Merciful Nights Await Us

We are about halfway through Ramadan now and this is usually the point when many people start to get tired and lazy; we call it the mid-way slump. I want to take this opportunity to discuss ways to utilize our Ramadan days and nights in ways that can help both our physical and mental health. As we all know, Ramadan is a month of Mercy and Rahma from our lord. It is not meant to give us burden or pain and it is not a time for us to sleep in too late and miss our daily schedules and routines just because we are fasting. 

There are many ways to stay mentally sharp during Ramadan. A really big one is the food that we eat at Iftar and during suhoor - our early breakfast. I have always been one to skip suhoor. I may eat a date or three and some water and pray and go right back to sleep. This year I learned that in fact, we should be pacing ourselves by eating at suhoor. Instead of viewing fasting as a way to go without food or water from day to night, we should pace ourselves by having breakfast (suhoor), so our body will have some energy throughout the day. When we skip breakfast (suhoor), our body will be running on energy from our meal the night before. I also learned that is sunnah to have suhoor. If you’re starting to feel that mid-Ramadan slump; make a change in your routine tonight and make yourself a small meal. 

There are many recipes out there for healthy and nutritious suhoor; such as date smoothies, date-stuffed bread, and even avocado and egg toast. Those are all great options. Drinking water is very important but what our body needs is electrolytes. Electrolytes keep us hydrated and they keep our bodies balanced so we can have a comfortable day while fasting. You can find electrolytes in coconut water as well as whole foods like bananas, avocados, and even watermelon. Watermelon was not a surprise to me because I did notice that many Muslims eat watermelon in abundance during the month of Ramadan.

Now lets talk about how to utilize Ramadan in a way that helps our mental health. Ramadan is a month full of peace and serenity. You may witness these feelings in your home or at your local masjid. Even if you're in a home or a place where you're not feeling the peace of Ramadan. Maybe not your entire family practices or maybe you are unable to fast this time; there are still ways to benefit from this month. A really good start is to dedicate an area for “peace” in your home. For me, this is my place of prayer. You can set your prayer mat, your prayer beads, and your Quran all in this spot and make it a point to spend time in your area of “peace” every day. You can start with 5 minutes a day. You don’t necessarily need to be praying here, but use this as a moment between you and your Lord. A moment for your mind to refresh from your worldly life. If you are in physical pain, ask Him to heal you. If you are in emotional pain, cry! Cry to Him and speak to your lord like He is your friend. 

Use this space of yours the way a child uses a calming corner when they are upset. When you are exhausted, or you just need a break, make your way to your corner and see what your mind and body lead you to do. Ramadan is a month full of mercy, joy, and an incredible community. My advice to you is to take advantage of Allah’s mercy by completing your obligations and by asking him for your wishes and desires. Enjoy the family-filled gatherings and the delicious foods prepared; despite the chaos of a large family or discomfort. Go to your local masjid and enjoy the feel-good vibes and the kind faces and smiles of your community members. Enjoy the lights and the decorations and finally; smile big. Especially with your heart.