How To Perform Tayammum (Dry Ablution)

Tayammum (or 'dry ablution') is a method of cleansing oneself using clean sand. It serves as a replacement for both Wudu(partial ablution) and Ghusl (complete ablution) but only under special circumstances. The Holy Quran says:

"And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of releiving himself (or herself) or you have contacted women (or men i.e. had sexual intercourse) and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands (with it)." Al Quran, [4:43]

Medical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadhan)

Most Submitters (Muslims) do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting. Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. 

The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Nutrition Tips for Ramadhan Fasts

Although I realize that Ramadan fasting is primarily for spiritual purposes, there may actually be some health benefits as well! Research shows that short fasts, lasting anywhere from 20 to 36 hours can in fact reduce some risks for heart disease and diabetes–and maybe even cancer.  See also my article on Benefits of Fasting.

But to maximize the potential benefits of fasting, it is important to eat as healthfully as possible when you break your fast.  I realize that can be challenging when the nightly Ramadan feasts feature so many less-than-healthful holiday treats!

How to Stay Physically Fit in Ramadan

The month of Ramadan can often become an excuse to not exercise and to overindulge in food. But this month is not meant to be used as a crutch for laziness or a reason to eat whatever we want. We forget that keeping our bodies healthy can be an act of worship and in turn, make us realize our goal of becoming even closer to Allah (swt) during this month.

Insha Allah with just a few easy steps (literally), you can stay healthy while gaining the spiritual benefit that comes with exercise this Ramadan.

Renungan: Kebohongan Publik

Akhir-akhir ini kata `bohong', apalagi dikaitkan dengan `publik' sangat sensitif dan bisa jadi mengundang kemarahan pihak yang tertuduh melakukannya.

Dusta dan bohong adalah salah satu sifat tercela yang wajib dihindari oleh setiap Muslim. Rasul SAW bersabda, "Sungguh kejujuran mengantarkan kepada kebajikan dan kebaikan akan mengantarkan kepada surga. Seseorang yang selalu berkata benar (jujur), ia akan ditulis di sisi Allah sebagai seorang yang selalu berkata benar. Dan sungguh kebohongan mengantarkan kepada kedurhakaan dan kedurhakaan akan meng antarkan ke neraka. Seseorang yang selalu berbohong, ia akan selalu ditulis di sisi Allah sebagai seorang pembohong." (HR Bukhari-Muslim).