How to embrace the True Spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and self-discipline. But in today’s world, it’s easy to fall into habits of overconsumption, unhealthy eating, and waste. Many of us associate Ramadan with spending too much, binge eating, and overindulging, but this goes against the true spirit of the month. Let’s explore how we can approach Ramadan with mindfulness, focusing on what truly matters: nurturing our bodies and souls.

The Problem with Excessive Spending During Ramadan

At a recent work training session, colleagues proudly talked about how they upgraded their homes before Ramadan with new furniture, kitchenware, and even remodelled kitchens. They called this “Maldivian culture,” but I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. This mirrors consumer-driven events like Black Friday, where retailers exploit increased demand. But is this really what Ramadan is about?

Ramadan is meant to be a time for spiritual growth and self-reflection, not to spend excessively. We need to rethink this mindset and remember that what truly matters during Ramadan is not what we buy but how we improve ourselves.

Rethinking Our Diets During Ramadan

One of the most confusing aspects of Ramadan is the drastic change in our diets. Suddenly, we replace our usual meals with fried snacks, sugary drinks, and rich desserts. While enjoying food is part of the celebration, this shift often undermines the benefits of fasting.

Take "short eats" like gulha, bajiya, and cutlets. These snacks are typically enjoyed during tea time, not as main meals. Yet, during Ramadan, they often take over our tables. This sudden intake of fried foods and sugary drinks leaves us feeling sluggish and tired, rather than energized and nourished.

Instead, we can focus on eating more balanced meals that include vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats. Simple, wholesome foods like dates and water, which are encouraged in the Sunnah, are ideal for breaking the fast and giving us the energy we need.

Overcoming Bad Habits: A Chance to Quit Smoking

For those who smoke, fasting presents a real challenge. The temptation to smoke during the day may be strong, but breaking your fast with a cigarette is not healthy and doesn’t respect the sacredness of Ramadan. Try to eat something healthy and drink water first before returning to the habit.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, Ramadan is the perfect opportunity. Since you’re already fasting, why not take this time to quit for good? Replace the craving with prayer, good food, and moments of reflection. By the end of the month, you could find yourself free from nicotine, feeling renewed and stronger. Consider the same approach for any other bad habits you might have.

Reducing Waste and Embracing Simplicity

Ramadan is often associated with waste, especially food waste, high electricity bills, and water usage. It’s common to see families preparing too much food, with some spending more time cooking than praying. But this is not the heart of Ramadan.

Instead of focusing on abundance, let's focus on quality. Do we really need to make five different dishes every day? Could we spend less time in the kitchen and more time in prayer and reflection? Ramadan is about finding balance, and simplifying our meals can help us focus on what truly matters.

Tips for a More Mindful and Organized Ramadan

Planning can help you make the most of Ramadan without falling into the traps of overconsumption or excessive spending. Here are a few tips for organizing your time and resources:

1. Mise en Place: Prepare ingredients ahead of time for your meals. Chop vegetables or marinate meats for the week if your fridge space allows. This will save you time and energy, allowing you to focus more on prayers and reflection.
2. Use Leftovers Creatively: Don’t throw away leftover bread or food scraps. Use bread ends to make bread crumbs or bread pudding. Find creative ways to minimise waste and repurpose ingredients.
3. Freeze Meals: If you’re a busy person, consider prepping meals that can be frozen and reheated, such as short eats, roshi, or pastries. This reduces the daily pressure of cooking and helps save time for prayer and family.
4. Stick to Familiar Foods: While trying new dishes can be fun, a sudden shift in your diet can lead to bloating or digestive discomfort. Stick to foods you normally eat, such as rice, vegetables, and fruits, to avoid unnecessary disruption to your body’s routine.
5. Hydrate with Nutrient-Rich Fluids: Keep yourself hydrated with more than just water. Consider drinking coconut water or plain water with lemon and a pinch of salt to replenish electrolytes and stay energized throughout the day. This will also reduce the unending thirst we sometimes feel when fasting and after breaking the fast.

This Ramadan, let's focus on what truly matters: spiritual growth, self-discipline, and nourishing our bodies with wholesome food. By planning, minimizing waste, and avoiding excessive spending, we can make this month a meaningful time of reflection and transformation.

May you be blessed with peace, health, and spiritual growth throughout this upcoming holy month.