FROM FAST TO FEAST
Ramadan 2020: Tips on fasting while in coronavirus lockdown
RAMADAN 2020 officially started on Thursday, April 23, but the first day of fasting was not until Friday.
Lockdown can make fasting particularly difficult as boredom can lead to hunger. So what top tips do we have for fasting during Islam's holiest month?
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the month when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah.
Ramadan will see Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours for 30 days.
Those observing the fast are encouraged to read the Quran and the holy text is recited at the Tarawih, special nightly prayers that would normally be held at mosques throughout the month but can't this year due to coronavirus.
Coronavirus lockdown has hit all religions hard, with services and places of worship being shut down and moved online.
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What are the rules of fasting during Ramadan?
Fasting began at sunrise on Friday, April 24, 2020.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date. Or they can pay "fidyah", a religious term for donation of food or money.
Adult Muslims are also expected to read and reflect on the entire Quran, the holy book, while abstaining from smoking and sex.
Muslims break their fast at sunset when they partake in iftar, a social occasion.
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What are some tips for fasting?
Have a filling Suhur/Suhoor
Suhoor is the meal Muslims eat before fasting for the day.
We recommend eating something filling that will get you through the day to iftar.
Foods that are high in fibre release energy slowly, keeping you fuller for longer.
They include oat porridge, wholegrain cereal, breads, fruits and vegetables.
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Avoid salty foods
Salty foods like crisps will make you thirsty, and we all know that drinking is banned during daylight.
Bonus tip: drink as much water as possible when you're allowed to as this will keep your body hydrated throughout the day.
However, the NHS recommends adults break their fast if they become very dehydrated.
On their website they warn: “Poor hydration can be made worse by weather conditions and even everyday activities like walking to work or housework.
“If you produce very little or no urine, feel disoriented and confused or faint as a result of dehydration, you must stop fasting and have a drink of water or other fluid.”
MORE FROM RELIGIOUS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Take naps
You can't eat when you're sleeping! Take naps whenever hunger seems to get the best of you.
With any luck, you'll wake up feeling refreshed and will have more energy to fight the hunger.
Keep yourself busy
It is no secret that lockdown is boring, and boredom can lead to hunger.
Keep yourself busy to help repress your hunger.
Paint, exercise, clean, or have a Netflix binging session.
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