Deen & Diet

            The month of Ramadan may be over, but the blessings of fasting don’t have to end. Fasting six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, is a Sunnah highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It carries immense spiritual and health benefits, making it a powerful way to extend the goodness of Ramadan into the rest of the year. Spiritual Benefits of Fasting in Shawwal Completing the Reward of a Year of FastingThe Prophet (PBUH) said:  “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Muslim) Since good deeds are multiplied by ten in Islam, fasting 30 days of Ramadan plus six in Shawwal equates to the reward of a whole year of fasting. Maintaining Spiritual MomentumAfter Ramadan, it’s easy to slip back into old habits. Observing voluntary fasts in Shawwal helps maintain the discipline, mindfulness, and devotion developed during Ramadan.  Drawing Closer to AllahFasting ...

Eid is a day of celebration, gratitude, and unity in the Muslim community. While it is a time of joy, it is also an opportunity to revive the beautiful Sunnah practices of Eid as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These Prophetic traditions on Eid not only bring us closer to Allah but also offer numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we explore the Sunnah practices of Eid and their impact on physical and mental well-being. 1. Eating Dates Before Eid Salah | Sunnah & Health Benefits Sunnah: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the Eid prayer. (Bukhari 953) Health Benefits of Eating Dates on Eid: Dates provide instant energy due to their natural sugars (glucose and fructose), making them an ideal pre-prayer snack. They contain fiber , aiding digestion and preventing constipation after a month of fasting. Dates support brain function with their rich content of potassium and magnesium, enhancing focus and mood. 2. Performing Ghusl (Ritual B...

Juz 30 covers Surah An-Naba (78:1-40) to Surah An-Nas (114:1-6), containing short but powerful surahs that emphasize the reality of the Hereafter, the importance of good character, and seeking Allah’s guidance. 1. The Reality of the Hereafter and Living with Purpose "Did We not make the earth a resting place? And the mountains as pegs?" (An-Naba 78:6-7) Allah reminds us of His perfect creation, showing that life is not random—it has a purpose. Health Insight: Having a sense of purpose reduces anxiety, improves well-being, and leads to a more fulfilling life. 2. The Importance of Compassion and Charity "Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor." (Al-Ma'un 107:1-3) Islam teaches that faith is incomplete without kindness and care for the less fortunate. Health Insight: Acts of charity increase happiness, reduce stress, and create a sense of fulf...

 Juz 29 covers Surah Al-Mulk (67:1-30), Surah Al-Qalam (68:1-52), Surah Al-Haqqah (69:1-52), Surah Al-Ma’arij (70:1-44), Surah Nuh (71:1-28), Surah Al-Jinn (72:1-28), Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:1-20), Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:1-56), Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:1-40), Surah Al-Insan (76:1-31), and Surah Al-Mursalat (77:1-50). This Juz emphasizes trusting Allah (tawakkul), the importance of remembrance (dhikr), and preparing for the afterlife. 1. The Power of Tawakkul (Trusting Allah’s Plan) "Say, 'He is the Most Merciful; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we rely...'" (Al-Mulk 67:29) This verse reminds us that placing our trust in Allah brings peace and certainty in life. He is in control of everything. Health Insight: Letting go of excessive worries reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and strengthens resilience. 2. The Importance of Seeking Knowledge and Gratitude "Had he not been among those who glorify Allah, he would have remained in its belly unti...

 Juz 28 covers Surah Al-Mujadilah (58:1-22), Surah Al-Hashr (59:1-24), Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:1-13), Surah As-Saff (61:1-14), Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:1-11), Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:1-11), Surah At-Taghabun (64:1-18), Surah At-Talaq (65:1-12), and Surah At-Tahrim (66:1-12). This Juz emphasizes strengthening faith, seeking Allah’s mercy, and remaining patient in life’s challenges. 1. Strengthening Iman by Remembering Allah "O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Make room [for others]' in gatherings, then make room; Allah will make room for you..." (Al-Mujadilah 58:11) This verse reminds us to be considerate and kind because small actions bring great rewards from Allah. Health Insight: Acts of kindness boost emotional well-being and strengthen relationships. 2. Turning to Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness "Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah..." (Al-Hashr 59:21) The Qur...

Juz 27 covers Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:31-60), Surah At-Tur (52:1-49), Surah An-Najm (53:1-62), Surah Al-Qamar (54:1-55), Surah Ar-Rahman (55:1-78), Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56:1-96), and Surah Al-Hadid (57:1-29). This Juz highlights the importance of trusting Allah, the impact of supplication (du’a), and striving for a righteous life. 1. The Power of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) "And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised. Then by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, indeed, it is truth – just as sure as you are speaking." (Adh-Dhariyat 51:22-23) Allah reminds us that our sustenance is already written and that trusting Him brings peace of mind. Health Insight: Stressing over provision can harm mental health, while trusting in Allah promotes inner peace and contentment. 2. The Power of Du’a (Supplication) and Allah’s Mercy "Or has He not informed you of what was in the scriptures of Musa and Ibrahim who fulfilled [his obligations]?" (An-Na...

 Juz 26 covers Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:1-35), Surah Muhammad (47:1-38), Surah Al-Fath (48:1-29), Surah Al-Hujurat (49:1-18), and Surah Qaf (50:1-45). This Juz emphasizes seeking Allah’s forgiveness, maintaining strong faith, and the impact of good character. 1. The Power of Seeking Forgiveness "O my people, seek forgiveness from your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. He will send rain upon you in showers and increase you in strength..." (Al-Ahqaf 46:31) Repentance brings blessings and strength. Turning to Allah in sincerity leads to both material and spiritual growth. Health Insight: Seeking forgiveness reduces guilt, eases the heart, and promotes emotional well-being. 2. Faith and Good Deeds Lead to Success "But those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them are the Gardens of Refuge..." (Muhammad 47:12) True success lies in faith and righteous actions. A believer finds peace in knowing their efforts are rewarded in both worlds. Health Insight:...