All around the world, millions of Muslims fast from dawn-to-dusk during the month of Ramadan, a month of intense prayer, self-reflection, and nightly feasts.

Why Do Muslims Fast?
The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to Allah and to remind them about the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during this month and feed the hungry. Fasting is after all an exercise in self-restraint. It is perceived as a moral way to physically and spiritually detoxify by kicking impulses and enjoying a healthy Ramadan. Ramadan is an auspicious time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s prayers. People spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

How to Fast during Ramadan?
During the fasting period, people abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan as even a single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette would be enough to invalidate the auspicious fast which is one of the major Ramadan challenges. They are also encouraged to observe the five daily prayers on time and to use their downtime to recite Quran and intensify remembrance of God.
To prepare for the fast, people prepare and eat during suhoor which is a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day. After a sunset prayer, a healthy meal known as iftar is shared with family and friends which is usually a social event. The fast is broken with a Date or Fruits such as Mango or Watermelon which is very popular at Ramadan iftars. We are hereby bringing the Ramadan tips to celebrate a Healthy Ramadan in the most special and memorable way:

Tip 1. Hold a Hearty Family Get-Together (if you can do so and if the Covid-19 restrictions don’t apply in your country)
During Ramadan, hold family get-togethers with your near and dear ones to explain what Ramadan is all about, its significance, the sighting of the moon, what Islamic people do and how the family’s schedule has changed. Also ask for suggestions of what everyone would like to do special during the month to make this month a memorable one. For instance, would they like to take a trip somewhere, eat some specific type of food, do some charity work, etc.

Tip 2. Decorate the Home with Balloons, Banners
Greet and say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ with the standard party fare: balloons, a great banner, and decorations galore. Encourage the kids to help in decorating the place and ask for their ideas and suggestions cheerfully so they feel included. It is one of the most enjoyable Ramadan tips.

Tip 3. Tell a Ramadan Story During Bedtime
Don’t just rely on children’s books about Ramadan to share stories. Describe and share what Ramadan was like when you were a kid and how you celebrated in the most special way.

Tip 4. Encourage the Little Kids to Fast for Even a Quarter of the Day
Little kids often learn to fast as they see their parents and older siblings do. This time, let them fast for a couple of hours. Teaches them how to overcome Ramadan challenges. Prepare a special ‘Iftar’ dedicated to them when they break their fast with a couple of their favorite delicacies.

Tip 5. Make Ramadan Arts and Crafts at Home
Art is the most special way to learn more about Ramadan in an exciting manner. Get the family members ready to make different shapes of the moon and show everyone which one indicates the beginning of the month, which one the middle and which one the end. Try to make a collage of some of their favorite foods for Iftar and have them make special Ramadan placemats for the dinner
table.

Tip 6. Play Ramadan Nasheeds and Engage Everybody
When the family members are playing, turn off the usual fare and play some beautiful Ramadan Nasheeds. You can also, ask the kids to memorize a Nasheed by the end of Ramadan.

Tip 8. Staying Hydrated is Important for Healthy Ramadan
Now since you’ve done all the preparations for celebrations. It’s time to focus on your body as well. You need to try drinking fluids several times throughout the night, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty. But choose that fluid that does not have caffeine as caffeinated drinks can be dehydrating. Remember that breaking your fast at iftar with water is not only traditional but also ensures that you
get the best source of hydration into your body.

Tip 9. Add a Variety of Craving Delicacies

You can eat a variety of foods during Iftaar. Remember that your body needs good nourishment to compensate for the stress of fasting for which you must add and consume whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, fruits, lean protein, healthy fat (from plants, like olive oil and nuts). All of these are very important and vital to give your body all the nutrients it needs.

Tip 10. Portion Size is Equally Important
Don’t ever try to overeat as it takes about 20 minutes for your body to register that food. So, don’t go overboard with eating during iftar to enjoy a healthy Ramadan. It’s blissful to eat mindfully and listening for when your hunger is actually satisfied. You are eating to give energy to your body not to satisfy your taste buds.