The Month of Mercy is in a few months – Ramadan 2024. Ramadan is an obligatory act of worship that gets you closer to the Almighty. It also keeps you from sin and makes you steadfast on the Deen. Ramadan is a month of Fasting, good deeds, and repentance. Those who are exempted are children who haven’t reached puberty, menstruating women, pregnant women, the elderly, and frail, breastfeeding women, and those who are on medication.
Since we’re a few months into the month, it’s advisable to start preparing for it. You’ll have to prepare health-wise, spiritually, and mentally. You can even travel to some Muslim majority countries during this period. This article will guide you towards some benefits of Ramadan, things you should do while fasting, and frequently asked questions.
Health Benefits of Observing Ramadan 2024
1. Weight management and Fat loss
Naturally, restrictions on the amount of food you consume will lead to weight loss. During Ramadan, your calorie intake reduces since you take two meals daily, facilitating weight loss.
2. Metabolic health
Fasting impacts blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. The act is like a medical checkup that helps regulate your system’s metabolic activity.
3. Immune system
Another health benefit of Fasting is boosting your immune system. While Fasting, your body uses ketones as energy. This process helps improve the immune system’s functioning — Using old immune cells and replacing them with new ones.
4. Blood pressure
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Then, strive to fast. Reduction in blood pressure is a health benefit of Ramadan 2024. The act of Fasting will reduce the amount of sodium and inflammation in the body. It will facilitate weight loss and lower your blood pressure. Also, improving insulin sensitivity will reduce your blood pressure to normal.
5. Detoxification
Fasting is a way of detoxifying the body system. It helps the liver to process and remove toxins that have been accumulated in your body system. It also helps to increase the production of some hormones, supporting detoxification.
Other Benefits of Fasting during Ramadan.
1. Spiritual discipline
Fasting is a means of improving your spiritual self via self-control and self-discipline. Abstaining from food, drink, and other needs will help you be more self-aware, develop virtues like humility and empathy, and create the best connection with Allah.
2. Gratitude
Ramadan is an opportunity to express gratitude for everything you have. Fasting shows you what the needy people experience daily, encouraging you to give more thanks to the Almighty. During Ramadan, you can also give donations and Zakat to increase your rewards with the Almighty.
3. Taqwa
Fasting improves your awareness of Allah (SWT). This is called Taqwa; taking care of it before Ramadan 2024, during and after, is essential. Fasting is also a way of investing in the afterlife. As it is, this act of worship holds fantastic rewards. There’s a Jannah gate (Ar-Rayyan) for people who fasted in the Dunya because of Allah (SWT).
When is Ramadan 2024?
Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024, till April 8, 2024. The dates may vary due to the sightseeing of the moon.
Ten things you should do in Ramadan 2024.
- Strive always to observe Taraweeh
- Give charity
- Avoid hate speech
- Listen to Tafseer of several Chapters of the Quran
- Avoid backbiting
- Increase your good deeds
- Pray for everything
- Stand up in the night prayers
- Encourage others
- Finish at least one complete Quran.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ramadan 2024
Q: Can Ramadan help with weight loss?
A: Yes. Fasting in the right way by eating moderately for Sahoor and Iftar can aid in weight loss.
Q: Can I chew gum during Fasting?
A: No. Fasting is the act of abstaining from any food, snacks, or drinks. So, you can’t chew gum while fasting.
Q: Is my fast still intact if I mistakenly eat?
A: if it was a mistake, your fast is intact. It means that it’s the Almighty who fed you. But if it’s not a mistake, it means you broke the fast knowingly.
Q: Should all Muslims fast?
A: Yes, except for menstruating women, the sick, the elderly and frail, breastfeeding women, and children who haven’t reached puberty.
Q: What should those who can’t fast do?
A: They can pay for the needs of a fasting person or observe their fast after Ramadan. However, some people are exempted totally.
Q: What’s next after Ramadan?
A: We have Eid, which signifies the completion. Then, the month of Shawwal.
Conclusion
Ramadan is obligatory for Muslims, just like it was for those before us. Hence, it’s our responsibility to prepare for Ramadan 2024 as it’s around the corner. The more we think and prepare for it, the more we’ll be excited about it. An excellent way to prepare for Ramadan 2024 is to observe Mondays and Thursday Sunnah fasts and the White days, if possible. Also, begin to inculcate the habit of reading the Quran.