Why working and fasting shouldn’t stop us from fasting in Ramadhan. The early days discomforts gets better with time.
Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam so any physically and mentally fit Muslim of age without any health implications who finds it difficult to fast because of they work is just lazy or trying to make excuses. Period!
The purpose of fasting is for Muslims to learn self-restraint from indulgence in everyday pleasures, for self-discipline; to develop God-consciousness; to develop self-control; to purify the body; and to be emphatic with the poor and hungry.
Bear in mind, according to the Islamic Law, a sick person is exempt from fasting from 1 day or for all of 30 days depending on her condition (Pinar, 2002). A sick person is expected to make up the missed fasting days. If a person is unable to make up the missed days, he is expected to feed or pay the poor or needy to make it up. The Qur’an states “.... and whoever is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of other days.
Therefore, if you don’t fall in this category, you are obligated to participate fully in this religious Act of worship.
Nevertheless, fasting and working during the early days of Ramadhan for some people is difficult hence the excuses but here’s why is it normal to feel that way.
1. The swift change in our eating and drinking water habit. Hence, some people feel a certain form of discomfort adapting to the new ways whether it’s their first time or not taking part in Ramadhan. I have had peer discussion on this and it seems most working class people can relate.
2. In the first 1 or 2 days, because people are used to the culture of taking break at work for lunch and also drinking water in between the time to give them energy, there’s the tendency of feeling thirsty or hungry but as grounded Muslims we are string in our Deen we just ignore the signs and carry on because after days of fasting you will feel just alright.
3. Also, because it’s Ramadhan and all you focus on is your work so even when it’s noon, the clock still looks like the day just started to you. Time doesn’t seem to move fast at all. But this is just mind games trust me. Whether in Ramadhan or not, operations of the clock is unchangeable. It’s only Allah that controls the timings of the Universe so clearly this is a sign of Shaitan making you feel hopeless but the beauty is that, every fasting Muslim person’s faith goes beyond time factors during Ramadhan. Masha Allah!
4. Sometimes, we get splitting headache during the day or at the end of the day because our bodies are used to the normal routine of food and water intake and so when there’s a break or shortfall in any of that practise for a period of 2 or 3 days, the body reacts differently hence the headache. This is normal and you will be relieved once you break the fast in the evening by sipping a natural juice or munching on dates on other meals. Just make sure you take in loads of water and fruits during Iftar and Suhoor to make up but if the headache persist see a doctor.
5. Lastly, an unfortunate thing is when your employer is not a Muslim or is just not in tune with our ways during Ramadhan so your closing time and work load remains the same. This sometimes make it difficult for women especially because we are home makers, we have to get home before Iftar to cook for our families and the men, if head of homes will also need to get some home essentials for the house but most importantly lead their families in the Taraweeh prayers.
So what you have do in such a situation is to humbly seek for permission from your HR and plea to minimise your work load so you won’t have to overwork with the little strength.
For those of us fortunate to be working with Muslim owned companies, it’s just easy. Things fall in place really well with the season.
Remember all of the above becomes normal as the day goes by. Allah Akbar! And always remember Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grate- ful” (The Qur’an, 2007; S 2, V 183).
Writer: Adizah Kuburah Braimah
Kuburah Diamonds
Kindly leave a comment!
The purpose of fasting is for Muslims to learn self-restraint from indulgence in everyday pleasures, for self-discipline; to develop God-consciousness; to develop self-control; to purify the body; and to be emphatic with the poor and hungry.
Bear in mind, according to the Islamic Law, a sick person is exempt from fasting from 1 day or for all of 30 days depending on her condition (Pinar, 2002). A sick person is expected to make up the missed fasting days. If a person is unable to make up the missed days, he is expected to feed or pay the poor or needy to make it up. The Qur’an states “.... and whoever is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of other days.
Therefore, if you don’t fall in this category, you are obligated to participate fully in this religious Act of worship.
Nevertheless, fasting and working during the early days of Ramadhan for some people is difficult hence the excuses but here’s why is it normal to feel that way.
1. The swift change in our eating and drinking water habit. Hence, some people feel a certain form of discomfort adapting to the new ways whether it’s their first time or not taking part in Ramadhan. I have had peer discussion on this and it seems most working class people can relate.
2. In the first 1 or 2 days, because people are used to the culture of taking break at work for lunch and also drinking water in between the time to give them energy, there’s the tendency of feeling thirsty or hungry but as grounded Muslims we are string in our Deen we just ignore the signs and carry on because after days of fasting you will feel just alright.
3. Also, because it’s Ramadhan and all you focus on is your work so even when it’s noon, the clock still looks like the day just started to you. Time doesn’t seem to move fast at all. But this is just mind games trust me. Whether in Ramadhan or not, operations of the clock is unchangeable. It’s only Allah that controls the timings of the Universe so clearly this is a sign of Shaitan making you feel hopeless but the beauty is that, every fasting Muslim person’s faith goes beyond time factors during Ramadhan. Masha Allah!
4. Sometimes, we get splitting headache during the day or at the end of the day because our bodies are used to the normal routine of food and water intake and so when there’s a break or shortfall in any of that practise for a period of 2 or 3 days, the body reacts differently hence the headache. This is normal and you will be relieved once you break the fast in the evening by sipping a natural juice or munching on dates on other meals. Just make sure you take in loads of water and fruits during Iftar and Suhoor to make up but if the headache persist see a doctor.
5. Lastly, an unfortunate thing is when your employer is not a Muslim or is just not in tune with our ways during Ramadhan so your closing time and work load remains the same. This sometimes make it difficult for women especially because we are home makers, we have to get home before Iftar to cook for our families and the men, if head of homes will also need to get some home essentials for the house but most importantly lead their families in the Taraweeh prayers.
So what you have do in such a situation is to humbly seek for permission from your HR and plea to minimise your work load so you won’t have to overwork with the little strength.
For those of us fortunate to be working with Muslim owned companies, it’s just easy. Things fall in place really well with the season.
Remember all of the above becomes normal as the day goes by. Allah Akbar! And always remember Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grate- ful” (The Qur’an, 2007; S 2, V 183).
Writer: Adizah Kuburah Braimah
Kuburah Diamonds
Kindly leave a comment!
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