a wet dream (self relief during sleep), is the fast valid?
If one has a wet dream during fasting, the fast is still valid

MENSES
1. If a female gets her period during her fast, can she break the fast right away or she has to wait till the end?
If a female gets her periods during fasting, she may eat immediately thereafter. However, she should not do so in public and in the presence of other fasting people. 
 
2. A female starts menstruating while fasting. What if she stops menstruating during fasting? How should she conduct herself?
If her menses commenced while fasting, she can eat (not in public). If her menses stopped while fasting, she should abstain from eating, drinking, etc. but (in both instances) make up for the day by keeping a Qadhaa fast after Ramadaan.
(Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.214; Rashidiyya)

BATHING WHILST FASTING
I've been told not to take bath when I'm fasting,either before fasting or after iftar I can take a bath.Please tell me whether this is true.
It is permissible to take a bath while fasting. The information given to you is incorrect. 
 
PREGNANCY & POST BIRTH
1. Is a pregnant woman or one who has just delivered, permitted to fast in the month of Ramadhaan?
The fast of a pregnant woman is valid. However, due to weakness during pregnancy, she is exempt from fasting. After delivery of the baby, during Nifaas (bleeding after birth), she cannot fast.
 
2. A woman delivered a baby about a month ago through a ceassarean operation. The doctor said that the operation wound may take upto 6 months to recover. She is also breast-feeding the baby. She has been adviced to keep herself healthy with proper intake of food. Since Ramadan is commencing after 1 month, is it permissible for her to miss her fasts in the month of Ramadan and make up for it later. Please advice.
Allah Ta ala says in the Qur aan, If a person is sick (whilst in Ramadhaan) or on a journey, then complete fast on other days (besides Ramadhaan). If by not eating there is harm feared to either the woman or her child, it will be permissible for her to continue eating and keep Qadhaa of Ramadhaan whenever she is able to. 
Fatwas are by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

 In the Name of Almighty Allah, the Most Beneficent, the  Most Merciful.

 

 Best times for Du'a

 

 Middle of the night:

 The Messenger (Peace and Blessing be upon him) said: "The Gates of Heaven are open at midnight, and a caller calls, 'Is there a supplicant that his supplication may be granted? Is there a petitioner that his petition may be granted? Is there a distressed person so that his distress may be removed?'

 At that time, no Muslim makes a du'a but that it is answered, except for an adulteress who trades with her body, or a person who  gathers his money unlawfully." [Sahih al-Jami' 2968]

 

 

 At the time of Athaan and between it and the Iqamah:

 The Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said: "A du'a between athaan and the iqamah is not refused, so make du'a at that time." [Ibn  Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban]

 

 The Messenger (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him) said: "Two kinds of du'a are not rejected - or rarely are they rejected - du'a at the time of the call for prayer, and du'a at the time of fighting when the warriors are engaged with each other." [Abu Dawud]

 

 On Friday after 'Asr The Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said:

 "Friday has twelve periods. Among them is a period when no Muslim asks Allah for anything but He grants it to him. Search for that period late after 'Asr." [Sahihal-Jami' 8402]

 

 When it is raining:

 The Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said:

 "Two kinds of du'a are not rejected: du'a at the time of the call for prayer, and du'a during rain." [Abu Dawud]

 

 Being a parent, while fasting and while travelling:

 The Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

 "Three types of du'a  are undoubtedly granted: a parent's du'a for his  children, du'a of a  fasting person, and du'a of the traveller." [Abu Dawud]

 

 While Making Sujood:

 The Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said: "The servant is closest to his Lord while in sujud, so ask Allah in that time."

 

 Laylatul-Qadr:

 Aisha asked the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him)   What should I say on Laylatil-qadr? And he replied, O Allah, indeed you are  a Pardoner,and  you love pardon; so pardon me. 

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

FW: Please Read This

PLEASE READ THIS , REALLY REALLY SERIOUS
The Grave

Assalaamu-Alaikum

Live so that when you're alive, people must want to be in your company, and
when you die, people must want to claim to have known you! (Ali ibn Abi
Talib RA)

Horrors of the Grave

Abu Sa'eed Khudri radhiyallahu anhu is reported to have said: One day when
the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam came to the Masjid, some people
were grinning with delight. He said: Had they remembered death (which brings
pleasures to an end) they would have refrained from indulging in things that
excite laughter.

The grave of everyone makes this announcement daily, "I am a place of
solitude, I am a lodging of wilderness, I am a dwelling place of worms."

When a believer is buried, the grave says, "I welcome your auspicious
arrival. I am pleased to meet you. Of all the men who passed me, I liked you
the most. You have come to me today. I will show you how I shall treat you."

After that the grave expands to such an extent that the dead body finds open
space as far as his eyes can see, and a window opening towards Paradise
sending out breeze and sweet fragrance.

When a wicked person or a disbeliever dies, the grave says, "Your arrival is
evil. I am displeased to meet you. Of all the men who passed me, I disliked
you the most. You have come to me today, I will show you how I treat you."

After saying so, that grave becomes narrow to such an extent that his bones
and ribs of one side pierce into those of the other side. The Holy Prophet
sallallahu alayhi wasallam demonstrated it by putting and pressing the
fingers of one hand into those of the other hand. Then seventy serpents
begin to bite him, which are so venomous that if one of them were to sting
the earth, it would not grow grass till the last day. All these serpents
will continue to sting him till the last day.

After that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam remarked, "Grave is
either one of the gardens of Paradise or is one of the pits of Hell."

It is reported that a man asked the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam
to tell him as to who was the wisest and the most cautious of all men. The
latter told: It was the man who always remembered "death"

in the world and who always made preparations for death; such are the people
who are honoured not only in this world but also in the life Hereafter.

A man always runs after a thing which is bound to perish, and is engrossed
in high hopes and great expectations. He does not know that day dreams can
never be realized. He spends his day in forgetfulness and passes his day in
unmindfulness and passes his night in slumber while death is lowering over
his head. He will regret tomorrow of what he is doing today.

Bukhaari and Muslim have narrated a Hadeeth that when the dead body is hit
by the iron-mace, it cries so loudly that it is heard by all the creatures,
living between the east and west except mankind (humans) and

jinns.

Human beings cannot stand the horrible sight of the tortures of the grave.
If they were to witness the tortures of the grave or hear the cries they
would faint. Those who are running away from death; one day

they will be trapped unaware and will be made to stand before Allah the
Almighty. They will be called upon to answer for their actions by Him Who is
all-knowing.

Brothers and Sisters! Remember death frequently; the worldly pleasures will
come to an end and death will become easy for you.

Author : Unknown

FW: Ramadhaan - Q & A


Ramadhaan - Q & A

NOSE DROPS, EYE DROPS
Can a person who is sick inhale some menthol type medicine through the nose to clear the head during fasting in Ramadan? Can a person put eye drops in their eye during Fasting in Ramadan?
It is not permissible to inhale medicine during fasting. It is permissible to use eye drops during fasting.


SWIMMING
Can one swim while fasting ?
It is permissible. Care should be taken that no water enters the mouth. It will,however, be best to abstain and use the precious moments of this month in Ibaadat.

BREASTFEEDING
I am breastfeeding my 5-month old daughter - can I fast during Ramadan? The iftar time will be 8:30pm. If fasting affects lactation should I continue or make up the days later?
It is permissible to fast whilst breastfeeding. However, if fasting affects lactation, you may make up for the fasts later.

SWALLOWING MUCUS
If someone has a throat infection and is coughing up green or yellow colored sputum, if such sputum is swallowed will this invalidate the fast? Similarily if someone has a runny nose from the flu or common cold which is producing clear mucus, if this mucus is swallowed will the fast be invalidated?
Swallowing Mucus or sputum does not invalidate the fast.

TOOTHPASTE & BRUSHING TEETH
1. I was wondering if brushing with miswaak allowed (which has a taste to it), why isn't brushing with tooth paste allowed?
It is permissible to make miswak while fasting. To use tooth paste in the state of fasting is Makrooh (disliked). The minimum taste in the miswak is unlike the strong taste in the paste. Furthermore the paste is a solid substance and liquidifies more in the mouth thereby having the potential of going down the throat.

2. Is it permissible to brush teeth while fasting?
It is makrooh to use toothpaste during fasting. One may use the miswaak during fasting.

BLOOD TEST
1. If blood is taken out of the body, does this break the fast?
Taking out blood during fasting does not invalidate the fast.

2. I am diabetic and I am prone to fainting - can I take blood tests to monitor my blood sugar during ramadan?
Shari'ah (laws of Islam) are balanced and have taken into consideration different circumstances. If a person is ill to such an extent that he will faint due to fasting, then he will be excused from fasting. Such a person may give Fidya (compensation) for not fasting. However, taking blood tests during fasting is permissible and that does not invalidate the fast.


GUMS BLEED
When I am fasting, sometimes my gums bleed. If I swallowed this blood would my fast be broken? Sometimes I cannot spit the blood out at work as I cannot leave my post to go to the toilet easily?
You should not swallow the blood. However, the swallowing of the blood does not invalidate the fast.

INJECTIONS WHILST FASTING
Is it permissible to take an injection while fasting and does that nullify the fast?
It is permissible to take an injection during fasting. The injection does not nullify the fast. (Ahsanul Fataawa vol.4 pg.432)


ASTHMA PUMP
I am an asthma patient. Is it permissible for me to use the inhaler during fasting? The inhaler contains salbutamol (liquid medication). If it is not permissible, what should I do when I get an asthma attack during fasting?
Since the inhaler contains a medication (salbutamol), the use of it in the state of fasting will invalidate the fast. We advise you take medication at the time of Suhoor to avoid an asthma attack. However, should you get the attack during fasting, if there is no adequate alternative which does not break the fast, you may use the inhaler and make-up for that fast later (make Qadhaa).


LIP BALMS
Are you allowed to put anything on your lips during fasting, such as lip balm or vaseline to help them from burning?
It is permissible to use a lip balm in the state of fasting.

Fatwas are by Mufti Ebrahim Desai


Thursday, October 14, 2004

My Duah

Ya Allah most merciful, most generous, most gracious, lord of the world, master of the day of judgement. Ya Allah I start by thanking you for
all that you have given me and my family and friends, for you are indeed
most generous. Ya Allah please continue to shower us with your mercy
and blessings. Ya Allah I ask for you to grant and fullfill the wants,
wishes and desires of all who send and receive this dua,their families
and friends wants, wishes and desires. Ya Allah you are all knowing
and therefore know what we desire want and wish for. Ya Allah I also ask
for your protection for myself,my family, my friends and all those who
send and receive this dua, from all forms of evil and calamities as well as
your protection to safeguard us all from punishment in the kabar and
safeguard and protect us from the punishment of jahanam. Ya Allah
always guide us on the right path, and have mercy on us for the sins we have
committed and may commit in the future, for we are weak, Ya Allah you
are our creator and the creator of all things, you are the only one
who can help us in what we seek and desire. Insha Allah please accept and
grant this dua as well as the other dua's we make to you. Ameen


Tuesday, October 12, 2004

A Very Powerful Story

PLEASE READ - VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT SALAAH......

He remembered his grandmother's warning about praying on time: "My
son, you shouldn't leave prayer to this late time". His
grandmother's age was 70 but whenever she heard the Adhan, she got
up like an arrow and performed Salah. He, however could never win
over his ego to get up and pray. Whatever he did, his Salah was
always the last to be offered and he prayed it quickly to get it in
on time.

Thinking of this, he got up and realized that there were only 15
minutes left before Salat-ul Isha. He quickly made Wudhu and
performed Salat-ul Maghrib. While making Tasbih, he
again remembered his grandmother and was embarrassed by how he had
prayed. His grandmother prayed with such tranquility and peace.

He began making Dua and went down to make Sajdah and stayed like
that for a while. He had been at school all day and was tired, so
tired.

He awoke abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting. He was
sweating profusely. He looked around. It was very crowded. Every
direction he looked in was filled with people. Some stood frozen
looking around, some were running left and right and
some were on their knees with their heads in their hands just
waiting.

Pure fear and apprehension filled him as he realized where he was.
His heart was about to burst. It was the Day of Judgement. When he
was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the Day
of Judgement, but that seemed so long ago. Could this be something
his mind made up? No, the wait and the fear were so great that he
could not have imagined this.

The interrogation was still going on. He began moving frantically
from people to people to ask if his name had been called. No one
could answer him. All of a sudden his name was called and the crowd
split into two and made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward. He walked with
unknowing eyes through the crowd. The angels brought him to the
center and left him there. His head was bent down and
his whole life was passing in front of his eyes like a movie. He
opened
his eyes but saw only another world.

The people were all helping others. He saw his father running from
one lecture to the other, spending his wealth in the way of Islam.
His mother invited guests to their house and one table was being set
while the other was being cleared. He pleaded his case, "I too was
always on this path. I helped others. I spread the word of Allah. I
performed my Salah. I fasted in the month of Ramadan. Whatever Allah
ordered us to do, I did. Whatever he ordered us not to do, I did
not." He began to cry and think about how much he loved Allah.

He knew
that whatever he had done in life would be less than what Allah
deserved and his only protector was Allah.

He was sweating like never before and
was shaking all over. His eyes were fixed on the scale, waiting for
the
final decision. At last, the decision was made. The two angels with
sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd. His legs felt
like they were going to collapse. He closed his eyes as they began
to read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn't be, "How could I
go to Jahannam? I served others all my life, I spread the word of
Allah to
others". His eyes had become blurry and he was shaking with sweat.
The two angels took him by the arms. As his feet dragged, they went
through the crowd and advanced toward the blazing flames of
Jahannam.

He was yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to
help him. He was yelling of all the good deeds he had done, how he
had helped his father, his fasts, prayers, the Qur'an that he read,
he was asking if none of them would help him. The Jahannam angels
continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire. He looked back and these
were his last pleas. Had not Rasulullah [saw] said, "How clean would
a person be who bathes in a river five times a day, so too does the
Salah performed five times cleanse someone of their sins"?

He began yelling, "My prayers? my prayers? my prayers." The two
angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of
Jahannam. The flames of the fire were burning his
face. He looked back one last time, but his eyes were dry of hope
and he had nothing left in him.

One of the angels pushed him in. He found
himself in the air and falling towards the flames. He had just
fallen five or six feet when a hand grabbed him by the arm and
pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard. He
wiped some dust off himself and asked him, "Who are you?" The old
man replied, "I am your prayers". "Why are you so late! I was almost
in the Fire! You rescued
me at the last minute before I fell in".

The old man smiled and shook his
head, "You always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?"


At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah. He was
in a
sweat. He listened to the voices coming from outside. He heard the
adhan for Salat-ul Isha. He got up quickly and went to perform
Wudhu.

Pass this on to ur friends and family, and maybe u can help someone
open their eyes........ and who knows?? maybe this is a good deed
that can help you during the day of judgement....right???