As Muslims across the globe prepare to conclude the first 10-day phase of Ramadan fast, it is not improbable that some people especially from this region, still find it difficult to observe Solat after iftaar or sahoor, mainly due to diet problem.
Such difficulty most times boils down to either excessive eating or other unhygienic eating habits which in turn makes them to feel tired or uneasy. However, the following Islamic values are ethics that should guide our dining habits for a healthy fasting.
Remember Allah before and after eating: Brother, it is true you have endured since fajr time, yes, but don’t just pounce on that rice or loaves of bread or moi-moi, remember Allah that provides them.
Prophet Muhammad said: “When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name; if he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say: ‘Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu’ “(in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it)” [Sunnan Abi Dawud].
He also said: “Allah is pleased with his slave who eats a meal and praises Him for it; and takes a drink and praises Him for it” [Muslim]
Make du’aa (prayer): Prophet Muhammad used to say when breaking his fast:
“Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wa abtalat al-urooq wa thabat al-ajr insha Allah (The thirst has gone, the glands are wet and, Allah willing, the reward is confirmed)” [Fiqh-us-Sunnah].
It is also recommended before breaking to say Allahumma laka sumtu, wa a’ala rizquka aftortu, fataqobbal minnii “Oh Lord, for I have fast, and upon your provision I break, please accept from me(my worship).
Eat with the right hand: Muslims, remember you cannot eat beyond a mouthful at once, so why eating plantain with right hand, beans pottage with left at the same time taking yoghurt?
Prophet Muhammad said to ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Take only as much as you can eat: “I like varieties of food for breaking fast…” Is that why you want to intoxicate yourself with food? You alone; banana, apple, watermelon, dates, orange….not only those, here is semovita and egusi at one side, fried rice on the other, tea in the middle, ha! Subhanallah! Remember some are breaking with only water.
Prophet Muhammad said: “No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for his breathing” [At-Tirmdhi].
Do not eat greedily: Because you woke up late at 4:30am (during sahur) doesn’t mean you must choke or suffocate yourself by smacking the lips, tearing apart bits of food ravenously, wrestling with food and so on; it can only seem like a silly thing to do, fasting is determined by intention,(the state of mind) brother, not Mountain Kilimanjaro of Eba or Pounded Yam!
Avoid talking while you have food in your mouth: Brother could you please save the cock and bull story for later? Talking with food in your mouth provides an unpleasant sight for others; however, this does not negate the point made about complimenting the hosts dishes or hospitality.
There is not only love in sharing, there is reward: Ramadan is specially a month in which one should be more eager to dine with others than usual. The prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s); without anything being diminished from reward of the fasting person” [Tirmidhi].
Maintain Hygiene: Brother Mechanic, please do not bring that engine-oil-stained hand to the table, wash your hands before meals. And after handling food, wash your hand and rinse your mouth after eating. Apart from that, take a ironed garments, maintain proper oral hygiene, and have a pure mind and heart.
Don’t commit sins/bad habits: Whether you consider smoking as haraam or makrooh, it should not be done in the presence of those who do not want to be passive smokers (people inhaling second-hand harmful smoke) or even in the presence of kids and companions who will pick up your unhealthy and harmful habits.
Avoid extravagance/wastage: of all forms, related to food, decorations, eating-utensils, among others. “…and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-musrifun (those who waste by extravagance).” [Qur’an, Al-A’raf].
