With the Holy month of Ramadan just around the corner it would be wise to overlook all the benefits of this month so we can benefit from it to the maximum. Fasting has been proved to have many health related benefits on the human body along with the spiritual positive effects of a believer. If it is not thought about as a burden it will only help us in every way. Let us look into the history of the month, the blessings and the health benefits.

Fasting is the third and a very important fundamental pillar of Islam. It was made obligatory on the Muslims in the 2 A.H. It basically involves abstinence from eatables, beverages and intimate relationships from dawn to dusk. According to the Holy Qur’an it states:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may learn self-restraint.”

We clearly are not the first ones to observe this obligation. Many nations and generations that lived before us have been fasting during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is not only a part of the religion, Islam. All the religions in existence adopted fasting as a way to control ones desires and wishes. The Jews observe an annual fast on the event of the descent of Moses from the mount of Sinai. Similarly Jesus fasted for continuous forty days in the desert along with his followers. It is no doubt a universal phenomenon.
We are well aware that this blessed month of fasting itself is very beneficial for us. In the holy month of Ramadan the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an was sent down to the Holy Prophet. In connection to this Allah says:

“Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind…So every one of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey the prescribed period should be made up by days later.”

It is the month during which mankind can be overly flourished with blessings and the mercy of Allah. The greatness of this month locks and suppresses the evil. One is awarded multiple times greater awards than otherwise, and that is the reason why many Muslims pray extra nawafil and read the Qur’an regularly. The Prophet once said:

“When the month of Ramadan comes, the doors of Heaven are opened and the doors of hell are closed.”

Muslims are urged to excessively worship Allah and to do well. Many people feed the poor and buy them eatables for aftaar and sehri. A number of people give charity in this month in order to double and triple the award they get from Allah. The rich feel the pain borne by a poor who cannot even afford to make ends meal, this makes man more grateful for what he has. In normal circumstances we rarely feel empathetic toward others because everyone is lost in the bubble she lives and sees nothing beyond that. But the blessing of fast is such that one sympathizes with others.
During fast there are certain rules one must follow. Those rules are actually an excellent way of getting rid of bad habits. For instance lying, backbiting and gossiping is not allowed. Apart from that one is not allowed to watch obscene video clips or pictures.

Likewise its not permitted to hear something one is not supposed to, for example eavesdropping. If one is able to stick by all these primary rules besides abstaining from eating and drinking, it becomes a good exercise and one is hopefully able to put behind all those habits at the end of the month.

In addition to that, it has been proven by science that the chronic break from food and drinks is also very healthy for the entire digestive system. Just like a human body is unable to work continuously for twelve hours on a daily basis without any rest, in the same manner the digestive system needs a break from the continuous working for eleven months in a row. It serves as a medicine which gives rest to the internal systems, of course provided that one avoids over eating at the end of the fast.

Scientifically it has also been stated that fasting helps a person’s digestive system in several other ways. The energy normally used on digestion can now be used for other purposes. The body hunts for dead cells, tumors, fatty deposits and damaged tissues, all which are burnt to provide fuel or are expelled from the body. It restores a good digestion along with elimination of the wasteful products. This elimination process helps us over come a number of physical and mental illnesses. These positive affects of fasting can have prolonged affects on our mental and physical state.

Along with the physical affects on our body it is also beneficial for the brain. Brain fog lifts and mental clarity is improved. This is because the energy used for digestion can now be used by the brain for clear and safe thinking. The brain normally works better with much energy supply than it does with a limited supply of energy. This results in a far better thinking and better decision taking power.

Hence under no circumstances should we leave a fast, unless a perfectly valid reason. It is a month where we can achieve all that we have missed out on during the year. It is a chance to get closer to Allah and feel the constant supply of spirituality in the body. This time I wish you all a very happy Ramadan!

Marhaba, Ya Ramadhan! Here we are again, by the will of Allaah, witnessing another Ramadhan. We are no better than those who have gone to their graves to be questioned by Allaah. Being alive today is another chance, another opportunity, to seek for Allaah’s mercies and forgiveness before His final decision takes place. Ya Ramadhan, we welcome you with all our hearts. We yearn that we make the best of you while you are around.

As Muslims, we are highly encouraged to keep good friends. There’s a saying that goes, “you are the company that you keep”. To support my point, there is a hadith of the musk-seller and the blacksmith that I really enjoy reading. The hadith itself speaks volumes. We do not need any Creative Writing professor to explain the hadith to us. It has been best explained by the best of creatures, Prophet Muhammad, salla laahu alyhe was salam.

We all have friends, for we were not created in isolation. Humans, by our nature, need companionship. As young Muslim girls and ladies, we naturally like to have friends who have the same likes, dislikes, goals, and talents. We have friends for different reasons so to speak. However, we should constantly remind ourselves that we should have friends for the sake of Allaah alone. In addition, we should always remember that no matter how much we like our friends or how much they like us, we are still humans and so, we’ll continue to make mistakes till the Day of Judgment. In short, no human being is without faults. We are all imperfect.

So, my point is this. Now that we find ourselves cherishing every moment of Ramadhan, do we remember those friends of ours who we hurt in the past or were hurt by them? Or, do we know some Muslim friends who have been out of touch with each other for trivial misunderstandings? Do we have the hearts of forgiveness? Are we ready to bring destroyed friendships together and earn numerous rewards? Or, do we just want to ignore these Muslims and pretend as if nothing happened? If we know for sure that Allaah is oft-forgiving and He does forgive all our minor sins in this special month, are we ready to forgive those friends in our past? Are we ready to move on and put the past behind us? Putting the past behind us does not mean that we would forget forever. We might never forget. Everyone heals at different times and in certain ways. However, to move many steps closer to Allaah and gain immense, incalculable rewards in Ramadhan, it will be better for us to forgive and let bygones be bygones. Also, acting as a balanced and just arbitrator between two quarreling Muslims, is such a beautiful deed.

So, how do you do this? Most importantly before you intend to do anything good, seek for Allaah’s pleasure. Intention is very important. Also, intention and the proper way of carrying out the deed, go hand in hand. Below are simple steps to bring you closer to Allaah for His pleasure only.

First, remember the person in your dua this month. Pray sincerely for this person and ask Allaah to bless her and protect her. Praying for your Muslim sister in her absence is highly rewarding. Second, give her a phone call or send her a short e-mail, with Ramadhan Mubarak wishes. Even if she does not reply or acknowledge it, simply make excuses for her. Maybe she does not have access to the internet or she is out of town. Make excuses for her up to seventy times. It is really good for the soul. Third, if you can and are able, send her a gift if you know her home address. Or, pay her a visit. Make the intention of gaining rewards by doing kind deeds that will be multiplied 700 times in Ramadhan.

Now, after doing all these, and still, there’s no improvement, then turn to Allaah completely for solace and guidance. Don’t feel sad at all. In fact, feel energized with eman rush. It is not the end of the world. Thank Allaah for giving you such a soft heart to carry out beautiful deeds despite the difficulties. Develop a sense of Islamic maturity and be very hopeful that you will be rewarded because no good deed is left unrewarded. Do not be too shocked in case the results are negative. Bombard the negative results with gratitude, patience and dua. And if the results turn out to be positive, then still be grateful to Allaah for making you the first one to seek out conflict resolution. Thank Allaah that you have the nerve and heart to forgive! Thus, you will be forgiven as well.

Here are two great websites and one blog that I found out about through email! Make sure to check them out!

muslimgirl.net
I love this web site! Its sort of like MAG! Its a blog site made by 12 Muslim girls from around the world. There are a lot of different posts with different topics. They update it a lot, so keep checking back!

americanmuslimmom.com
Although this web site was made for Moms (tell yours!), I think some of the articles are really great and useful.

islammatters.blogspot.com
Islam Matters is a brand new blog made by a Muslim woman. She has some pretty cool posts!

Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

#1: Start off your day off with Duas. Many people don’t say their Duas to prevent them from evil.

#2: Don’t argue with anyone. The less you argue, the happier the day is for you.

#3: Be happy with all that you have.

#4: Be obedient. Listen to your elders.

#5: Pray more. The more you pray, the more you feel good. Try to do taraweeh prayers.

#6: Read more Quran. Read the surahs you know. Try to memorize 1-2 new surrahs this Ramadan, inshAllaah.

#7: Read Ahadith. Learn hadith. Ask your parents for some authentic sources, like from Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.

#8: Don’t lie.
Narrated AbuUmamah:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.
{Book 41, Number 4782 : Sunan Abu Dawud}

#9: Be with friends who worship Allah (SWT). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.

#10: Make lots of duas before you break your fast. Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
“Three types of people’s Duas are not rejected:
1) At the time of Iftar the person who has fasted
2) Adil ruler’s Dua
3) The Dua of the oppressed. Allah raises the Dua of the oppressed on the clouds and the doors of heaven are opened for it and Allah says, “Oath of MY Majesty and Honor! I will help and aid you. Even though if the help is after few days.” (Tirmidhi)

Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim].

Three great poems!

The Hijab by Fida S., 16, Indiana
The hijab is…
a symbol of faith.

You act and feel
in a modest way
and wearing it
brings an amazing connection
that binds us
in a universal sisterhood.

Wearing the hijab
makes girls feel free
and closer to God.
People respect you for who you are.
The hijab is a simple cloth
that represents Islam.

Wind Journey by Saba Du
Whispering winds,
Rustling through leaves.
Tales of journeys, from
across the seas.
Wandering over meadows, and
rolling down the valleys.
Raising sand dunes, and
unleashing mansoons.
Carrying life and destruction
clouds and seasons.
Whispering winds,
rustling through leaves.
With stories and adventures
from across the seas.

Because it's Beauty by Nina, 11
A leaf is not just a leaf it's...
Elegant with a sprinkle of royalty,
Colorful with a touch from the rainbow,
Artistic with a team of uniqueness and character,
Created with the hands of God.
So thank him for his beautiful creations,
Don’t think that nature is nothing,
Because it’s Beauty!

Here are some questions to quiz your knowledge during Ramadan!

1. How many surahs have sajdahs?
2. List the surahs named after prophets.
3. What surah does not begin with "bismillah"?
4. Which surah is known as the heart of the Quran?
5. How many surahs are in the Qur'an?
6. Which surah is named after one of the uncles of Nabi Muhammad (S)?
7. What is the smallest surah in the Quran?
8. Which surah is the most read surah in each salat?
9. What was the first word revealed in the Quran?
10. How many surahs were revealed in Mecca?
11. Which surah of the Qur'an has the word Allah at least once in every ayat?
12. Which surah talks about the Queen of Sheba?
13. How many surahs are named after animals?
14. Which prophet is only mentioned twice in the Quran?
15. Which surah has the most ayahs?

Answers below.

What do other Muslim girls think about Ramadan? Find out!

Ramadan is the greatest month of the year. It's my favorite part of the year because the gates of Heaven open and the gates of Hell close. The best part about it is helping people in need and reading one juz of the Quran everyday so we can multiple our rewards. But good deeds should be done everyday of your life.My favorite part is breaking my fast with my friends and family that love and care for me. I think about them the same way. May Allah accept everyones fast.
-Camelia E., 12, North Carolina

Ramadan is my absolutely favorite month of the year! I go to the mosque annually during this time. I have a typical day like almost every girl who fasts. Waking up to a huge breakfast, getting ready for school, going to school, coming back from school, getting ready for prayer at the mosque, and so on. I love going to the mosque so much during Ramadan that sometimes I have to plead for my parents to take me there on school nights. I think my attraction towards the mosque is mainly because you feel fresh, relaxed, and almost weightless every time you pray over there. At home the environment is pretty stressful because we have a tight schedule on school days, so you don’t get that same feeling. You leave all your worries behind you every time you pray at the mosque. However, I can’t help noticing that women keep talking really loud when the prayer is over and the imam is giving some important information or a little religious knowledge. It also makes me sad when I see people who are the same race, people who speak the same language, and people who are from the same countries make their own little groups and ignore everyone else. For example, once an American-Muslim sister came to our mosque, and the people, who were mainly Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, kept asking her silly questions that she didn’t feel comfortable answering that led her to leave from there hurt, confused, and angry. This isn’t just a problem during Ramadan; another time an African-American sister had to get all the women to quiet down during the Eid prayer. Instead of listening to her politely, some group of Arabic women just stood there and laughed at her. Fortunately, we can do our part by refraining from such negative activities. Instead, we can do things such as volunteer to help our sisters help serve food to the hungry crowd inside the lady’s section, make food for dinner and the Iftar, avoid having sins, pray to Allah, and give some charity. These are only a few ideas; in reality, the list is endless.
-Aliena A., 14, Georgia

The best Ramadan I remember was when I was really little and we were eating iftar and I told my dad I had fasted the whole day and I felt so proud of myself!
-Aisha T., Kansas

During Ramadan, I wake up for sahoor. When it's time for fajr prayer we start fasting. After I pray I read the quran for a few minutes then finally go back to sleep. But not for long, school starts around 7:30 so I have to get ready. During my lunch period instead of going to the cafe, I go to the library to do homework or something to keep me busy until the bell rings for class. After school I go home and pray. Then I keep myself busy and out of trouble until it's time for Iftar. Before we really get down to eating we pray. During the weekend we have Iftars at the masjid. We eat until we are stuffed then we are called to pray the last prayer but not in Ramadan. Then we pray a special prayer called taraweeh. And thats a day in my life during Ramadan.
-Fida S., 16, Indiana

Ramadan has always brought a lot of memories. Still, the most memorable Ramadan of my life will be this one. In each memory until now I have always thought of Ramadan as a time to be thankful. I have thought it was a time to be thankful that I am fasting out of my own free will, and not because I live in poverty. I have thought it was an opportunity to connect with friends and family. This year, that has changed. Growing up I was told that along with learning to be thankful, Ramadan was a time for self reflection. I never understood what that meant. What does it really mean to “self reflect”? When a person self reflects they are judging the affects of their actions. Therefore I thought it meant trying to figure out how your actions were affecting the type of person that you were. You would be deciding if you were a good person or bad. Then I realized that no matter what you think, it will be Allah SWT that will ultimately decide. From that I figured out that there was a more important part of self reflection. The most important part is to judge the affects of your actions on other people. When a Muslim self reflects during Ramadan, they should be judging how they are affecting other people. Muslims are viewed in different ways around the world. Regardless, every Muslim should be showing themselves as respectable people. They should show themselves as people that not only care about their Muslim brothers and sisters but about their entire community. Every person has a personal way that they can present themselves as positive impacts. I am a Muslim girl living in America. As I keep growing up I am going to be surrounded by people who are willingly falling into the temptations that I should avoid. I am going to avoid these temptations to show that it is possible. It is possible to not drink alcohol. It is possible to only eat halal meat. It is possible to dress modestly. It is possible to do all those things and many others while not feeling like an outsider. I am going to pray that my efforts will affect younger Muslim girls and everyday people in a positive way. This is what I am going to promise myself to do this Ramadan. I believe every Muslim girl should do the same.
-Nazia A., 16, Minnesota

Questions above.

ANSWERS
1. 14 (15)
2. Surah Yunus, Surah Hud, Surah Yusuf, Surah Ibrahim, Surah Nuh, Surah Muhammad
3. At-Taubah
4.Ya Sin
5. 114
6. Al Masad/Al-Lahab
7. al-Kawthar
8. al-Fatiha
9. Iqra (read)
10. 86
11. surah 58, Al-Mujadilah
12. Surah An-Naml
13. 6; Baqarah, Al-Anaam, An-Nahl, An-Naml, Al-Ankabut, Al-Fil
14. Illyas (6:85 and 37:123-132)
15. Surah Baqarah