How do you manage?

[glo]

I would like to ask my Muslim friends how you manage the fasting and praying - especially if you live and work in a non-Muslim country in the Northern hemisphere. I specify that, because I am aware that in Muslim countries life slows down a little during Ramadan, people may work short hours etc.

I have fasted during Ramadan myself (although I have tended to break my fast earlier in the evening in time with our usual evening family meal) - so I know that it is doable and the body adjusts to the change in eating pattern.

But fasting AND the lack of sleep which arises from the prayer times in the summer, THAT seems really, really hard to me!

Today's prayer times at out local mosque are as follows:

Fajr: 2:48
Dhur: 1.30
Asr: 5.19
Mahgrib: 8.52
Isha: 11.15

Following this, by the time you have prayed Isha, you may be in bed by 11.30, perhaps asleep by midnight.
Then (assuming you haven't done any additional night prayers!), you have to get up, say around 2.00 or 2.15 at the latest, to eat Suhoor before praying and beginning your fast.
Assume you are in bed again by 3.15 and go back to sleep. But you need to get up at, say, 7.00 to go to work.

It must be impossible to get what we might call a 'good night's sleep'. 2 hours between Isha and Suhoor and perhaps 4 hours after Fajr.

Do you manage to nap during the day?
Or catch some sleep before the evening meal? (Assuming you aren't the one doing the cooking)

How do you manage?
My Muslim social work colleague tends to work half days during Ramadan - to give herself time to reast and cook in the afternoon. I can certainly understand why she does that.

What strategies do YOU have?

Thanks. :thankyou:

[Al-bint]

salaam alaikum!

lucky me I have my holidays these days :)
but yes my mother has to manage a lot. my father comes bac from masjid at around 11 pm. we have to wake up for suhoor at 3:15 as fajr is around 4. She has to leave again at 7am. She has to walk 1 and a half km towards and from her school :phew and then prepare for iftaar... thats hard i guess..

But at your place it kinda looks hard. May Allah make it easy for all !

fee amanillah!

[PouringRain]

I was thinking about about sleep recently also. (Says the user who keeps "tired" as her permanent forum "mood.")

Glo, your sleep time should be adjusted later than midnight, because of praying taraweeh after isha during Ramadan.

[glo]

Al-bint, sounds like your mother is a hard-working woman!

Is Taraweeh obligatory during Ramadan? And when is it prayed (in relation to Isha and Fajr)?

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[dysphoricrocker]

Fajr: 2:48
Dhur: 1.30
Asr: 5.19
Mahgrib: 8.52
Isha: 11.15

Is this for real? I am really shocked that the prayer timings there are like these! Here it's like

Fajr - 5.30am
Zuhoor - 1.15pm
Asr - 4.30pm
Maghrib - 7pm
Isya' - 8.30pm

So we have plenty of time to sleep in the night alhamdulillah.

[Abz2000]

we're in madinah :)
all the shops stay open all night, and close at fajr, then we sleep :)

[Qurratul Ayn]

The first few days were hard but now I sleep really well and my energy is recuperated (seriously) after reading Fajr Salaah, then Qur'aan. I'm reading from the beginning to the end, hence trying to complete it this month. I read at least 4 pages after Fajr, then I read Surah Yaseen.

Then, I sleep and Subhan'Allaah, it is by far, the best sleeps I have throughout the year!

After Isha & Taraweeh and Before Sehri, I may have a nap or not. Doesn't bother me :)

Is Taraweeh obligatory during Ramadan? And when is it prayed (in relation to Isha and Fajr)?

I thought it was but now I've learnt it isn't (courtesy of Brother Hamza Asadullah). It is prayed after the first part of Isha Salaah and before Witr (the last part of Isha Salaah), therefore before Fajr Salaah

Hope that helps, dear glo

[Hamza Asadullah]

Al-bint, sounds like your mother is a hard-working woman!

Is Taraweeh obligatory during Ramadan? And when is it prayed (in relation to Isha and Fajr)?

Greetings Glo,

It is not obligatory but a very emhpasised Sunnah during Ramadan and is said to be the essence of Ramadan. Therefore all Muslims should try their utmost to pray the Tarawee prayer and not miss it without a valid excuses. The reward of praying Tarawee is immense:

"The one who observes the tarawih salah at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the sake of the recompense of the hearafter, will have all of his previous sins forgiven by Allah." (Bukhari, Muslim)

[QueenofHerts]

Its only for a month, so whoever complains can remember that. One month full of blessings and sacrifice for an eternity full of happiness and bliss inshallah

[MustafaMc]

Greetings Glo,

It is not obligatory but a very emhpasised Sunnah during Ramadan and is said to be the essence of Ramadan. Therefore all Muslims should try their utmost to pray the Tarawee prayer and not miss it without a valid excuses. The reward of praying Tarawee is immense:

"The one who observes the tarawih salah at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the sake of the recompense of the hearafter, will have all of his previous sins forgiven by Allah." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Assalamu alaikum, Brother Hamza. Who is reported to have said the quote in the hadith you quoted? I found this hadith, Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." (Book #2, Hadith #36) But it does not specify 'tarawih', I presume it means tahajjud.


What is your perspective on this hadith: Narrated Zaid bin Thabit: The Prophet took a room made of date palm leaves mats in the mosque. Allah's Apostle prayed in it for a few nights till the people gathered (to pray the night prayer (tarawih) (behind him.) Then on the 4th night the people did not hear his voice and they thought he had slept, so some of them started humming in order that he might come out. The Prophet then said, "You continued doing what I saw you doing till I was afraid that this (tarawih prayer) might be enjoined on you, and if it were enjoined on you, you would not continue performing it. Therefore, O people! Perform your prayers at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is what is performed at his home except the compulsory congregational) prayer." (See Hadith No. 229,Vol. 3) (See Hadith No. 134, Vol. 8)

Does the part underlined contradict the hadith you quoted?

[Scimitar]

From which collection bro MustafaMc?

[MustafaMc]

Assalamu alaikum, Brother Scimi. Both hadith were from Sahih Bukhari. I use searchtruth.com for searches of Quran and hadith.

[MustafaMc]

I would like to ask my Muslim friends how you manage the fasting and praying - especially if you live and work in a non-Muslim country in the Northern hemisphere. I specify that, because I am aware that in Muslim countries life slows down a little during Ramadan, people may work short hours etc.

Hello, glo. Good questions. I get up about 45 min before fajr (as much as I can) for tahajjud and a light meal before fajr. I try to drink about 64oz of non-caffienated liguids during the night to replace liquids I lose through sweating during the day and I try to limit my outside work to the mornings. One of my problems is that by mid-afternoon my ability to focus on my computer work goes down quite dramatically, presumably due to lower blood sugar levels.

But fasting AND the lack of sleep which arises from the prayer times in the summer, THAT seems really, really hard to me!

Fajr here in Mississippi is at 5:02 and isha is at 9:19, so that is not too much of a problem for me.

[CosmicPathos]

My simple answer is: I am not a weakling, I can go on 20 hours without eating/drinking. Life is tough anyways, a fast is nothing so better man up to endure it, and it really is not that much of an endurance, I guess the 21st century laziness has only harmed me partially. Hence I do not find any difficulties in doing things I love to do.

Others who are not as rugged or are more sensitive might have other approaches to deal with the long fasting hours.

[جوري]

^^^ indeed Allah swt is preparing us to be warriors- disciplined but compassionate, methodical yet highly spiritual ... They can't break our spirits with the mundane. we are sharp and detoxed ready at a moment's notice0 we understand first hand of those who experience deprivation around the clock but we're balanced the best of every world.

Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)[3:110]

[RECITE]

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Kuntum khayra ommatin okhrijat lilnnasi tamuroona bialmaAAroofi watanhawna AAani almunkari watuminoona biAllahi walaw amana ahlu alkitabi lakana khayran lahum minhumu almuminoona waaktharuhumu alfasiqoona

3:110 Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.


al7mdullilah for the gift he bestowed upon us.

[Al-bint]

I presume it means tahajjud.

i thought taraweeh is qiyamul-layl only just that it's recommended during ramadhan^o) need to look into it again...


fee amanillah

[glo]

My simple answer is: I am not a weakling, I can go on 20 hours without eating/drinking. Life is tough anyways, a fast is nothing so better man up to endure it, and it really is not that much of an endurance, I guess the 21st century laziness has only harmed me partially. Hence I do not find any difficulties in doing things I love to do.

Others who are not as rugged or are more sensitive might have other approaches to deal with the long fasting hours.

Thanks for your reply, CosmicPathos.
As I said in my OP the fasting hours don't seem too hard to me and I know that the body adjusts after the first few days.

My query was more relating to the combination of long fasting hours AND lack of sleep due to the prayer times which fall within the (few) hours of darkness.
And how people manage going through their normal day's work being hungry AND tired.

I have spoken to several Muslims who have told me that in the afternoon they become very tired and it is difficult to stay alert and productive at work. Concentration and strength wane and the body calls for a rest.
Living and working in non-Muslim countries that may no be easy to do ...

[Scimitar]

i thought taraweeh is qiyamul-layl only just that it's recommended during ramadhan^o) need to look into it again...


fee amanillah

yes, I have been told that Qiyam ul Layl (the night prayer) is Tahajjud also. Initially I was confused too :) but it makes sense.

Scimi

[cOsMiCiNtUiTiOn]

Thanks for your reply, CosmicPathos.
As I said in my OP the fasting hours don't seem too hard to me and I know that the body adjusts after the first few days.

My query was more relating to the combination of long fasting hours AND lack of sleep due to the prayer times which fall within the (few) hours of darkness.
And how people manage going through their normal day's work being hungry AND tired.

I have spoken to several Muslims who have told me that in the afternoon they become very tired and it is difficult to stay alert and productive at work. Concentration and strength wane and the body calls for a rest.
Living and working in non-Muslim countries that may no be easy to do ...

I dunno that there's a way to manage specifically, we just learn to bare it :). No matter what we do we will feel thirst, hunger and be lethargic at some point of the day, no way around it I think lol. People in western countries have it a bit more tough when it comes to working hours, but I don't really see it as a bad thing. The fact that it's an un-islamic society makes one strive that much more for their faith, know what I mean? :)

Fasting was prescribed for us for a good reason and we understand that this is is about faith, and what Allah prescribed is best for us. Sacrificing sleep and food for a month is really nothing compared to what Allah gives us on a regular basis. Knowing and remembering those things keeps me going when I'm feeling weak. The body does adjust though and it gets easier by the day :) We also know that each year Ramadan falls at a different time and fasts change in length, so it won't always be long summer hours. For some that's comforting :)

- cOsMiC

[Muhaba]

we have long days too where we live although not as long as UK. but it's really hot here, temperatures above 40 C. Luckily we have ACs.

some people go on holiday during Ramadan while others still work. some may work part-time during Ramadan. For example, some businesses close around 2 pm and reopen later. Some businesses may remain open late into the night. Those that work full-time during the day close a little before sunset. in any case, most businesses open late in the morning which lets people sleep after Fajr.

some people stay up the whole night while others sleep a few hours after the Taraweeh prayer and then wake up an hour or so before Fajr to pray and eat Suhoor. Then after Fajr sleep for a few hours. Those that don't work may sleep past 10 AM. Those who do work may wake up earlier but then take an afternoon nap when they get off work.

In any case, it's the spirituality that keeps you going during Ramadan. The more good deeds you do, the less Ramadan will be difficult. so if you pray more, read the Quran more, and give charity more, the fast and even the heat of the day becomes much lighter.

During Ramadan, we pray Taraweeh after the Isha prayer. It's not obligatory but Ramadan is more beautiful with it. You can pray 8 Rakahs or 12 or 20. Many people pray 20 Rakahs and even recite one whole Juz (1/30th) of the Quran in it, especially if they pray in the Masjid in congregation. In this way, the whole Quran is recited in the Taraweeh prayers in 30 days, although most Mosques will finish it in 29 days, since Ramadan may be 29 days or 30 days.
In addition many people also read over 1 Juz of the Quran by them selves, finishing the Quran in Ramadan. some people try to finish the whole Quran more than once in Ramadan. Those that can take time off from work during Ramadan do so because it's a month where you get more rewards and so they try to pray more, stay up at night in prayer and recitation of Quran more, etc.
All these things make Ramadan more special and beautiful. It's not just having to go without food and drink during the day. There are so many other things you can do that bring you closer to God and make Ramadan more beautiful. And it's not hard at all. Taraweeh, finishing the Quran during the month, fasting, Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayer), charitible deeds, etc are not regarded as something difficult that we have to endure but as blessings that give us great pleasure.

[sister herb]

We muslims are actually super heros.

[glo]

We muslims are actually super heros.

NOW you tell me!! :D

[sister herb]

[Hamza Asadullah]

Assalamu alaikum, Brother Hamza. Who is reported to have said the quote in the hadith you quoted? I found this hadith, Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." (Book #2, Hadith #36) But it does not specify 'tarawih', I presume it means tahajjud.


What is your perspective on this hadith: Narrated Zaid bin Thabit: The Prophet took a room made of date palm leaves mats in the mosque. Allah's Apostle prayed in it for a few nights till the people gathered (to pray the night prayer (tarawih) (behind him.) Then on the 4th night the people did not hear his voice and they thought he had slept, so some of them started humming in order that he might come out. The Prophet then said, "You continued doing what I saw you doing till I was afraid that this (tarawih prayer) might be enjoined on you, and if it were enjoined on you, you would not continue performing it. Therefore, O people! Perform your prayers at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is what is performed at his home except the compulsory congregational) prayer." (See Hadith No. 229,Vol. 3) (See Hadith No. 134, Vol. 8)

Does the part underlined contradict the hadith you quoted?

:sl:

The hadith i quoted is written Tarawee literally which is the meaning of "Qiyam ul Layl" in the hadith quoted and refers to the Tarawee prayer during the nights of Ramadan. The other hadith you quoted above refers to the fact that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prayed the Tarawee prayer at home in one of the nights during Ramadan so as to avoid praying it consecutively lest the Tarawee prayer became obligatory upon us as he was worried that it may be a burden upon many of us just as he was worried about many other things becoming obligatory upon us. The Prophet (Sallallahui Alaihi Wasallam) out of his love and mercy was always concerned about his Ummah and wanted the best for us.

Regarding the underlined part then this refers to praying the Sunnah and Nawafil prayers but not the Eid prayers for example. There is a slight difference of opinion regarding praying men praying Tarawee at home or at the Masjid. Imam Nawawi (Ra) states that the majority of Sahaba and scholars recommend that men pray Tarawee with congregation as the virtue of praying it with congregation just like in Fard is much better than praying it alone and on top of that Umar (Ra) also re-instated the Tarawee prayer with congregation. The majority of Sahaba, Salaf as well as scholars of the past and present supported the fact that Tarawee is more virtuous in congregation and should therefore men should pray it in congregation. Women are encouraged to pray Tarawee at home and get the same reward as men praying at the Masjid for praying it at home.

And Allah knows best in all matters

[tw009]

Yes it's tiring and Yes we don't get much sleep during the long days, but hey as Suhaib Webb says "Islam means to surrender and surrender involves struggle."

Its all worth it inshallah.

[sister herb]

Why do we say "Prayer is better than sleep"?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
The Muslim jurists called the saying in Fajar (morning) prayer at-Tathweeb, that is as Salatu Khairun min an-naum. "Prayer is better than sleep". The Muazzin (caller to prayer) pronounce it twice after completing 'Hayya ala al-Salaha' and 'Hayya alal-Falah'.
This saying is Sunnah since the Prophet ordered the Muazzin of Makkah Abu Mahzoorah: "If it is the morning Adhan say 'as-Salatu Khairun min an-naum, as-Salatu Khairun min an-naum'. The Fajar's Adhan is distinguished by al-Tathweeb since a sleeping person feels laziness due to sleep. So the Muazzin raises people's attention by the saying "prayer is better than sleep". Some people are used to reply to the Muazzin when he says: "Prayer is better than sleep", by saying "you are right, may Allah reward you". Though these words are correct, there is no Hadith proving them.
Some jurists like responding by those words. But one should know that the words and acts of worship are based on sound evidence, so it is better to leave such words since they lack a sound basis for them. Allah knows best.

http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/in...twaId&Id=82436

[~Zaria~]

Assalamu-alaikum,

Its also a good practise to try to nap (Qailulah) in the afternoons.
Not only is it a sunnah of our beloved prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) (and hence we dont really need any more proof in its great benefit and rewards):

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.63 Narrated by Sahl

We used to offer the Jumua prayer with the Prophet (saws) and then take the afternoon nap.



Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.298 Narrated by Thumama
Anas said, "Um Sulaim used to spread a leather sheet for the Prophet (saws) and he (saws) used to take a midday nap on that leather sheet at her home."



but, it has been proven to increase workers productivities, and has numerous medical benefits as well (lowered stress, improved memory, and interestingly - a 30min nap at least 3 times a week has been linked to 37% decrease in coronary mortality in some studies.)
- Its always a pleasure when modern society catches up to what has been prescribed for us almost 1400 years ago : )

Apart from this, as mentioned by our brothers and sisters, the great merits of this blessed month far, far out-weigh any temporay and bodily 'hardships' that we may face.
SubhanAllah.

Allah (subhanawatáala) has given this month as a mercy unto the believers.
Our Creator does not wish any undue suffering upon His Creation.
We have implicit trust in this - that whatever has been decreed by Allah and His messenger (sallahu alaihi wasalam) is only for our benefit.

Alhamdulillah.


:wa:

[Masriya]

:sl:

Here in Alexandria, Egypt:
Fajr : 3.45 am ;
Zuhr : 12.05pm ;
Asr : 3.45 pm ;
Maghreb : 6.55 pm
Eisha : 8.20 pm

At the beginning of Ramadan, getting up in the morning was a problem, as my work starts 7.00 am so I have to get up at 6.00 am; but now I'm getting used to it; I sleep about 4 to 5 hours everyday divided to 2 hours at a time (2 hours then sohour then sleep another 2 hours then get up for work). In the weekends, I usually stay up till praying fajr then sleep.

Another problem that I couldn't get over, but learned to live with is thirst. I leave work an hour early in Ramadan, but this hour is lost in traffic jams, where its very hot and you sweat a lot and lose too much water.

There was a saying which I can't remember its source: Winter is the believer's spring; with short days to fast and long nights to pray.

But then we are rewarded greatly for enduring fasting in Summer. Whenever its hot and you're fasting and very thirsty and tired just ask Allah to keep away from you the heat of Hell and the thirst felt there.

:wa:

[Insaanah]

Thought these beautiful verses from the Qur'an were relevant here:

Only those believe in Our verses who, when they are reminded of them, fall down in prostration and glorify the praises of their Lord, and they are not proud.
Who forsake their beds to call on their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them.
No soul knows what has been kept hidden for them of joy as reward for what they used to do. (32:15-17)

Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs,
Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.
They used to sleep but little of the night,
And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness,
And in their property was a portion due to the beggar and the deprived (51:15-19)

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious. (2:183)

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (33:35)

All praise be to Allah.