The holy month of Ramadan is the holiest and most celebrated time for Muslims around the world. It is a month of immense significance and transcends religions – just like Christmas. For many, Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time of prayer, reflection, solitude and purification of the soul. Ramadan is also a social month. During the day, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. When the sun sets, the fast is broken. This is when families and friends gather at home for the iftar meal.
During Ramadan, wealthy people give back to the less fortunate in society. Every year, millions of people celebrate Ramadan in areas of conflict and grief. For them, an act of compassion and solidarity during Ramadan means so much.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan usually falls in March/April each year. The exact dates can vary by a few days depending on the region and how the moon is interpreted. Ramadan and fasting last 29-30 days depending on the lunar calendar. When it ends, the festival of Eid al-Fitr begins.
When does Eid start?
Ramadan and fasting end with the festival and celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which begins the day after the end of the fasting month. Eid breaks the fast and families and friends celebrate for up to three days. Children receive new clothes and gifts, or money (eidiyah).
After the Eid prayer at the mosque in the morning, the family gathers and has breakfast. They greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" and wish for a peaceful and prosperous Eid.
How long does fasting last during Ramadan?
During the 29-30 days that Ramadan lasts, all devout Muslims must fast every day. From sunrise to sunset, they abstain from eating and drinking. If you are sick, elderly, pregnant, diabetic or menstruating, you do not have to fast. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Preparations:
Food & nutrition
- Shop in advance and make a meal plan to ensure you get all the food and nutrition you need.
Charge with suhoor
- Prepare your body with a nutritious smoothie and hydration.
Focus on fibers
- Choose whole grain bread, oats, chia seeds, lentils, beans or brown rice.
Water, water, water
- Don't forget to drink plenty of water and perhaps replenish your fluids.
Make time for power naps
- Take short breaks/meditate and make sure you get enough sleep to get through the day.
Time for reflection
- Set goals for the new period that is coming.
Here's how you can use vitamins to supplement your diet:
Taken at Suhoor:
Vitamin B Complex : Reduces tiredness, fatigue and stress. Contributes to the normal function of the immune system, energy metabolism and nervous system, as well as to the formation of red blood cells.
At Iftar, consume:
Vitamin D3 : Important during most of the year when the sun is not so high here in the Nordic countries. Few foods, neither animal nor vegan, contain natural vitamin D, making it important for everyone.
Omega 3 : Is a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for us humans as we cannot produce them ourselves in the body.
Before bedtime:
Magnesium : Contributes to the normal function of muscles and can reduce symptoms such as tiredness and fatigue.