Fasting in Islam, known as ‘Sawm,’ is a fundamental pillar of the religion, holding immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting goes beyond just physical abstinence; it also encompasses mental refraining from malicious thoughts or actions.
The rules of fasting are particular. Individuals are excused from fasting if they’re sick, menstruating, pregnant, nursing, travelling, or are below the age of puberty. However, missed days should be compensated later on as soon as possible.
In today’s fast-paced world, balancing modern and hectic lifestyles with religious practices like fasting can be challenging but not impossible. To ensure successful fasting amid bustling routines, establishing a healthy sleep schedule and having balanced Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) are essential. Staying hydrated during non-fasting hours is equally imperative.
Fasting offers numerous benefits spiritually and physically. On the spiritual front, it instills discipline, self-control, empathy towards less fortunate ones, and closeness to God – thereby promoting inner peace and purification. Physically, it aids in detoxification, weight management, improved brain function among others.
A myriad of Muslims globally navigate their modern lifestyles while keeping true to their faith by observing fasting. Their experiences serve as a testament to the feasibility and benefits of embracing this sacred practice despite lifestyle challenges.
Day 13, 14, 15 are known as the white days i.e the full moon days seen to be beneficial for fasting.
Here are some of the important dates for fasting in 2023 Q4:
Day 13 October 28, 2023
Day 14: October 29, 2023
Day 15: October 30, 2023
Day 13: November 27, 2023
Day 14: November 28, 2023
Day 15: November 29, 2023
Day 13: December 26, 2023
Day 14: December 27, 2023
Day 15: December 28, 2023
A person has the choice either to fast them consecutively or separately, because the Hadiths did not confine fasting them consecutively. All the best for your fasting journey.
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