This document contains the agenda and notes for a Ramadan workshop held on July 14, 2012. It includes presentations on the spiritual aspects of fasting, inner dimensions of fasting, 15 ways to maximize rewards during Ramadan, dua and connection with Allah, and health and medical issues related to fasting. There were also discussions on Ramadan resolutions, fiqh of fasting, and physiological and psychological effects of fasting based on studies. The workshop aimed to educate attendees on proper observance of Ramadan through spiritual, scholarly and health-related lenses.

1. Ramadhan
Workshop
July 14, 2012
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2. Welcome & Introductions
Hafiz Kauser Quazi
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3. Spiritual Aspects of Fasting
by Shaykh Tameem Ahmadi
 Inner dimension of fasting
 3 spiritual levels
 15 ways of maximizing reward
 Dua & connection with Allah (SWT)
 Book References
 Quiz
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4. Inner dimensions of Fasting
 Fasting is a complete institute of morals and ethics
 “O you who believe, fasting has been ordained upon
you as it was ordained upon those before you so that
you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness)” (2:183)
 “He who does not leave evil speech or acting on
it, then Allah is no need of his abandonment of food
and drink.” (Bukhari)
 Enhances the angelic potentials. (Shah Waliullah)
 Engenders compassion and mercy in the heart for the
poor and destitute
 Creates a sense of value and appreciation for time and
a`maal
 Intensifies submission to Allah Ta`ala. (Jalali-
Ibadat….Jamali-Ibadat)
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5. 3 spiritual levels
 Fast of the general layperson
 Fast of the
 Fast of the especially elite
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6. 15 ways of maximizing reward
1. Remove the distractions 9. Tarawih and Qiyam al-
2. Educate yourself Layl
3. Kicking out the bad old 10. Pre-dawn meal (suhur)
habits
4. Salah 11. Miswak
5. Recitation of the Qur‟an 12. I'tikaf
6. Charity 13. Serving others
7. Earn the reward of more 14. Supplications and Dhikr
than one fast
8. Supplications at the 15. The spirit of Ramadan in
time of iftar the home
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7. Dua & connection with Allah (SWT)
“…And when My servants ask you, [O
Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am
near. I respond to the invocation of the
supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them
respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in
Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” (2:186)
 Read kalima tayyiba in abundance
 Make abundant istighfar (repentance)
 Supplicate Allah Ta`ala for paradise
 Seek refuge from hell-fire
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8. Book References
 “Virtuesof Ramadhan” by Shaykhul
Hadith Muhammad Zakariya Kandehlwi
 “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by
Imam Ghazali - Translated by Mukhtar
Holland and published by the Islamic
Foundation
 “The Ramadan of Shaikh al Hadith
Muhammad Zakariyya & our Elders” by Dr.
Mohammad Ismail Memon Madani
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9. Fiqh of Ramadhan – Intro
by Mufti Nawaz Ahmed Khan
 Fiqh of fasting
 Fiqh of Itikaaf
 Fiqh of Eid
 Fiqh of Taraweeh
 Fiqh of Sadaqatul Fitr
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10. Brief Intro to Fiqh
Linguistic definition of Fiqh
The word „Fiqh‟ means „to know‟ when it is from and to
become a faqeeh (i.e. one who is well versed in the line of
fiqh) when it is from
Meaning of Fiqh
Fiqh (according to the terminology of the Shariah) is
defined as „to recognize those regulations of Islamic Law
which have been derived from the
Quran, Hadith, Consensus and Analogy through the means
of independent reasoning (i.e. Ijtihad)
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11. Importance of Fiqh
Quran:
.......... .
„And it is not possible for all the believers to go out (at
once); Then why should a delegation not come forth from
every grouping, so that they may attain the understanding
of Religion, thereafter returning to their people, warning
them, in the hope that they may remain guarded. [Surah al-
Tawbah, Verse 122]
Hadith:
-
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12. Foundation of our actions
 Each action has two dimensions -
 Statement of Maulana Idris Kandhelwi (RA)
 Hadith of Saalim (RA) ........
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13. Fiqh of Fasting
 Types of fasts  Mufsidaat
 Niyyah (Tabyeet)  Kaffarah
 Mustahabbaat  Qadha
 Makruhaat  Fidya, etc.
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14. Types of Fasts
 Fardh
 Waajib (nazr – vow)
 Sunnah, Mustahabb and Nafl
 Makruh
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15. Niyyah
 Some fasts require it and others do not
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16. Mustahabbaat
 To eat suhoor
 To delay the suhoor up to a little before subha
sadiq
 To break the fast immediately after sunset
 To break the fast with dates - If dates are not
available then with water
 To recite the du'aa at the time of breaking the fast
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17. Book References
 Ta‟leem ul Haq
 Ta‟leem ul Islam
 Beheshti Zewar
 Noor ul Idha
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18. Fiqh of Ramadhan – Advance
By Mufti Abdullah Nana
 Definition of Fasting
 Obligations of Fasting
 Exemptions from Fasting
 Makrooh actions
 Basis for Kaffarah
 Actions that break a Fast
 Kaffarah & Qadha situations
 Actions that don‟t break a Fast
 Fasting rules for women
 Fidya
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19. Definition of Fasting
 Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual
activity from Subh Sadiq (First Light) to
sunset
 Should ensure that the Ramadhan
timetable is based on 18 degrees
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20. Fasting Obligatory On
 Baaligh (Puberty)
 Muslim
 Sane
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21. Exemptions from Fasting
 Traveler
 Insane person
 A person who is physically unable to fast
 A nursing or pregnant woman who fears
for her or her child‟s life
 A woman who is experiencing her
menstrual cycle or post-natal bleedng
 Extreme cases of hunger or thirst
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22. Makrooh Actions
 Chewing gum, rubber, plastic items or other
such things
 Tasting any article of food or drink and spitting
it out
 Brushing your teeth with toothpaste
 Quarrels and argumentation, using filthy or
indecent words
 Backbiting, telling a lie and swearing etc. are
sinful acts even when one is not fasting
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23. Kaffarah & Qadha situations
 Kaffarah which is a punishment for
intentionally breaking the fast
 Qadhaa where a person will simply have
to make up that day of fasting after
Ramadhan
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24. Basis for Kaffarah
 To keep one fast after another for sixty days
continuously
 If this is not possible, then the person will have
to do one of the following:
1. Feed sixty poor people to their full for two
meals
2. Feed one poor person two meals a day, for
sixty days
3. Give 60 poor persons 31/2 lbs. (approx. 1.6kg.
of wheat, or its value in cash or food)
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25. Actions that break a Fast
1. Anything put by force into the 8. Swallowing the blood from the gums
mouth of fasting persons if the color of the blood is more than
2. Water goes down the throat the saliva with which it is
mixed.(Behisti Zewar)
whilst gargling, conscious of one'
fasting 9. To eat and drink forgetting that one
is fasting and thereafter thinking that
3. To Vomit mouthful intentionally or the fast is broken, to eat and drink
to return vomit down the throat again
4. Swallowing intentionally any item 10. To eat and drink after Subha Sadiq
that is not used as food or or to break the fast before sunset
medicine due to cloudy sky or a faulty
5. Swallowing something watch, etc., and then realizing one's
fault.
edible, equal to or bigger than a
grain of gram which was stuck 11. Any other fast other than a
between the teeth Ramadan one, whether broken
intentionally or with a good and
6. Putting oil into the ear valid reason, makes ONLY Qadhaa
7. Inhaling snuff into the nostrils WAJIB. There is NO Kaffarah for
breaking any fast besides that of
Ramadan.
12. Masturbation with ejaculation
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26. Qadha & Kaffarah Wajib
 Eating, drinking or breaking the fast in any
other manner without a
 Valid reason, will make both Qadhaa and
Kaffarah necessary
 Applying SURMA into the eye or rubbing oil on
the head and then, thinking that the fast is
 Broken, to eat and drink intentionally
 To drink any kind of medicine intentionally
 To use an inhaler without a valid excuse
 Smoking or inhaling smoke intentionally
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27. Actions that don‟t break a Fast
 To eat or drink something unintentionally
 A mosquito, fly or any other object going down
the throat unintentionally
 Dust or dirt going down the throat
 Swallowing one's OWN saliva or phlegm
 Taking an injection
 Applying medicine to the eyes
 Vomiting unintentionally
 Applying Itr or perfume and smelling a fragrance
 A wet dream does Not break the fast
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28. Fasting rules for women
 Pregnant woman, breastfeeding women
are excused from fasting if it will affect
their health
 Women will have to make up fasts missed
due to their menstrual cycle and post-
natal bleeding
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29. Fidya
 This is a wajib sadaqah paid to the poor
for every missed fast by a person who is
very old or ill and has no hope of
recovering
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30. Ramadhan Resolutions
By Shaykh Abdur Rashid Khan
 Resetting ourselves this Ramadhan by
bringing changes
 Valuing our time by preparing for Ramadhan
 Availing every good opportunity
 Being a better person to those around us
 Turning towards of Allah (SWT)
 Plugging the drain on our sins
 Eating healthy this Ramadhan
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31. Health & medical issues
By Dr. Rashid Elahi
 Benefits of Fasting
 Physiological Effects
 Psychological Effects
 Health and Ramadan Study
 Studies on Islamic Fasting
 Health Guidelines
 Medical Issues
 Conclusion
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32. Physiological Effects
 Lowers blood glucose and Insulin level
 Causes breakdown of glycogen from liver to provide
glucose for energy need
 Breakdown of fat from adipose tissue to provide for energy
needs
 Lowers cholesterol and the systolic blood pressure
 Fasting can help people to break addictions to harmful
substances: tobacco, drugs, alcohol, tea, coffee etc.
 Ideal for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin
diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension

33. Benefits of fasting
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to
you, as it was prescribed for those before
you (i.e. Jews & Christians) so that you may
(learn) self-restraint.” (Quran 1:183)
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34. Psychological Effects
 Peace
 Tranquility
 Decrease personal hostility (when someone
fights with us, we are told to reply, I am
fasting),thus avoiding the argument and
anger with all its consequences
 Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only
produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but
also improves the memory

35. Health and Ramadan Study
 In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and
Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research
papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-
Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on
the medical ethics of fasting
 While improvement in many medical conditions was
noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any
patients‟ health or baseline medical condition.
 On the other hand, patients who are suffering from
severe diseases, like brittle diabetes ,high blood
pressure, kidney stones, etc., should consult their
physicians before fasting and adjust their medications
as needed.

36. Studies on Islamic Fasting
 Dr. Soliman, from the University Hospital, Amman, Jordan has
reported that during the month of Ramadan 1404 AH (June-
July, 1984 AD) healthy Muslim volunteers; 42 males and 26
females, ranging in age from 15-64 and 16-28 years respectively
were studied
 They were weighed and their blood levels of
cortisol, testosterone, Na, K, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, high
density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides
(TG) and serum osmolality were measured at the beginning and at
the end of Ramadan
 There was significant loss of weight in males from a mean of 73.8 +-
6.2 kg to 72.0+- 7.1 kg (P less than 0.01) and in females from 55.2 +-
4.8 to 54.6 +- 4.2 kg (P less than 0.05)
 Blood glucose levels rose in males from 77.7 +- 23.6 mg/dl to 90.2
mg/dl (P less than 0.05) and in females from 76.0 +- 7 mg/dl to 84.5
+- I 1.1 mg/dl (P less than 0.002)
 All other parameters did not show significant changes

37. Studies on Islamic Fasting Cont‟d
 Dr. F. Aziza and his associates from the University of Medical
sciences, Tehran, Iran, has reported the following: serum levels of
glucose, bilirubin, calcium, phosphorous, protein, albumin, FSH, LH, testosteron
e, prolactin, TSH, T3, T4, and T uptake, as well as prolactin and TSH responses to
TRH were evaluated in group of nine healthy men before and on the
1Oth, 20th and 29th days of Ramadan
 Mean body weight decreased from 65.4 +- 9.1 to 61.6 +- 9.0 kg at 29th day
 Serum glucose decreased from 82 +- 4 mg/dl on the 10th day, and increased
thereafter (76 +- 3 and 84 +- 5 on the 20th and 29th days of fasting
respectively)
 Serum bilirubin increased from 0.56 +- 0.17 to 1.43 +- 52 mg/dl on the 10th
day, and decreased thereafter (1.1.+- 0.4 on the 20th and 29th days.) All
changes returned to basal values four weeks after fasting
 There were no significant changes in serum levels of
Ca, P, protein, albumin, and any of measured hormones. Prolactin and TSH
responses to TRH were also unaltered.
 Conclusion: Islamic fasting does not cause any adverse medical effect and
may have some beneficial effect on weight and lipid metabolism

38. Health Guidelines [1 of 2]
 In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow
digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-
digesting foods
 Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods
last for only 3 to 4 hours
 Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like
barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal
flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
 Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc.
(called refined carbohydrates).
 Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole
wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem
(papery), spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of
beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried
apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.

39. Health guidelines [2 of 2]
Avoid
 Fried and fatty foods
 Foods containing too much sugar
 Over-eating especially at sehri
 Too much tea at sehri - Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your
body needs during the day
 Smoking cigarettes - If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks
before Ramadan - Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely
Eat
 Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.
 Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.
 Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
 Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
 Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
Drink
 As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid
levels in time

40. Medical Issues [1 of 3]
Constipation
 Constipation can cause piles (haemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and
indigestion with a bloated feeling.
 Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
 Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown
flour when making roti/bread
Indigestion And Excessive Gas
 Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce
gas e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like coke/pepsi also produce gas.
 Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add
ajmor to gas-producing foods.
Lethargy (low blood pressure)
 Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up
from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low
blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.
 Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
 Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake. Caution: Low blood pressure should
be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with
high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should
consult their doctor.

41. Medical Issues [2 of 3]
Headache
 Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of
sleep, hunger, usually occur as the day goes by and worsens by day end. Associated with "low
blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.
 Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco ,slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan.
Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan
so as to have adequate sleep.
Low Blood Sugar
 Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to
perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
 Causes: in non-diabetics, taking too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri).
The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
 Remedy: Eat something at suhur and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.
 Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.
Muscle Cramps
 Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
 Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.
 Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult
their doctor.

42. Medical Issues [3 of 3]
Peptic Ulcers, Heart Burn, Gastritis and Hiatus Hernia
 Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above
conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can
extend up to the throat.
 Spicy foods, coffee, and carbonated drinks worsen these conditions.
 Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic
ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.
Kidney Stones
 Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink - Therefore, it is essential to
drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation
Joint Pains
 Causes: During Ramadan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints
increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and
discomfort.
 Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry extra load. Exercise the lower
limbs before Ramadan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being
physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to perform salah with ease.

43. Conclusion
 Healthy Muslims do not need to worry about becoming
weak and feeble because of fasting
 On the contrary, fasting makes them healthier, stronger
and gives them more endurance and self restraint training.
 Recitation of the Holy Qur'an brings about a sense of
peace in the heart and mind. It also strengthens the
memory
 Believers do not perform daily prayers or observe fasting
because they are beneficial
 They try to please Allah and in return Allah (SWT) rewards
them by providing them with a healthy and peaceful
life, which is also a sign of pleasure and blessing of Allah
(SWT)

44. Jazak Allah Khair!
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