What is the purpose of fasting in Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It entails a dawn-to-sunset abstinence from food, drink, sexual intercourse and emission for a period of 29-30 days.
The ultimate goal of fasting is to develop greater God-consciousness (known in Arabic as taqwa), abstain from sinful deeds, control worldly desires and strengthen spiritually.
How else is Ramadan observed?
Aside from fasting, Muslims observing Ramadan also increase in spiritual devotional acts such as prayer, reading Qur’an, giving charity and strengthening family ties.
Muslims are encouraged to increase their good values such as generosity, patience and forgiveness, with the intention that they strive to maintain these model values throughout the year.
Top tips for productivity during Ramadan
Eat an adequate Suhoor meal
Suhoor is the most essential meal of the day during Ramadan. Try not to overeat as this will lead to you feeling drowsy and unenergised. Also, focus on taking in foods that are rich in carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and plenty of water.
For example: an egg on whole-grain toast, a few crackers with peanut butter, some orange slices, and two glasses of water.
Adjust your sleeping hours
If sleeping late is your habit, make an effort to go to bed earlier so that waking up early for Suhoor isn’t so difficult.
Avoid going back to sleep after Suhoor/Fajr prayer, because you might end up feeling sluggish afterwards. Instead, try to energise yourself with light exercise or other activities.
Take regular breaks
As the day progresses, hunger and tiredness may take a toll on your productivity.
Taking a short break after every hour, or washing your face with water, will help in making you feel refreshed and energised.
Plan your workdays ahead
Planning your workdays ahead will help you in focusing your time and energy on work.
Since the morning is the most energetic time of your day, consider finishing off the hard tasks first and leaving the rest until the end of your working hours, as that’s most likely when you’ll start to lose concentration.
Avoid caffeine
During the evening hours, resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee, and soda, as these will result in increased thirst.
Opting for water instead will help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim for 8 glasses by bedtime.
Daily reflections
At the end of each day in Ramadan, consider reviewing your level of productivity. Did you get done what you intended to do?
If not, what got in your way? What could have been done differently?
Take this time to listen to yourself and acknowledge what has worked for you.
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Ramadan Mubarak from the Chaplaincy team! Follow @UniKentChaplaincy on Instagram to find out about spiritual support & facilities for students and staff of all faiths and none. We invite dialogue & participation!
Written by Ellie, Student Services, 04.04.23