With the Holy month of Ramadan just round the corner, the fast-paced city life is set to slowdown, giving us a peek into a whole new side of UAE. If you are a non-Muslim and in the UAE for the first time, there are few important things to equip yourself with. Let's take a look at some of the aspects a non-Muslim should know about Ramadan.
Suhoor
Suhoor, a vital part of fasting, observant Muslims eat a healthy meal together with the family in the dawn in order to remain in good health for the rest of the day during the fast. While on weekdays Suhoor is usually taken at home with family, weekends see city dwellers head to specially set up tents or restaurants to fuel up before the first light of the day, and the Fajr prayer. Suhoor needs to be wholesome to provide enough energy to last during the long hours of fasting. It is important that the food you consume keeps you hydrated, so pay careful attention to the selection of food-items during Suhoor.
| Foods to eat during Iftar | Foods not to eat during Iftar |
| Potassium rich fruits: Dates are nutrient powerhouses and excellent food-item to break your fast. It not only helps you hydrate quickly, but gives you instant energy to make you feel rejuvenated after the long-hours of fasting. | Carbonated drinks: Avoid drinking processed beverages and carbonated drinks. Stick to regular water and or coconut water to soothe your thirst. |
| Sufficient fluids: Drink as much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and bedtime to avoid dehydration | High-sugar foods: High-sugar food items as sweets, chocolates should be avoided. They are instant source of weight gain and can lead to complexities if consumed every day. |
| Raw nuts: Almonds contain good fats which are essential, particularly when your body has been craving for fats after the long-hours of fasting. It is a perfect Iftar item which helps you feel full and in control, without the need to binge. | Fried-foods: Greasy and fried food like fried dumplings and samosas should be avoided. Also avoid oily curries and greasy pastries to reap healthy benefits for your body during Ramadan. |
| Hydrating vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, and other vegetables are high in fibre and laden with the goodness of hydrating properties. It not only helps your body feel cool, but is also a great choice to keep you skin healthy and avoid constipation during Ramadan. |
The fast: Siyam
Fasting is one of the five fundamental tenets of Islam, which is compulsory for all Muslims except infants, the insane and the invalid. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual cleansing, self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
On sighting the moon that ushers in Ramadan, it becomes mandatory to desist from eating, drinking and other worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. Siyam or Saom, in Arabic, means to 'abstain from' eating, drinking, smoking and not allowing anything to enter the body as well as keeping oneself away from all vices.
The key is to remember that Ramadan is a month to reap rewards and benefits, and increase your spiritual connection. Siyam is an act of religious, cultural and ethical discipline among Muslims and the path of pleasing Allah, the Almighty. The person, who observes fast with a firm belief and complete self-control, is forgiven by God from sins.
Health benefit: During the fast, the body rejuvenates itself and helps us detoxify by removing toxins from stomach, intestines and also boosts our immune system. With the scorching summer heat and a daily fasting period of about 15 hours, adapting to the changes in eating habits and daily routine affect different people in different ways.
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