Islam uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon, therefore because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic months “move” each year. This year (2008) the Islamic month of Ramadan coincides almost exactly with the month of September. For Muslims the coming of Ramadan is a source of joy and celebration; however, we celebrate in a way that may seem strange to people unfamiliar with the tenets of Islam. Ramadan is not a month of parties and socialising, it is a month of worship. To fast the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.

The ultimate goal of the fast is to develop Taqwaa (consciousness of God) in humans, as Allah said, “...so that it may produce Taqwaa in you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah verse183) Taqwaa is among the highest moral qualities that a Muslim can attain. It is produced by placing a shield between one’s self and Allah’s wrath as the root meaning of the word implies (i.e. Taqwaa comes from the verb waqaa, which means “to defend”). This is achieved by being conscious of Allah and all His commandments at all times, which means avoiding the Haraam (prohibited) as well as the Makrooh (undesirable) and even some of the Halaal (permissible) wherever doubt arises.

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalise one's weight.