Your Very First Day of Fasting

 

Rebecca Pena

Fasting

Nothing tastes better than that first sip of water or that first date after 12 to 15 hours of fasting.

Fasting  is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation to all Muslims excused by conditions such as  pregnancy, breastfeeding, illness, or other chronic health conditions. If you are not sure of any health conditions that you may have, please consult with your physician to make sure that fasting is okay for you. 

Stop Fasting If You Feel Unwell

During a fast, you may feel a little tired, hungry and irritable, but you should never feel unwell. To keep yourself safe, especially if you are new to fasting, consider limiting your fast periods and keeping a snack on hand in case you start to feel faint or ill. 

“[Observing Saum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.”

— Quran: 2:184

For those fasting for the first time, or after a long absence, here are a few tips for Muslims to make sure you have a blessed and successful Ramadan fast. 

1 – Overcome Your Fears About Dry Fasting

One thing that many converts to Islam mention as a big fear is to go without water for long stretches at a time, especially during the hot summer months. We’ve been conditioned to believe that it’s extremely unhealthy to go without food and water. However, for most adults, not eating and drinking is more about mindset than any real danger to our bodies. Unless we have chronic health issues or conditions that might prevent us from successfully fasting, dry fasting for the month of Ramadan is perfectly safe. Going without food and drink for extended periods of time is actually called “dry fasting.” Reading more about the practice of dry fasting without water from multiple sources can help you get over any mental blocks. And again, If this is your first time fasting please check with your health care provider before making any decisions.

2 – Keep Your Intention to Please Allah (SWT)

Keeping your intention for pleasing Allah is essential to a successful Ramadan. Make the intention that your fast is for Allah alone. Make dua that Allah makes it easy for you and also that He accepts your fast for His sake.

“Sahl bin Sa’d (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: “In Paradise there is a gate which is called Rayyan through which only the people who fast would enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else would enter along with them. It would be proclaimed: Where are the people who fast that they should be admitted into it? And when the last of them would enter, it would be closed and no one would enter it.” [Muslim]

Observing Ramadan is one of the most rewarding acts of worship (ibadah). Read about the virtues of fasting. It will refresh your faith and give you the boost to restrict hunger, thirst, bad habits, and other desires. 

3 – Do Practice Fasts

Start with a few fasts beforehand. Aim to fast before the blessed month to understand your body clock, thirst level, and the quantities and types of foods that keep you active and alert.

If possible, fast a few days in the month and weeks before Ramadan starts to see how your body responds and what it can tolerate. 

This is especially important if you haven’t fasted before or it has been a very long time since you last fasted. It applies also for kids who are trying to fast for the first time. Fasting a few days beforehand can help get your body used to the idea so it’s not as much of a shock to your system when Ramadan starts.

Practicing fasting before Ramadan does wonders. However, it’s not advised to do practice fasts in the few days just before Ramadan, since the Prophet has directed us not to:

“Abu Hurayrah (AS) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, then let him fast” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4 – Take Your Healthy Eating to the Next Level

Ramadan is not only about gaining closeness to Allah swt, it is also about detoxing the mind, spirit and body. So it’s a good time to stay away from unhealthy foods while you try to eat as clean as possible.The first week of Ramadan is usually the hardest as your body adjusts to the drastic change. By week two you will generally feel better. By weeks three and four it will become more a matter of thirst, not hunger, during the day.

5 – Eat a Moderate-sized Healthy Meal for Both Suhoor and Iftar

Have a proper meal, even at suhoor. A meal with fruits, veggies, slow release carbs, and protein will keep your energy level up as much as possible. These 10 mason-jar prepare-ahead meals are a great place to start. Bean-based meals can make you gassy So beans, while filling, may be best avoided in Ramadan.Smoothies and shakes are another great way to get all your nutrients in quickly – especially if you struggle to wake up or you wake up late. Keep some smoothie ingredients prepped ahead of time on days when you are in a rush to eat something for suhoor. Dates are also a sunnah to break your fast with because they contain beneficial micronutrients and quick energy. You can also include them in other dishes and smoothies as well. 

 

6 – Focus on Hydration

Being hydrated is the most important. But it can be hard and uncomfortable to drink a lot of water (especially if in countries where the night is very short).Get in as much water, fresh veggies, and fruit (watermelon is a treat) as you can for suhoor or iftar. Fruit can help you get in that extra water intake. Watery fruits are a plus and perfect for suhoor. lots of regular water will replenish you. Coconut water is also really hydrating 

 

7 – Remember You’re Not Just Fasting From Food

Mindset is super important when it comes to fasting for an entire month. Remember that you’re not fasting from food and drink, you’re fasting and refraining from bad habits as well. The key is mindfulness of Allah swt. This includes fasting from wrongdoing, haram ( forbidden) actions, bad habits, and other desires. In Ramadan, more than just eating and drinking breaks our fast. Read and learn what all of these things are. Seeking the right knowledge will dispel confusions regarding what breaks the fast, what doesn’t and what all you would have to do to make up for it. 

8 – Take Power Naps

You may find that a power nap of one or two sleep cycles in the heat of the day can help both pass the time and boost your energy and productivity. A power nap can also help you feel more refreshed for the evening Taraweeh prayers.

Other people may find that naps leave them feeling more hungry or lethargic. Do what works for you and your body and leave the rest.

9 – Listen to Your Body and Know Your Limits

Finding Ramadan and fasting difficult is part of the test. You can share that you are finding it difficult and should never be made to feel inadequate. There is nothing wrong with your faith if you find the fast difficult. But, remember to ask Allah to make it easy for you.

If you need to break your fast for a valid reason – like illness, travelling, pregnancy or breastfeeding  – do it. Don’t guilt yourself. Focus on trying your best and know your limits.

Fasting takes time and practice and many other Muslims have been doing it for most of their lives.

Remember, everyone finds the first few fasts hard. It takes time for our body to adjust and for us to generally get into a new routine. May Allah swt make it easy for everyone and accept all of our fasts for His sake. Ameen https://www.youtube.com/embed/oYTUptOqNNY?feature=oembed

Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.