Why do we fast?

Q: Why do Muslims fast?

A: There are 3 main reasons why a Muslim fasts during Ramadan.

1) Muslims fast during Ramadan, firstly, because it is the fourth pillar of Islam, and Allah (swt) ordered us to do so. "...fasting is prescribed for you (Muslims)..." (2:183) and " Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to humanity, and to provide clear signs for guidance and judgment. So whoever witnesses the month of Ramadan should fast through it..." (2:185).

By fasting, we get to feel they way the poor and hungry feel; it reminds us, when we forget, that our brothers and sisters go through this pain much too often, and so our hearts become softened, and we become more generous.

2) We learn to control ourselves - mentally and physically. Fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink - we also abstain from lying, foul language, sexual activity, medicine (unless it is necessary), etc. By keeping away from these things, we learn to control our desires. We learn to be in charge of our bodies rather than to let our bodies be in charge of us. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once remarked "Whoever does not give up lying and acting on lies during fasting, then Allah has no need of him giving up food and drink." - Bukhari

3) Fasting is healthy for the mind body and soul. When we stop over feeding our bodies, and fast, "our body initiates it's own healing mechanisms, and any ailment may show improvement." - allaboutfasting.com. We constantly over work our bodies by over eating - and just like when we get tired from over working all day then set aside small matters for another day - our body does like wise. Because it is estimated that 65% of the body's energy must be directed to the digestive organs after a heavy meal - fasting is like a vacation for our bodies! With the extra energy your body has, when it is not busy digesting a meal, it begins to heal and work on other areas of the body such as repairing cells and detoxing. Antiaging effects, weight loss, clear skin and clarity (of the mind and soul) are just some of the many benefits of fasting!

Top 5:Gym Class Hijabi Tips

Salam,

We know. We've been there..Gym class. If it wasnt hard enough being in public highschool, handling the summer heat and trying to keep your hijab on right..Now you have to face Phys Ed.

Of course, its easier when you are a fan of sports and constant activity, but it can get hard when you dont.

Although PE is a good course for your physical health and well being, there are some downsides to it. Here are some tips and instructions on how to help you live happily through it all :)

1) Change Rooms and Privacy

If you are a shy one, then PE change rooms arent ideal for you. Tip: change in the larger washroom stall. It has a lot of space, and a door and lock for privacy. If that is crowded or unavailable, go into the normal stalls and have your friend stand in front of you. If you are still uncomfortable, check your PE schedule, and get ready before hand. If its after lunch, change during lunch when the room is empty, if its in the morning wear your PE clothes from home and if it is at the end of the day, wear your sweats all day for a casual look during class and be ready for PE without the hassle.

2) Bad Hijab Day

Have you played football with a silk scarf? Do you sweat a lot and have your scarf stick all over your face and head? Does your hair start coming out and insisting on not going back in? Has any of your scarfs slid all over your head and even fallen off during class? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, read the following tips: Wear a wrap around scarf with a head band under. The head band keeps all your hair in place and prevents your scarf from moving all around. Stick with a cotton fabric so its durable and soaks up any perspiration. Secure it tightly with new pins so that its less likely to break or fall apart. Make sure to bring an extra change of scarf incase it gets dirty or if you dont plan on wearing that scarf before or after PE.

3) Summer Outfit Problems

During winter, PE outfits are easy to put together. A hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. But as summer begins to arrive, the weather around you signals heat and hoodies don't go well together. Heres some tips to overcome these problems: Loose and Baggy T-shirts or Long sleeve T-shirts. These are good because they allow some air to travel in and out allowing your body to breathe. Make sure you wear sleeves under short t-shirts though. Cargo sweatpants are also a great alternative to thick cotton sweatpants. They are light and airy and stand far from your body. If you want a good pair, Nike is sure to have some. As for your hijab, a 2 peiece wraparound might not be ideal so try a one peice slip on like this picture. This is actually 2 pieces, but the one im talking about is basically the same thing but in 1 piece. They are also cotton so they soak up perspiration well and dont move around, but they are light so you wont go crazy with the heat.

4) Intermixing and Square Dancing

If you thought running 5K was the worst thing that could happen in PE..Its not. Most schools have seperated girls and boys classes; and offer them even if its not regular. But some dont, that means on several occasions you'll have to have a guy partner and play the weirdest sports you've ever heard of with them (hand in hand). Or you will have a dancing course in between the semester with the guys PE class (again, hand in hand and even worse). Realistically thinking these courses dont make any sense, they dont coordinate with physical education at all, but somehow it is still in there. Tip: talk to your PE teacher about it, bring a note from home or even talk to the principal. If it doesnt go hand in hand with your religion, it shouldnt go hand in hand with you. If they insist on you taking part, dont, stand up for yourself and your religion, it is your right and with it you can never be wrong, especially legally. If you feel nervous, dont, many Muslim kids do this in every school, every semester and every year; you are not alone. You could offer to have your PE credits completed in a womens only Gym. Or you might get a project to do instead of that one lesson, on the plus side, your getting ommited an entire lesson while you chill in the library :)

5) Clean up

Phew! Class is finally over, but now im all sticky and sweaty and smelly. What do I do? Make sure you avoid these situations by having the following items in your gym bag: A Hijab for use before or after class with extra pins. Extra set of clothes for before or after class (dont wear your PE clothes to your other classes after you have PE, you can wear them before only). Keep a body spray, a deoderant and extra socks. These handy items prevent unwanted smells and keeps you dry and smelling good. Make sure you have moist towelettes in a ziploc. Use them after PE to wipe your face, neck and underarms. It instantly freshens you up, cleans perspiration and keeps you odour free. Theres nothing worse than a stinky gym class student; so keep your self odour free and super clean :)

This article may have made PE seem like a bad thing; it's not. PE is a good course to take because it keeps you fit and healthy, allows you to get fresh air and excercise in between your hectic schedule. We highly recommend you take it; we just pointed out a few of it's downsides and gave you tips on how to keep clear of them. So dont be afraid of it; now that you have the skills on how to go through PE happily; welcome it!