Ramadan is the most anticipated month for all Muslims. This moon studded with Fadhilah (primacy) and blessings (Syahrul-mubarok) is also a Mahathah (terminal) to increase faith, piety and provisions of charity of the world and the Hereafter. How to keep fasting in this month smooth but stamina is maintained?
It is mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet saw. which means: "Ramadan has come to you. A blessed month. God requires you to fast this month. In this month (also) the doors of the heavens are opened, the doors of Jahim (hell) are closed, and the demons are shackled. In this month there is one night better than a thousand moons. Whoever does not obtain his goodness will be hindered from that goodness." (HR. An-Nasai)
With all the goodness in the month of Ramadan, there are many worships and activities that are carried out. Starting from fasting, tarawih prayers, reading the Qur'an, almsgiving and many other activities. The number of activities must certainly be balanced with a healthy and fit body. Especially fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the body must be fully fit and maintained in good health.
Benefits of Fasting in Terms of Health
In addition to adding faith, piety and charity provisions in the world and the hereafter, fasting also has many benefits in terms of health. Reporting from Gatra.com, Dr. Sri Primawati Indraswari, a health expert, said that fasting can lower the risk of developing a number of diseases.
"Fasting can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, lose weight and increase mental endurance and brain function so as not to forget quickly," said Sri Primawati.
Not only that, based on a number of literature, fasting called Primawati can also make youthful and get rid of toxins in the body. "By fasting, the digestive organs can rest while cleansing the toxins in the body," he added.
Fasting fit during a pandemic
In this year's Ramadan, we must return to fasting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay healthy and fit, dr. Yulianto Prabowo, a health expert advises to consume a lot of fruits and vegetables. The recommended fruit is one that contains a lot of vitamin C, yellow in color like bananas and oranges. "Fruits like this will meet the needs of vitamins and immunity in the body," explained dr. Yulianto as reported by Solopos.com.
In addition to the intake of nutritious food, maintaining stamina with physical activity is also recommended. Light exercise such as walking or a small run is highly recommended, done in the morning or evening. "It is no less important to sunbathe between 09.00-10.00 WIB, to speed up the metabolism of vitamin D in the body," he added.
The last and very important advice, of course, is to still implement health protocols when forced to leave the house, namely wearing a mask, maintaining distance and washing hands with running water.
Fasting During a Pandemic
Unlike last year, mosques as places of worship were closed during Ramadan. This year the Ministry of Religious Affairs allowed people to worship in mosques under a number of conditions. The main condition is the restriction of the number of attendance. The number of pilgrims is limited by strictly implementing health protocols, maintaining a safe distance of one meter between pilgrims, and each pilgrim brings their own prayer prayers/ mukena. Don't forget to always clean the prayer mats /mukena that have been used to the mosque.
The administrators and managers of the mosque / mushala are required to appoint officers who ensure the implementation of health protocols and announce to all worshippers, such as disinfecting regularly, providing hand washing facilities at the entrance of the mosque / mushala, wearing masks, and always maintaining a safe distance.
Minimizing Activities Outside the Home
Whether during Ramadan or in other months, we should always minimize activities outside the home. In the month of Ramadan, we can stock up on groceries so we don't have to shop often.
Make a list of what needs to be purchased while shopping. Prioritize buying fruits, dates as well as vegetables. With proper storage, these foodstuffs can last a long time in the refrigerator. Shopping can be done online, now there are many applications for online shopping.
Cooking food for iftar and suhoor. In addition to being healthier, it is also more economical than having to buy food from outside. Cooking food is also a fun activity while waiting for iftar time. (AMR)
