Is Ramadan for only Cooking

Assalamu Alaikum everybody.. I am back in this blessed month .. a very happy and prosperous Ramadan Mubarak..

I hope all missed me for a while, as I had vanished in my own world of ups and downs. I know we all began fasting already and am a little late to share you my blog here.
So what is Ramadan..??   The holy month which comes ninth in the Islamic calendar observed by worldwide Muslims as a month of fasting. The word Ramadan comes from the word "Ar Ramad" which is the term used for a rain that arrives in autumn. It is a month to purify the inner and outer soul...A month which we become so friendly with the Azan(prayer call)... A month where all leaves their grudges apart and a month to ask forgiveness to ever sins done.. yes and much more...

Whenever Ramadan approaches I always remember the smell of different Iftari items and seen many of our friends and family indulge whole day cooking special foods and whole night trying to eat n finish those special iftari items..but all these are invain.. it is not the way to take advantage of this holy month..

During the holy month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify the body and soul and increase their taqwa(good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of the body and soul purifies the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Prefast meals before dawn are known as Suhoor... while the post fast breaking feasts after sunset are known as iftar.

Suhoor refers to the food or drink that is consumed by a person at the end of the night. It is called suhoor because it is consumed at the time of Sahr which is the end of the night. There are a number of hadiths that speak of the virtue of suhoor, such as that in which the Prophet(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)said: "Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is a blessing." Narrated by al-Bukhari(1923) and Muslim(1995).

Fasting in Islam, known as Sawm in Arabic, is the practice of abstaining usually from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity. Ramadan Sawm is observed between dawn and sunset and broken when evening azhan is sounded. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

When anyone of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates. If he cannot find dates, then let him break it with water, for it is a means of purification. Narrated Salam Bin Amr(RA)...
And eat and drink, But be not excessive. indeed he likes not those who commit excess. -QURAN 7:31-

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING :

-Enhances brain health by improving alertness, mood, and clarity.

- Fasting boosts energy levels since we use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

-Increases metabolism and helps preserve muscle tissue to reduce body weight and body fat.

-Better regulation of blood sugar levels which reduces the risk of many diseases like Diabetes and     Heart diseases.

-Self- cleansing of cells by protecting against Cancer.

-Fights Inflammation and promote better health and many more on the way.

What to eat for Iftar

 SUFFICIENT FLUIDS: Drink as much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and bedtime to avoid dehydration.

POTASSIUM RICH FRUITS: Dates are nutrient powerhouses and an excellent food item to break your fast. It not only helps you hydrate quickly but gives you instant energy to make you feel rejuvenated after the long hours of fasting.

HYDRATING VEGETABLES: Cucumbers, lettuce, and other vegetables are high in fibre and laden with the goodness of hydrating. It not only helps your body keep cool, but is also a great choice to keep your skin healthy and avoid constipation during Ramadan.

Foods to avoid during Iftar
FRIED-FOODS
HIGH-SUGAR FOODS
CARBONATED DRINKS

Ramadan is not only meant to eat healthily but take your time to talk to Almighty Allah(swt)...

So friends please take your most of the time to spend for the one n only Ar'Rahman, the one who bestows unlimited mercies..
 Spend the night in taqwa a little more than the other days and recite the qatamul Quraan and be the one among those peacemakers.. it's for sure that reward is much better than you even think off... help those who are in need of food shelter and clothes.. and let Allah (swt) grant us more of what we have today..