By Ishola Balogun

The entire idea of fasting is definitely not to starve oneself but to be on a different spiritual plane altogether. It is not a punishment but a spiritual exercise to go closer to God.

In doing this, it must be a period of total re-dedication to Allah with increase in activities that are in consonance with the dictates of Allah while also shunning the ways of shaytan (devil). The fasting Muslim must ensure that the exercise goes far beyond abstinence from eating and drinking.  It includes a change of habits that will put you on the track of righteousness.

Many spend most time in eating during the time of breaking fast (iftar) to make up for all what have been missed during the day to the detriment of giving enough time for the worship and remembering of Allah. The month of Ramadan should rather be used as an opportunity of getting closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and attracting His blessings at any time of the day in the month. Concentration on food throughout the evening is not a good use of time and ibadah in the month. Of what use is the fast, if at the time of breaking it not only make up for all one has missed during the day, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods? Like it has been said before, this is another time we bring the poor and the fasting needy to the table to celebrate the day’s fasting. If we have more than what we can take moderately, let us share it. Iftar is more like a social affair than a spiritual fiesta.

Hasten to break the fast: Avoid a situation where your fast will drag into the night. It is advised to break fast immediately it is sunset, at Marghrib time and immediately after. Be conscious of your fast just as you are with your prayers. You don’t have to wait for the stars to be visible before breaking your fast. Again, this has to be done just before the Maghrib salaat as in the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

It is therefore essential to cut down one’s intake of what one would consume on a normal night, when not fasting. No, benefit is derived from the fast if one consumes as much as he or she would usually take during the day and night combined.

After the fast has been broken, the heart should swing like to Allah, in supplication on forgiveness and blessing. Embark on supererogatory prayers, Tahjud and recitation of the Holy Quran.

Mouth washing and use of Siwaak

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: as related by Abu Hurayrah: “Were it not that it would cause hardship to my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the siwaak for every prayer.”

Cleaning the teeth with toothpaste does not break the fast as is the case with the miswaak. But one should be careful to avoid letting any of it reach his throat, but if that happens accidentally then he does not have to make up the fast. In is not out of place for a fasting person t do it at the beginning of the day and the end of the day. Care must be taken as many might want to abuse the use of siwaak during Ramadan.

May Allah accept it as act of Ibaadah, forgive us and bless us abundantly.