RAMADAN ANYONE = Let's ascend together

[Conscious Midwife]

Sept. 24th in the USA

A tremendously wholistic approach for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control.

Fasting is also beneficial to health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.

Anyone participating this year???

Interested in a supportive group on RFT?

(Hey mods if this isn't allowed then please forgive and delete)

I'm more of the metaphysical, Univeral law, God is light and love persuasion, but my husband is Muslim so I support him each year by participating in the fast and prayers. I LOVE IT!

[JennaBoBenna]

Sounds great! I just might try it :)

[being]

Please forgive my ignorance. Is Ramadan where one fasts during daylight hours, but can eat before sunrise/after sunset?

I have read (minimally, very minimally) and I am very intruiged by the practice. It does seem like a wonderful way to deepen devotion and focus on God or whatever term one chooses, bringing this part of ourselves to the forefront of our daily lives. I'm certainly curious to learn more...

I'll do some research on it :)

That said, yes I am interested...

[Conscious Midwife]

being
you got it!!! :D

For muslims it goes beyond fasting from food. You also fast from drinking water, sexual relations with spouse and any ill intentions, thoughts or behaviors.

Even the most pious of individuals find that they can still benefit from deliberately striving to be kinder.

The meditative/ reflective and prayer aspect are also a very "clear" time free of distraction becuase typically your whole household is on the same accord.

For me the discipline of it all and the peace derived from focusing on my creator and the "god" within is the most appealing aspect. Plus I just love knowing I'm married to a man of devotion, whole freely acknowledges the fact that he has to lean on a source and strength greater than himself.

It keeps both of our egos in check and allows us to strive for a higher purpose.

[rawpriestess]

sounds very spiritual, and quite peace filled too.

[rakh star]

we are welcoming the coming of ramadan in our home. as muslims, we always look forward to this wonderful time of year. i may even throw a raw food iftar (breaking of the fast) this year!

it is a great time of reflection and redefining of purpose for me. just like many people use the new year to make resolutions, i use ramadan as a marking point for changes i have made and hope to make. i was married right before ramadan and conceived my son during this blessed month so it holds an especially dear place in my heart.

great thread lifeAgift!

[being]

Thank you lifeAgift ...

Would you have any recommendations on websites or books/authors I could check out? I have been clusty-ing and found quite a varied spread of sites...

(With the internet I am always cautious about information because there is little way of knowing how accurate things are.) :rolleyes:

So, a person would refrain from even drinking any water during daylight hours?! Wow. I suppose one gets accustomed to this quickly, but that will certainly challenge me... I am one of those 'water bottle toted everywhere' people ;)

I really look forward to this! I am always looking to further my experiences and knowledge. Thanks for starting this thread...

[Sharon in Colorado]

On Yom Kippur, people will dry fast for 24 hours from sundown to sundown.

[rakh star]

Thank you lifeAgift ...

Would you have any recommendations on websites or books/authors I could check out? I have been clusty-ing and found quite a varied spread of sites...

(With the internet I am always cautious about information because there is little way of knowing how accurate things are.) :rolleyes:

So, a person would refrain from even drinking any water during daylight hours?! Wow. I suppose one gets accustomed to this quickly, but that will certainly challenge me... I am one of those 'water bottle toted everywhere' people ;)

I really look forward to this! I am always looking to further my experiences and knowledge. Thanks for starting this thread...

try searching www.soundvision.com for information.

[JennaBoBenna]

For muslims it goes beyond fasting from food. You also fast from drinking water, sexual relations with spouse and any ill intentions, thoughts or behaviors.



Wow! I don't think that I can not drink water through out the day, I exercise every day and need my water :( But I can definitely fast from the other things :)

[JennaBoBenna]

Here are some links I found:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/09/27/idiots_guide_to_ramadhan_faith_feature.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
There are more links on this page ^

[JennaBoBenna]

"What else is banned during Ramadhan?

For Muslims, some things are prohibited all the time, not just in Ramadhan but if abstinence isn't being observed, Ramadhan is a good time to start or try and implement change in life. Other things are allowed but should be reduced in Ramadhan to make more time for prayer and worship. This could be things like watching television, playing board games, spending too much time dressing up, listening to music, shopping and messing around with mates and so on."

:eek:! No listening to music? This'll be tough, but I'm excited about it! I feel kind of odd, though, because I'm not Muslim :o

[Conscious Midwife]

Islamacity: Articles related to Ramadan (http://www.islamicity.com/ramadan/)
"What else is banned during Ramadhan?

For Muslims, some things are prohibited all the time, not just in Ramadhan but if abstinence isn't being observed, Ramadhan is a good time to start or try and implement change in life. Other things are allowed but should be reduced in Ramadhan to make more time for prayer and worship. This could be things like watching television, playing board games, spending too much time dressing up, listening to music, shopping and messing around with mates and so on."

:eek:! No listening to music? This'll be tough, but I'm excited about it! I feel kind of odd, though, because I'm not Muslim :o


Don't think of those things which you voluntarily abstain from as a ban. Think of the time as an all day appointment with the divine/creator/GOD/ALLAH/YHWH/the Universe/ Spirit/ Source/ higher power. An appointment without interuption or distraction.

Here are a few sites I've frequented in the past:

islamicity articles on Ramadan (http://www.islamicity.com/ramadan/)

RAMADAN Q&A (http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/f/ramadan_faq.htm)

RAMADAN 101 (http://www.beliefnet.com/features/ramadan_chart.html)

I receive dialy words of inspiration from belifenet just like I do from Jinjee and Storm ( raw inspiration).

I like what rakh star's definition : reflection and redefine

RAMADAN is definately all of what you make... wether it be devotion, sacrifice, discipline, spiritual ascension, our time set aside for oneness with the creator, IT"S ALL AWESOME AND REALLY VERY PERSONAL.

Additionally, your digestive system receives substantial rest and the psycho/spiritual/emotional attunement during this time has been like no other for me. Talking about finding out what your really made of. :eek: :D

[Draginvry]

Anyone participating this year???

I might. I've been intermittently fasting. I'm also trying to simplify my life.

I also want to do another long water fast. As in, longer than 20 days.

[Conscious Midwife]

we are welcoming the coming of ramadan in our home. as muslims, we always look forward to this wonderful time of year. i may even throw a raw food iftar (breaking of the fast) this year!

it is a great time of reflection and redefining of purpose for me. just like many people use the new year to make resolutions, i use ramadan as a marking point for changes i have made and hope to make. i was married right before ramadan and conceived my son during this blessed month so it holds an especially dear place in my heart.

great thread lifeAgift!


A RAW FOOD IFTAR..now that's a grand idea. Hubby and I our working to make our home a bit more presentable over the next few weeks so that we can also host others in our home during this time.

I was planning our standard fare of Toubouli, falafel, dates, baked chicken etc... and raw on the side for me. But what an awesome gift it would be for others to have some rawesome dishes available, plus what a more healthful way of breaking a fast.

Hmmm. definately going to consider this.

[berrymarymac]

WOW!! This is an amazing thread! I love studying other religions and took a small class in Islam and was very intrigued by the religion! A lot of my friends in 9th grade (this was in 2001) were Muslims and I was always interested in their religion and fasting, along with all of the diversity at that school I have been thinking about fasting, but personally it would be hard for me. Something recently happened that was an awakening spiritual wise for me...so being able to search within ones self is always an amazing experience. Maybe next year I'll partake in the fast! I'm not Muslim, but Christian and think it would be an eye opening experience!

[Conscious Midwife]

WOW!! This is an amazing thread! I love studying other religions and took a small class in Islam and was very intrigued by the religion! A lot of my friends in 9th grade (this was in 2001) were Muslims and I was always interested in their religion and fasting, along with all of the diversity at that school I have been thinking about fasting, but personally it would be hard for me. Something recently happened that was an awakening spiritual wise for me...so being able to search within ones self is always an amazing experience. Maybe next year I'll partake in the fast! I'm not Muslim, but Christian and think it would be an eye opening experience!


There are still a few more weeks before Ramadan so if you choose you can prepare to partake this year.

[berrymarymac]

There are still a few more weeks before Ramadan so if you choose you can prepare to partake this year.

I'll research it, but now that I'm in school...when I try to do something that involves me not eating...I typically almost pass out! If I wasn't in school, I would go for it!

[Mary]

I am very interested in doing a Ramadan fast! I have a few Muslim friends, but I am not a Muslim; however, the idea of doing a physical and spritual cleanse/fast is something I would like to do very much!

Please forgive my ignorance, but does Ramadan begin or end on September 24? How does one go through the entire day without water? I'd appreciate any information you can give me.

Also, I have a wonderful raw tabouli recipe that I just tried this week from the "Raw Food, Real World" cookbook using sprouted quinoa, which is lighter than using a nuts version. I found it to be very good!

Blessings to you all!

Mary

[Conscious Midwife]

:) CLick Below

30 DAYS: Christian Website Supporting Wold Wide Prayer During Ramadan (http://http://www.30-days.net/islam/ramadan.htm)

9/24 is the presumed date. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and is always the ninth month so the date moves up each year. Hubby says that at the sighting of the crescent moon which could be 9/23, 24 or 25, fasting will begin dawn the next day.

So it is best to stop eating and drinking @ 10 minutes before dawn and then return to eating and drinking at sunset. Preferably consuming 1-2 dates and a drink at sunset followed by prayer then a regular meal.

The fasting period is @13.5 or more hrs of fasting each day, lessening each day as the sunrises a minute or so later and setting a minute or so earlier. The time frame also depends on wether or not you wake before dawn to consume.

In case your curious here's an interfaith calendar:

Link is here (http://http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/2006.htm)


MRANDAL- By the way the whole point of spiritual/religious fast, no matter what your faith, is NOT to lean/rely upon your own strength to complete it ;)
In and of itself fasting is a difficult task for the flesh to master.

[Conscious Midwife]

I find this sort of fasting to be quite complimentry to the health benefits of RAW :)

[JennaBoBenna]

I'm way excited for this! Is it time yet? hehe :D
I was telling my mom about how I'm celebrating Ramadan and she thinks it's weird and unhealthy :rolleyes: *sigh*

[thinlady]

I just joined the forum. I am very excited to start a new raw eating life. ;)
And yes I will be doing Ramadan inshallah. I can't wait. :)

[Conscious Midwife]

Sabah El Kheir Thin Lady
Shokran ennak geit

MAbrook MAbrook :D

Mash Allah Thin Lady

:confused: errr huhh something like that :confused:

WELCOME AND Congrats :D

[Spectatrix]

I think I might participate in this too. I don't know if I'll abstain from water (I'll try), but I can definitely abstain from food and other drinks.

[Conscious Midwife]

Awesome !!! :D

So for many this fasting will dove tail into the end of the September 30 Day Challenge. What a wonderful way to transition into a lifetime change. ;)

[Narz]

I remember when I lived in New York I had a very good friend Raheem who ate very unhealthy as well as smoked about a pack a day but with Ramadan came around he not only abstained from food all day but also from smoking (even though it must have been hard for him).

He was living with me at the time and working full time as a bike messenger and I found it very inspiring. :)

[rakh star]

masha'allah, i am really excited about this thread. i cannot wait for ramadan this year. it is so wonderful that so many of you who are not Muslim are willing to embark on this wonderful spiritual/physical journey.

lifeAgift and really anyone else, if you have any ideas for food that i could prepare for the raw food iftar, please let me know. my husband is Ghanaian and a lot of our friends are from different countries: Indonesia, Somalia, Senegal, Detroit (oops! not a country) LOL! i really want to prepare some nice flavorful raw ethnic dishes. i'm working on a raw Senegalese veggie yassa and a spicy raw okra stew. any other suggestions would be highly appreciated.

this thread is awesome and is a great boost for my mood today! ahlan wa sahlan ramadan! (welcome ramadan!)

[Conscious Midwife]

I'm going to talk to my husband concerning fava beans. That's like a huge staple in Egypt. wondering IF I can sprout them and make a sandwhich or pate or something

DATES are huge during Ramadan and I've already made my first raw date nut roll. Delicious. Hubby loved it. He always breaks his fast with dates :)

Surely there's a way to make BAKLAVA?!?!?!?!?
the filling is easy but how to make the PHYLLO Dough in RAW form hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

[Conscious Midwife]

T minus 20 days and counting

well that is depending upon the moon ;)

Are you in???? :)

[Conscious Midwife]

T - 15 days

Looks like I will be at a work related conference during the 2nd week of RAMADAN. Drats, I hate having to explain not eating or drinking when I am in the company of others for such a long period of time. Especially when food and drinks are provided. Hmmmm

Oh well I must stand by the purpose and my convictions. It's really not about anyone else buut about my covenant with my husband and our spiritual developement. SO I'LL BE FINE!! :)

[JennaBoBenna]

I can't wait! I'm so excited! :D

[JennaBoBenna]

Ten more days!!

And my parents think I'm insane!! haha

"Wait....you're excited about fasting?!"

[eatyourbroccoli]

i think id like to join too. :)

it seems so very spiritual and i love experiencing new things.

[Aasyah]

LifeAgift

Alhumduliallah that is great for Ramadan i am glad you started this topic, and that you are supporting your husband. :)

Ramadan Mubarak

I am excited as well for Ramadan is a joyous and wonderful time in our household. The saddest part is that my husband and i will not be able to spend it in Egypt this year with family and friends. :(

Inshallah i would like to join in. looking forward to see how everyone enjoys fasting and eating raw, i am excited.


Cassandra

[Conscious Midwife]

WOW intrest is growing.

Cassandra I believe we have chatted before. My husband is from Zagazig Egypt. When do you and yours plan on taking another trip to Egypt???


Welcome All
RAMADAN will serve as a time of awakening for some and renewal for others
learning what it means to be hungry and increased compassion for the poor
acknowledging our dependence upon food/ water, and the brevity of "life"
control of urges and passions, refinement of charecter
clarity of mind with an earnest focus on our CREATOR
IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH
discipline in general
resolving spiritual identity crisis
freeing ourselves of self destructive impulses
stregthening the soul and aligning the body


So everyone you are welcome to join in this period of enlightenment. Rise above your flesh and recognize the force of your spirit and your human will.

[Conscious Midwife]

T-8 and counting ;)

[Conscious Midwife]

The word on the web is that Ramadan fasting will start daytime Saturday.

get Ready , get ready.

oh and to my non muslim Raw family, hubby says it's customary to break your fast with dates. he likes to soak them in milk and pour over a granola type ceral. Guess I'll be making him a batch of Almond milk

Anyway, i'll be out of town next weekend but will log in from the hotel 'puter to check on everyone and share a word of inspiration.

SALAM
PEACE :)

[JennaBoBenna]

The word on the web is that Ramadan fasting will start daytime Saturday.

get Ready , get ready.

oh and to my non muslim Raw family, hubby says it's customary to break your fast with dates. he likes to soak them in milk and pour over a granola type ceral. Guess I'll be making him a batch of Almond milk

Anyway, i'll be out of town next weekend but will log in from the hotel 'puter to check on everyone and share a word of inspiration.

SALAM
PEACE :)

I was going to be making green juices and smoothies and mixing in Nature's First Food to break my fasts every day. I read and read and read about breaking it with dates, but dates unbalance me, so that's out :p

I'm so excited! I'll actually be able to focus on schoolwork because I won't be on the computer all day! yipee!!

[Conscious Midwife]

Cool Jenna

Getting off the 'puter is going to be a task for me too

[Mary]

lifeAgift... Any tips on what to eat before dawn to hold you throughout the day? I'm going to go to my local Middle Eastern market - they have the most marvelous fresh raw dates there! Maybe I'll make some raw granola too! :)

Ramadan practically coincides with my birthday (on September 25th), so I'm looking to this month to help me with spiritual, physical, and emotional cleansing as I look to the new year!

Thanks for inspiring us to do this with you!

Blessings,

Mary

[Conscious Midwife]

Well before RAW I use to eat grits or oatmeal with a load of butter, and that would hold me.

I need fat in the morning just to keep from starving by 9am and this is when i am not fasting. Lite starches like toast, cereal etc... leave me hungry.

I may try some avo puddings, frozen bannanas drizzled in honey and rolled in cocoa and nuts, definately going to have some thick bannana and maybe peach or berry smoothies with wheat grass or other greens, and lastly nutt butter on apples, whcih is what I am eating now.

If I wake up in enough time to top it all off with at least 3 c of water then I should be good for the day.

i found it's best to have my fast breaking meal ready, usually a good drink, which this year will probably be a orange/carrot/ apple combo followed by a heavy loaded salad.

Need to figure out how to enjoy something like black beans raw. I've had fresh raw black eye peas before, thy were ok.
I imagine I'll be loading up on avacados since I no longer consume cheese.

I may break my fast with a raw date or two. but I prefer my dates in recipies.
Like RP's Brownies or date nut rolls.

[eatyourbroccoli]

i just wanted to pop in and say how excited i am for the 24th-ish.

ive never done this before, and i think it will be a fantastic experience.

thank you for sharing your beliefs with us!

:)

[Conscious Midwife]

[I]I hope we are all preparing out hearts, mind and spirit.

From ME and Mind to You and Yours[/SIZE]


HAPPY RAMADAN

[mel123]

i am very interested in fasting with you all. i am christian and find comfort and spiritual focus fasting during Lent. what activities are we advised to stay away from during this time? and there is not eating from dawn to dusk, right? please forgive my ingnorance. tia for your answers.

[Conscious Midwife]

"It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning

According to the Holy Quran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"

The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -

the telling of a lie
slander
denouncing someone behind his back
a false oath
greed or covetousness

These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan"

Quoted from http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm

[Aasyah]

LifeAgift,

yes we have spoken before only briefly, look forward to speaking with you more :) .Inshallah we will try again for next year to get to Egypt (Heliopolis and Alexandria areas).

Excited to begin fasting :D

Cassandra

[pinkglttr]

Ramadan begins on September 23, 2006 (at sunset & the sighting of the growing crescent moon) and ends on October 22, 2006(at sunset) God willing for all parts of the USA. To calculate the Ramadan start date - compare the time of the New Moon with the Sunset in your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, you should fast the next day God willing. Similarly to determine the last day of Ramadan fasting - compare the time of the next New Moon with the sunset in your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, the month of Ramadan is complete on that day.

Phases of the moon data (including the new moon) for 2006 (and beyond) are available at the US Naval Observatory. All times are in UTC (also known as GMT). To convert to your time zone you can use the Time Zone Converter.

[pinkglttr]

Ramadan fasting is not observed by the ill, those who are traveling and need nourishment, women who are menstruating, children before puberty, and nursing or pregnant women. Those with temporary restraints from fasting (menstruation, flu, etc) are to make up the days of fasting one for one after the month of Ramadan is over and before the next Ramadan begins. To fast while menstruating (which is almost certain to occur during the 30 days) is akin to "sin".

Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from sexual intercourse (during fasting), violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry and sarcastic retorts, and gossip. People are meant to try to get along with each other better than they normally might. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.

If you accidentally forget you are fasting, as soon as you remember, continue your fast. You do not have to make up for these days, as it is said that Allah has fed you. If you purposely eat, you must make up the day later as stated above. If you break the fast by having sex during daylight hours, you must fast an additional 60 days after Ramadan... but kissing is allowed :p

[Spectatrix]

Why is fasting while menstruating considered sinful? I'm not Muslim, so even if I do this fast I won't be following that prohibition, but I'm curious as to what the reasoning is.

[pinkglttr]

Why is fasting while menstruating considered sinful? I'm not Muslim, so even if I do this fast I won't be following that prohibition, but I'm curious as to what the reasoning is.

Islam tends to remove the hardship of women who may be weak or in pain from menstruation. Hence the Shari`ah does not add more difficulty to them by imposing fasting on her. Thus, it is an exemption from the Shari`ah to remove hardship.

A woman may use contraceptive to keep from menstruating and continue the fast.

The reason I equated it to "sin" is because it is a very important thing to keep in mind. If the person fasting is hurting themselves, they are not focused on God, and that is not the purpose of the fast. God does not wish to cause us undue pain, and is trying to make it fair between the sexes, that the obligations for both sexes are under the same conditions. That is what I understand of it.

It's a personal choice, I suppose, but if I am feeling menstrual cramps and cannot eat, I am not finding myself in a state of purity and Godliness. Nowhere in the Qu'ran is this prohibited, but scholars have pointed out that women are exempt from fasting and prayers (which tend to involve much movement) out of respect for their physical well-being. Over time, it has become more of a rule, to insure the focus on God and not on the self.

[Spectatrix]

Thank you for the info. I generally have pretty uneventful menstruation (no cramps, bloating, or other pain), so I don't think fasting while menstruating would be harmful to myself. However, I definitely see how it might be to other women.

[pinkglttr]

Tonight should be the sighting. I'm excited :)

[Conscious Midwife]

Sorry for the delay. I'm out of town without a laptop.

Hubby says we should be fasting today, Saturday, and break our fast Saturday evening. i guess he stayed up late waiting for the Imam at our local mosque to post the recording on voicemail.

So hopefully everyone is well and full of hope and expectaction for what the next month will bring to our body, mind, and soul.


PEACE to everyone!

[pinkglttr]

From what I have read, it would have been impossible to see the crescent in North America last night. Tonight it was in (my local) sky for about 1/2 an hour, indicating the beginning of Ramadan.

http://www.hilal-sighting.com/

Allahu A'alam :o

[Aasyah]

I began fasting the 23rd which started out great, as the day moved along i was less energized, i took mini breaks not to completely fatigue myself. I broke my fast at home with a small, light dinner i prepared for us. I at SAD in the beginning :( and later i switched to raw fruits and veggies :) and plenty of water.

Sunday 24th was much easier and time seemed to fly by quickly. Inshallah, I had my final temptation "kanafa" just hit the spot for my sweet tooth. Began raw from that evening onward just small pieces of fruit and veggies.

Monday 25th, before Fajr handful of green grapes, 1 plum and 1 banana, and plenty of H2o :D . I have a large salad prepared for this evening, and will prepare dinner this afternoon for husband for this evening as well.

I am excited to hear how everyone is coming along with their fasting and eating raw.

Ramadan Mubarak :D

Cassandra

[pinkglttr]

I also had SAD cravings at first, but then I fixed a large organic salad that was delicious, drank some orange juice, and I was satisfied. I am sick today (as I was over the weekend, but I really wanted to start Ramadan), so I really want to drink some water, but I don't want to break the fast. I only want water, not food :(

I guess I can make it up after Eid. I need to start drinking lots of water before morning prayer, but that means I have to get up early... haha!

I was weak yesterday for the last three hours, and I fell asleep. By the time I awoke, it was after 7pm and the day was almost over. I hope that I adjust soon, because I am in school and attend classes until late in the evening.

[JennaBoBenna]

Boy! This is harder than I thought! It's amazing how much of my time is spent watching shows, eating, listening to music, playing Nintendo, etc!!! I did 5 loads of laundry the other day because I had nothing else to do! lol!! I was having a bad day today, so I didn't really get anything productive done. I really hope to change that, though! I only have one class tomorrow, so I won't be as tired tomorrow as I was today. So I hope to get more done.
One thing I've noticed so far is that I'm swearing a lot more than I ever have!! It's so weird! It was mainly when I was in my car driving. I usually am singing along to music when driving, so I'm keeping my mouth busy... But today, WHOA! I wasn't listening to music and the swears just kept coming out! :o I'll really have to work on that hehe

[Conscious Midwife]

I sleep with water by my bedside and sip it through the night until just before sunrise. This makes the morning part of the day easy for me, because I'm use to getting in several ounces before noon.

I think SAD cravings coem about because of our past histories with SAD as a comfort food. When we fast we are out of oour comfort zone and having to rely on strength greater than our own just to get though.

I find the fat of nuts before dawn to be vary sustaining, as well as avacado in the evening.

[Conscious Midwife]

From what I have read, it would have been impossible to see the crescent in North America last night. Tonight it was in (my local) sky for about 1/2 an hour, indicating the beginning of Ramadan.

http://www.hilal-sighting.com/

Allahu A'alam :o

Hmmmm

I believe my Hubbies Imam relies upon one of the International Counsels to confirm the day to begin fasting, and then he updates the voice mail and local mosque web site accordingly. So that's what we have always gone with.

[Ginger]

I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that evening is the worst time to eat healthwise! I have always heard that you are never supposed to eat unless the sun is out because of our bodies natural cycles of digesting & cleansing. I also normally lose my appetite right before I get my period. I have started a fast at this time because it's like cheating for me! It's so easy! I find the less I eat durring the shorter it is too! So according to this it was a sin not to eat durring but yet it's the best thing for my body! I really find the spiritual side of it interesting. I have learned alot from your posts. Thank you.

[Conscious Midwife]

I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that evening is the worst time to eat healthwise! I have always heard that you are never supposed to eat unless the sun is out because of our bodies natural cycles of digesting & cleansing. I also normally lose my appetite right before I get my period. I have started a fast at this time because it's like cheating for me! It's so easy! I find the less I eat durring the shorter it is too! So according to this it was a sin not to eat durring but yet it's the best thing for my body! I really find the spiritual side of it interesting. I have learned alot from your posts. Thank you.


So are the cycles of digesting and cleansing to ocue during day light or night?

With regard to Ramadan fasting; imagine fueling up just before sunrise, allowing the body all day to digest and metabolise the food consumed. then refueling at sunset allowing the body all night to digest heal and replenish. Imagine daytime interactions without distraction of food consumtion, just being present and fully engaged in conversation with the individuals you encounter. Imagine meditation/ prayer and thoughts free of the distraction o food and it's preperation. Just my thoughts on some of what's awesome about this sort of fasting.

[mel123]

i am more thatn happy to join you in your spiritual fast. I am not sure how strictly I will do it, but I do enjoy a fast that is spiritually based. I am actually ill with a flu/cold right now so do not have much of an appetite, fasting is pretty simple right now. This morning I will begin to incoperate my prayers, meditation, affirmation and visualization. A time of almost complete focus on God and what I believe is my destiny given by God. So much fun!!!! Happy Ramadan...Melissa

[pinkglttr]

I do not have a local mosque and so I have to go by what I find out through the internet (as the media doesn't give a hoot about Islam, the way it does for other religions). That being said, there is a great deal of argument of when to start Ramadan (local time v. Saudi, etc), but I will do it in accordance to when my prayers are. I certainly don't follow Saudi for those.

Anyway, about eating...
I am finding it much easier to control my eating in the evening. It's not even like "fasting" anymore. The hardest part is not drinking water during the day for me, so when I fast other than spiritually I think I will drink water and otherwise follow the same method (maybe with just juices or something). I love that I can concentrate on things other than food, it has become such a habit.

I may fast over my period, there is a lot of controversy to that in Islam concerning cleansing oneself and whatnot, but we'll see. I hate to contradict myself, but it's a matter of opinion of which I tend to fall on a more liberal side. BUT, if I find myself weak (we are losing a lot of blood afterall), then I will stop and nourish myself. The only thing I don't understand is how your period could shorten from fasting DURING it. I could see if you fasted BEFORE it, but fasting during shouldn't change the amount of tissue to be rid of.... right? I don't know, I would just be careful.

Also, careful about being sick. Maybe drink water during the day, if you wish to allow it? (esp. if it concerns your throat)

Inshallah, happy Ramadan!

[Conscious Midwife]

Fasting is not obligatory for women during their menses or fo those who are traveling far distances or ill.

My cycle changes with my dietary intake all the time. Vegetarian and high raw alone eliminated the heavy cycles that I had and so I associated this with avoiding animal product and hormones.

Or bodies being the efficient machines that they are prioritizes essential functions. When fasting you minimize accumulation of toxins and waste. Therefor our ever replinishing bloodstream can rely on perspiration, elimination, the liver and kidney etc..to rid us of toxins. The build up of uterine tissue is for reproduction purposes only, and is hormone triggered, without pregnancy this tissue is free to reabsorb and/or slough off with or without major hemmorhaging.

I even find consuming caffeinated drinks to worsen both my PMS and menses experience.

Just my non clinical observation o a case study of one, plus the insight of a few friends. :)

[Aasyah]

Today very tired and sick, i guess detox is kicking in majorly. I am just taking it easy and each day as a new beginning. :mad: :(

Hopefully i will feel better Thursday :)

Cassandra

[Conscious Midwife]

Yesterday I missed my before dawn water and snack. UGhhhh

So I was sure to get up early today for some orange juice.

[Conscious Midwife]

Now the Ramadan fasting dove tails into the October RAW Challenge

This will be the first time I combine pray specific to my ability to stay RAW without deviation.

This should be powerful

Hubby a bit sulle the past two days, I know he's missing his bio family and Egypt.

Plus I haven't put much effort and love into our predawn meals as I have in the past.

NOTE TO SELF: make his day, make a pre dawn meal with love, minister to the needs of hubby

Will pray over food as I make my selections at farmers market tommorow.

[Aasyah]

No enteries today,I had to stop my fasting :mad: . Inshallah will continue with raw eating while not fasting :) Inshallah will post in a few days.

Cassandra

[Conscious Midwife]

Layers being pulled back

Weeping, cleansing tears and strengthening sobs.

This Ramadan is already be marked as the period of awakening. Me getting to know me all over again.

My covenant with hubby has gone to another level. As we continue to unveil, lean on the creator and live "naked but not ashamed".

[star1919]

Hey Lifeagift... how beautiful and profound... what you shared...

And, your other recent post, about change in your life... you were so upbeat! Sometimes it seems as human beings that we can resist or fear change. Yet, within the unknown... is profound spirit and possibility. And, it seems that challenges and change often offer greater gifts than where we were before...

You have such a beautiful spirit and positive attitude! :D

Wishing you special blessings and unfolding...

[Conscious Midwife]

Hey Lifeagift... how beautiful and profound... what you shared...

And, your other recent post, about change in your life... you were so upbeat! Sometimes it seems as human beings that we can resist or fear change. Yet, within the unknown... is profound spirit and possibility. And, it seems that challenges and change often offer greater gifts than where we were before...

You have such a beautiful spirit and positive attitude! :D

Wishing you special blessings and unfolding...


Thank you!

It's taking nearly 13,000 days to get to this place ;)

I've not perfected it yet, nor do i even admit to be able to grasp ALL OF WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT.

One thing I know for sure is I can choose my thoughts and how I respond, I can choose to show up and play, and can CHOOSE TO LIVE AUTHENTICALLY

WORKING ON RECEIVING

Cause LIFE IS A GIFT

[Conscious Midwife]

Need to make a plan for waking a bit earlier, truely missing my AM smoothies. Hubby could also benefit too.

I will spend today reflecting, relaxing and taking the toddlers to the park.

So looking forward Quiet Meditation during little ones nap time :)

[Conscious Midwife]

AM smoothies doing the trick

Menses the past few days so not fasting 100%, keeping it light though.

Hopefully can regroup tommorow. I need the break thru, the discipline, the "time".

How's everyone else doing, are you folks hanging in there????

[Aasyah]

Greetings,

Today i feel i bit better today than the past week, just :confused: minor stuffy nose and watery eyes.

Early breakfast i had a plum, apple and water. This evening i will have a salad and dehydrate some late night snacks for the coming week.


Cassandra

[Raine]

I kind of laughed as I read these postings - I understand the concept of Ramaden but I can't help but reflect upon Paul Bowles's writings in the book "Days". He hated Ramaden because it was such a special kind of hell to be surrounded by all these fasting people who were short tempered and yelping at one another.

I'm on Day 6 of my aspiring 30 day juice fast which has nothing to do with Ramaden. I would think going 24/7 is much easier than 12 hours on/12 hours off.

[Conscious Midwife]

I kind of laughed as I read these postings - I understand the concept of Ramaden but I can't help but reflect upon Paul Bowles's writings in the book "Days". He hated Ramaden because it was such a special kind of hell to be surrounded by all these fasting people who were short tempered and yelping at one another.


Is this something you gathered as a direct quote from one of his biographies or just an assumption you made from deliberate literary stylings in his works of FICTION??????



I'm on Day 6 of my aspiring 30 day juice fast which has nothing to do with Ramaden. I would think going 24/7 is much easier than 12 hours on/12 hours off.


It's really all relative and depends on your motives. Good luck on your path! :)

[druid]

starve/fast all day then feast at night? no thanks.

[Raine]

No, I did not "assume" anything from his works of FICTION. It's based upon what the man actually wrote in the journal that was then turned into the book "Days".

The following is Amazon.com's overview on the book:

Between 1987 and 1989, Paul Bowles, at the suggestion of a friend, kept a journal to record the daily events of his life. What emerges is not only just a record of the meals, conversations, and health concerns of the author of The Sheltering Sky but also a fascinating look at an artist at work in a new medium. Characterized by a refreshing informality, clear-sightedness, and passages of exquisite prose, these pages record with equal fascination the behavior of an itinerant spider, a brutal episode of violence in a Tangier marketplace, and the pageantry and excess of Malcolm Forbes's seventieth birthday party. In Days, a master observer of the foreign and obscure turns his attentions toward his own daily existence, giving us a startlingly candid portrait of his life in late twentieth-century Tangier.

[Conscious Midwife]

MY RAMADAN season hasn't been as successfulas last year.

The permisable break taken during my menses, diminished my resolve. UGGHH :mad:

None the less I will press on.

I noticed that when my after sunset meals have transitionary foods, i have a harder time with fasting the next day.

The all RAW approach make it so much easier for me.

MAJOR BREAK THROUGHS on so many levels.

I thought my marriage was pretty good, but this season shows me how it can be so much more. MArriage for me has been such a completer for me in my husband I see both a magnification of my strengths and my weaknesses. While at the same time a compensation for my deficites and a compliment to all that is within me. It's actually magical.

It's so easy for me to marvel in all that the UNIVERSE/GOD/DIViNE has created during this season yet I know the deeper work is for me to marvel in the CREATOR and to recognize the working of the GOD FORCE/ DIVINE within.


Sending light, love, encouragement and thoughts for endurance to all of this season Ramadan and Equinox fast partakers.

THE NIGHT OF POWER IS COMING SOON!!!

[Conscious Midwife]

Source Credit Below

Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Quran as, "better than a thousand months" (97:3). Any action done on this night such as reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.

Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).

The Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira).

Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it.

1. Take a vacation for Allah.

We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshiping and thanking our Creator.

If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf.

2. Do I'tikaf.

It was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I'tikaf.

Those in I'tikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. They do not go outside the masjid except in case of emergencies, therefore, they sleep in the masjid. Their families or the masjid administration takes care of their food needs. I'tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.

3. Make this special Dua.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

The transliteration of this Dua is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"

4. Recite the Quran.

Perhaps you can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran, which you have heard in Tarawih this past Ramadan to recite.

If you attend a class where the recitation of the Quran is taught, this is a great time to put your knowledge into practice.

5. Reflect on the meaning of the Quran.

Choose the latest Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih and read their translation and Tafseer. Then think deeply about their meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.

6. Get your sins wiped out.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari and Muslim).

Don't just pray using the shorter Surahs that you know. Try to make your prayers longer, deeper and meaningful. If you are familiar with longer Surahs, read the translation and explanation and then pray reciting these Surahs, carefully reflecting on the meaning while you pray.

Even if you are only familiar with the shorter Surahs, read the translation and explanation beforehand, and then pray reflecting on the message of the Surahs.

This is a good way to develop the habit of concentration, even in regular prayers, where many of us tend to be fidgety and/or easily distracted.

7. Make a personal Dua list.

Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:

Ask Allah to give you those things
Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
Develop a work plan to get those things in future.
8. Evaluate yourself.

Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when making the Dua mentioned in tip number one above.

9. Make long, sincere and deep Duas

One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.

Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).

That means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor time to ask Allah for anything and everything you want that is Halal. This can be done using the Duas of the Sunnah, but also Dua in your own language, with sincerity and conviction.

10. Memorize a different Dua every night

They don't have to be long. They can be just one line. And be sure to know what they mean generally at least, even if you don't know the exact translation in English.

You can put them on index cards (or and keep them with you during the day, glancing at them during work, while driving, waiting in line, etc.) Then practice them at night in prayer.

11. Have Iftar with the family

If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.

12. Take the family to Tarawih

Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the Masjid, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favour and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.

13. Attend the Dua after the completion of Quran recitation

Almost all Masjids where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Quran in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will be completing their recitation in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Dua at the end of a reading of the Quran. Attend this particular night's Tarawih prayer with your family. See if you can attend different Masjids' Tarawih prayers the night they finish reading the Quran.

14. Finish reading a book on the Prophet

Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.

15. Plan for the next year

Once you've done a self-evaluation, you can plan on where you want to go, at least in the next 12 months. Laylatul Qadr is a great night to be thinking about this (without taking away from your worship), since you'll Insha Allah, be in a more contemplative state. You may choose to dedicate one night of power for evaluation and one night for planning for the next year.

16. To do list for the Night of Power

Make a to do checklist for each Night of Power. This should define how you would like your night, the one better than a thousand months, to be used. Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would like to do things in. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which common in the festive atmosphere of Masjids at the Night of Power.


Abdul Malik Mujahid, is the President and Director of Sound Vision Foundation Inc. He is an Imam in the Chicago area and the Chairperson of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC).

[Conscious Midwife]

So we are on our way to the mosque for prayers, giving of zakat and to her the kutbah.

I'll post commentary later.

[Aasyah]

Greetings,

Lifeagift, how are you and how is Ramadan going for you and your family? :-)
JazahAllah Khair for the post on the last 10 days. We do need to reflect and apply what we learned to our lives through our time during Ramadan.

My internet time has been very limited to work and family schedules. My raw challenege has been flutuating some days i feel very hungry others i feel to eat less. I have been keeping it very simple with fruits , vegetables, salads, water and nuts/seeds. A feww days i had soup or lightly steamed vegetables so i did not venture too far into SAD eating.

My dextox symtoms have been light to migrane headaches, and minor stuffy nose. but this has passed. The last few days i have just been very tired during the afternoon, so i just take a light nap when home or take mini breaks when out and about lol lol.

see you next time :p

Cassandra

[Conscious Midwife]

I hasn't been what I desired as far as "practice" goes. But it's definately been much more than I imagined as far as faith goes. Plus we've had some encounters that have required much more of us on a spiritual level as a couple and the growth from that has been rewarding :) .

My recent liberation from the JOB has hubby working more. But our time together is sweeter and the decision for me to stay home with our children has been a very fruitful choice.

The practice I'm refering too is time to share evening meals with friends and family and giving of our time to charity.

Inshallah will do better in the days and years to come!

[Conscious Midwife]

Hope all who participated reached new heights in their spiritual journeys.

Happy Belated EID!!!! :)

[Conscious Midwife]

THE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING....

I'LL START A NEW THREAD

Expect to begin sometime around 9/12 with the new moon

See ya on the new RAMADAN THREAD:) :) :) :)

[JennaBoBenna]

THE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING....

I'LL START A NEW THREAD

Expect to begin sometime around 9/12 with the new moon

See ya on the new RAMADAN THREAD:) :) :)

I'm in! I'm really excited now! I'm sure I'll be able to do it this year. Last year I was still overcoming food addictions etc.

:)

[Conscious Midwife]

I'm in! I'm really excited now! I'm sure I'll be able to do it this year. Last year I was still overcoming food addictions etc.

:)


GLAD TO HAVE YA...:D :)

STILL GOT A FEW MORE DAYS BEFORE WE START IN EARNEST BUT I"M EXCITED AND SO NEEDING THIS ON SO SO MANY LEVELS

[Conscious Midwife]

Join us in the RAMADAN 2011 thread