Diet During Ramadhan- Powerpoint Presentation by Dr. Hasnain Walji

1. “When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close to them. I listen to the prayer of every supplicant, when he calls on Me ……… 2:186

2. The Holy month of Ramadan is where Allah (SWT) is the HOST and we are his GUESTS For us, it will be what we make of it. Be month introspection and supplications. OR A month of mechanical fast during the day and feast at night. Indeed this is a month of feast … not of noise, but silent contemplation; not of banquets but restraint; not of forgetfulness but remembrance.

3. Ramadan Dua أَللٌّهُمَّأَدْخِلْعَلىأَهلِالقُبُورِالسُّرُورَ Instill happiness in spirits of the inhabitants of the grave” “Whosoever beseeches with this supplication in the Holy month of Ramadān, after the prescribed prayer, his sins (dhunūb) shall be forgiven till the Day of Judgment.

4. أَللٌّهُمَّاشْفِكُلَّمَرِيْض ٍ YaAllāh, Cure Every Sick Person

5. Prophet (PBUH) in Wasā’il al-Shī‘a, v. 2, pg. 417 O My servant, what hampered you from visiting Me when I fell sick.’ You are the Lord of the people, neither do You sense any pain, nor do You fall sick.’ Your mu’min brother fell sick, and you did not visit him; I swear by my Invincibility and Majesty, were you to visit him, you would have found Me near him, and I would have taken the responsibility of attending to your needs

6. The word مَرِيْض is an adjective (sifa) meaning illness originates from verbal noun maradh to exit from the state of the equilibrium specific to the human being; and it is of two kinds: (1) bodily sickness… (2) vices

7. …and eat and drink but do not transgress the limits. Surely He does not like those who transgress the limits (7:31)

8. The Prophet (PBUH) Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, v. 16, pg. 540 كُلْوَاَنْتَتَشْتَهِيوَاَمْسِكْوَاَنْتَتَشْتَهِي. Eat while you have the appetite, and refrain from eating while you still have the appetite.

9. “Eat of the good and wholesome things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein.” Taha , verse 81 Food has a great significance in Islam. Associatedwith one’s relationship with God. The body is a gift from God; it is given to humans as an amanah (in trust) to take care of for a fixed period.

11. Ample opportunity to replenish energy during Iftar and Suhur

12. Progressive, gentle transition from using glucose to fat as the main source of energy

13. Use of fat for energy aids weight loss,

14. preserving the muscles, and in the long run reduces cholesterol level

16. The food that you consume affects your behaviorand personality.

19. consume slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods.

20. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours

21. Foods that contain grains and seeds like barley,

22. wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour,

23. fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours

25. SUHOOR a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling and provides enough energy for many hours. important to include slowly-digesting foods in the suhoor. Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Almonds are rich in protein and fiber with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

26. IFTAAR ! Iftar breaks the day’s fast. This meal could include Dates will provide a refreshing burst of much-needed energy. Fruit juices will revitalize Should remain a meal and not become a feast!

28. CONSTIPATION: Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures and indigestion Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet. Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making rolis. Paratha etc

29. INDIGESTION AND WIND: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods,

30. LETHARGY low blood pressure Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon. Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake. Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake. Caution: Consult doctor if persistent

31. HEADACHE: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted.

32. LOW BLOOD SUGAR: Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, unable to perform physical activities, headache, 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.

33. Caution Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks. Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor

35. Remedy:

36. Eat foods rich in the above minerals vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat & dates.

37. Caution:

39. KIDNEY STONES: Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

40. Being Grateful to the Almighty We enjoy the food and wholesome drinks so abundantly available When we are forced to restrain ourselves while fasting, we understand the importance of having enough to eat and satisfy the pangs of hunger. The Holy Qur'an says: And whoever is grateful, he is grateful for his own soul, and whoever is ungrateful, then surely My Lord is Self-sufficient, Honored. (27:40)