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Channel your hunger for food to hunger for knowledge and thirst for success!!
It is that time of year again. The month eagerly awaited by Muslims; the Holy month of Ramadhan. In efforts to perform our religious obligations as Muslims, it is also important to remember that a balance between religious acts and daily responsibilities should be achieved.
We need to be careful of being too preoccupied in worldly matters till we forget our religious obligations. Without realising, Ramadhan can easily take a back seat due to our busy schedules which usually leads to regret at the end of the Holy month. Let us try to make this year better than the last by incorporating a few pointers to try and balance Ramadhan and our studies.
NUTRITION
As we know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is the Sahur (pre-dawn meal) in Ramadhan. Plan your schedule and meals (which can be prepared the night before) to ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients, hydration and rest. This will also help you to avoid those days when you wake up late and are frantically trying to whip up a meal minutes before the call for the Fajr prayer.
Choose wholesome food that will keep you energised throughout the day; for instance, a complex carbohydrate such as a baked potato would do the trick. Apart from that, for your protein, eggs are an excellent choice as they can keep you satisfied for a significant part of the day. Fruits will do great do help give your palate a fresh and sweet sensation. Avoid food that is fried or spicy to keep away from possible heartburn and indigestion.
Moderation is key – especially during iftar (breaking of the fast) as this is against the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him (pbuh). Do not binge eat to compensate for the missed lunch and snacks throughout the day as gluttony is not a healthy nor an attractive trait. You may end up feeling more tired and sluggish than usual as your body has much more to digest than it is used to. This will hinder your ability to study efficiently and perform your religious acts (e.g Daily Prayers, Tarawih Prayers and reciting the Quran).
I cannot over emphasise the importance of hydration during this month. PLEASE, PLEASE have the occasional sips of water throughout the evening after iftar to ensure your body is receiving the hydration it needs. Use a measured bottle or keep an app to track the amount of water you drink after iftar, 1.5-2litres would be a good number to aim, but not in one drink of course.
Guzzling down a can of Red Bull or energy drink is NOT a healthy or nutritious way to hydrate or keep you awake if you are planning to study. These drinks may even cause you to have palpitations due to the high sugar content.
SLEEP/REST
This can be an underappreciated factor during Ramadhan for many students. Instead of burning the midnight oil and ending up groggy the next morning, try to sleep as early as possible after the Tarawih Prayers and try to squeeze in a nap or two during the day. This will help give your body the rest it needs apart from keeping the mind sharp and fresh.
However, it is not advisable to take frequent naps even if you constantly feel drained. Try taking a break that is relaxing and more productive. Seize the blessings of the month and try to recite a page or two of the Holy Quran or you could take a walk in the garden and appreciate the Almighty’s creations. You could even try praying a few rakaat of the non-obligatory (Sunnah) prayers.
Many have found that studying after the Fajr prayers has been fruitful as you are relaxed and have enough energy to browse through your notes.
RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS DURING RAMADHAN
Ramadhan is often regarded as a month dedicated to reciting the Quran. To many, studying takes precedence over this month especially if examinations are around the corner which can be quite terrifying. However, we tend to forget that reciting the Quran actually helps us to be more disciplined and focused especially when read in conjunction with the translation. An appreciation of the blessings and creations of Allah swt can create a sense of humility and determination. Apart from that, memorising the Quran has also shown positive impacts in students’ lives as it helps the brain become more agile, focus and helps in boosting memory power.
Allah swt is constantly providing opportunities for us to redeem ourselves and elevate our status. Studying in Ramadhan will undoubtedly be challenging for some. Nevertheless, it should be regarded as a testament to Allah’s mercy and His will to ensure that we discover our true potential and capabilities as “Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 286]
“Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 185]
PLAN!
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Do not wait! Start revising as early as possible. Waiting to revise at the eleventh hour will definitely cause a significant amount of stress and anxiety which will eventually cause you to lose more time than you actually have. Avoid this by preparing early. Create a schedule that is Ramadhan friendly and one that can actually be executed. Setting ridiculously high goals will not only be extremely difficult to achieve, it may even cause you to spiral further into the black hole of procrastination or depression.
It is vital to bear in mind that we are human and not robots. Schedules should be flexible, allowing minor changes due to unexpected circumstances or events.
Furthermore, remember to incorporate religious activities into the schedule to help you make the most out of Ramadhan. Recite a few lines of the Quran, say a prayer (dua’) and performing the Sunnah prayers are among the many acts of worship that can be done during this Holy month.
EMBRACING EXAMS
Avoid the anxiety associated with exams by preparing early, including being prepared mentally and emotionally. Get quality sleep the night before. Reading about a new piece of information 10 minutes before an exam is probably not the best idea. This is like a double edged sword, it may go well or it may go horribly wrong. You may end up panicking for fear of making mistakes and this will cause your productivity and confidence level to plummet. Instead, get some fresh air before heading to the exam hall and try to relax (easier said than done). Try to recite a few dhikr in remembrance of the Almighty. During the exams, focus on doing your best and have faith in Allah swt.
In event of this blessed and holy month, try to make dua’ as much as you can. A sincere and heartfelt dua’ can definitely go a LONG way, especially during the month of Ramadhan.
Wishing you a blessed, fruitful and efficient Ramadhan.
Ramadhan Kareem from the YCP family.
Nurul Firdaus Binti Salahul Ahmed is a 4th year medical student in Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS). Learn more about the Young Columnists under the Team page.