In Islam, eating and drinking is an important activity and needs to be done prudently and effectively. When fasting in the month of Ramadan, There are some tips that can be taken to ensure that we break our fast and Suhoor with full awareness, in addition to giving priority to our health.
Start with Bismillah
Before starting to eat, read Bismillah. This sentence is a good start to take food with a clean heart and appreciate the blessings given by Allah SWT.
Allah SWT says in Surah al-Baqarah verse 172,
“O people who believe! Eat of good things (which is lawful) which We have given you, and be thankful to God, if it is true you only worship him.”
Stop Eating Before Full
Eat slowly and stop before you feel full. Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
“It is enough for the children of Adam to eat just to keep their bones straight (backbone). Unless it is unavoidable, then fill a third for the food, one third for the drink, and one third for the breath.” (HR At-Tirmidhi)
Choose Healthy Foods
Choose foods that are healthy and contain the nutrients our body needs. Allah SWT says in Surah al-Baqarah verse 168,
“O people! Eat from what is on earth that is halal and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan; because indeed Satan is a clear enemy for you”
Do not waste
Don't waste food. Allah SWT said in Surah al-A'raf verse 31,
“O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful decorated clothes every time you go to a place of worship (or pray), and eat and drink, and don't go too far; verily Allah does not like those who transgress the limits.”
Break with dates
Breaking the fast with dates is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Dates are foods that contain natural sugar and contribute to the recovery of body energy lost during fasting. Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “If one of you breaks his fast, then break your fast with dates because dates are blessings, if not, with water because water is clean and holy.” (Hadith narrated by Abu Daud and Tirmizi).
Grateful
Ramadan is the right time to practice gratitude to Allah SWT. When we fast, we feel hunger and thirst, and when we decide to break our fast, we feel the pleasure of food and drink. Quranic verse in surah Al-Baqarah verse 185 say:
“(The time you are required to fast is) the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, be a guide for all mankind, and become explanations that explain instructions and (explain) the difference between right and wrong. By that, any of you who witnessed the new month of Ramadan (or know it), then he should fast that month; and whoever is sick or on a journey then (may he break his fast, Then he must fast) as much as the day left on the other days. (With such a resolution) God wants you to have ease, and He does not want you to bear hardship. And also so that you can complete the number of fasts (a month of Ramadan), and so that you magnify God for getting His guidance, and that you may be grateful.”
In a hadith Qudsi, The Prophet SAW said:
“Allah SWT said: Fasting is a fortress, so if one day one of you is fasting, so let him not say rafath and fight while shouting. If someone else insults him or invites him to fight then he should say “I am a person who is fasting.” (Muttafaq'alaihi)
Don't Overdo it
Although breaking the fast is a moment to look forward to, we need to remember not to overindulge in eating and drinking. We need to eat a balanced portion and avoid unhealthy foods. Allah SWT said in Surah Al-A'raf verse 31:
“Eat and drink, and don't overdo it. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are excessive.”
In the hadith of Ahmad's narration, The Prophet SAW said, “No servant fills his stomach with worse than balanced food, as a form of maintaining the body, verily the son of Adam is sufficient for himself with a few bribes sufficient to sustain his strength”.
Give charity
Ramadan is the right time to give alms and share with others. In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 261, Allah SWT said:
“Comparison (derma) those who spend their wealth in the way of God, is like a seed that grows and produces seven stalks; each stalk contains a hundred seeds. And (remember), Allah will multiply the reward for whom He wills, and Allah is Vast (grace) His grace, Again Covers His knowledge”
Ibn Hibban reported that the Prophet SAW said:
“Charity done in secret can extinguish the wrath of God, friendship can increase life and doing good can avoid evil.”
Final word, Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink for a certain period of time, but also about developing good and beneficial attitudes in everyday life. Hopefully we can all take lessons and benefits from this month of Ramadan and can be better in living our lives as servants of Allah SWT.
