AL - 'ILAAJ EDITORIAL BOARD, MSSN UCH, IBADAN

by Folashade Rodiyah Olajuwon The month of Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim Hijra calendar wherein Muslim faithfuls are commanded to observe the fast in a bid to become closer to their Lord. "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint"( Al-Baqara, Verse 183). Al-Ilaaj Editorial Board members reached out to muslim students within the University College Hospital (UCH) to find out what this holy month means to them and these are some of the responses we got: " Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint and self-reflection. Fasting is seen to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are less fortunate than us. The fast ends at dusk with a meal known as “iftar” which is shared with family, friends and neighbours ". ( Tawakaltu Bolawa,  School of Community Health Officer,  300L) "Ramadan for me offers a much-needed break from the daily grind, allowing for int...

By Bello Ruqayyah Abiodun Fasting is the act of abstaining from food and or drinks, during certain hours for whatever purpose. Similarly, the literal meaning of the Arabic term which is Sawm (صَوم) means any form of abstinence, but when used in a religious context, it refers to refraining from engaging in certain actions that would make a person’s fast void as declared by the Lord. What fasting does Islam recommend; Continued or Intermittent fasting? Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’, 6/357:  "With regard to the ruling on continual fasting, it is 'makrooh', and there is no difference of opinion among us concerning that". But is it makrooh in the sense of being forbidden or makrooh in the sense of being disliked? There are two opinions concerning that. The more correct of which according to the companions and the apparent meaning is that it is 'makrooh' in the sense of being forbidden.  Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen also said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/443:  "It appea...

  Ramadan, being one of the pillars of Islam comes with immense benefits. It is a month of spiritual reflection. And except for genuine reasons, missing any part of it would not be accepted by Almighty Allah as it has been made compulsory on every believing muslim as stated in the Quran. Allah says in Quran 2 vs 183 thus:  “O you who believe!, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil)” . Muslims begin their fast after eating a recommended sahur in the early hours of dawn (just before sunrise) and break at sunset. Allah says in Quran 2:187 thus; “…… and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread, then complete the fast till nightfall….”. It was narrated by Adi ibn Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him , that when the above verse was revealed “he took two strands of hair, one black and the other white, and kept them under his pillow and went on looking at them throughout ...

Ramadhan, the glorious month is upon us in all its shades of beauty, tranquility, bliss, and magnificence. As its waves ripples through the year with undeniable feeling of complete devotion and amplified level of spirituality, rewarding acts are automatically adopted by everyMuslim while meticulously avoiding conspicuous sins, reaffirming the statement of the prophet about the Shayaatins being restricted and the gates of Jahannam closed. Often, we witness a drastic “dip” in our level of spirituality after the conclusion of this auspicious month, and one begins to wonder if worships in Ramadan follow the same continuum as the waxing and waning of its moon! Devotions are means to the goal of gaining the pleasure of Allah by attaining paradise, and not in anyway the goals themselves. Ramadan experiences do not have to always be about the niceties we got to enjoy, awesome foods we tried out, places to be visited or even just attempting an act of Ibaadah. The major question should be what h...

  SUHOOR AND IFTAR FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Allah (SWT) has blessed the fasting Muslim with two meals, suhoor and iftar , which means ‘predawn meal’ and ‘sunset meal’. It is important to take healthy and rehydrating meals during these two occasions. We fast for as long as 13-15 hours in a day which can be very tiring for so many, thus, it is important to take meals that will help recharge and energize the body.There are a number of other benefits from taking this meal, a very crucial one for this period of pandemic being to boost the immune system, or to maintain it at the very least. SUHOOR Even though many are not used to eating very early in the morning, it is still very important to take a little, even if it is just a sip of water. However, it is important to take note not to rush the food or overfeed as this could cause heartburn and constipation. As Ramadan for this year falls into the hot season, it is very important to stay hydrated. A couple of sayings of the Prophet...