The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has announced that the month of Ramadan will begin on March 11, 2024, in Uzbekistan.
“Scholars of Turkic states have come to a consensus based on jurisprudential rules, astronomical calculations, and observations that the first day of Ramadan in the Hijri year 1445 corresponds to March 11, 2024, Monday,” the report states.
Pre-dawn prayer — Navaytu an asuma sovma shahri ramazona minal fajri ilal mag‘ribi, xolisan lillahi ta’ala. Allohu akbar.
Meaning: I intend to fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until sunset. Sincerely for Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
Iftar prayer — Allohumma laka sumtu va bika amantu va a’layka tavakkaltu va a’la rizqika aftartu, fag‘firli ya g‘offaru ma qoddamtu va ma axxortu.
Meaning: O Allah, I have fasted this Ramadan for You, I have believed in You, I have relied on You, and I have broken my fast with the sustenance You have provided. O Most Merciful of the merciful, forgive my previous and subsequent sins.
The month of Ramadan is considered a sacred month for Muslims. During this time, all believers are obliged to perform more tarawih prayers and recite the Qur'an.
According to hadiths, sins are forgiven in this month, even mercy is shown to enemies, and sinners are freed from hell.
For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is a time of solidarity, compassion, and forgiving each other's mistakes and shortcomings. During Ramadan, Muslims engage in more charitable acts and unite in this endeavor, supporting one another, which has become a good tradition over the years. In this month, the elderly are visited, the sick are inquired about, help is provided to the needy, condolences are offered to those in distress, and orphans are comforted and cared for.
One of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan is the Night of Decree (Qadr). According to hadiths, if you spend this blessed night in worship and prayer, it is as if you have been worshiping for more than eighty-three years without interruption.
It is important to organize proper nutrition during the month of Ramadan.
A number of recommendations for maintaining healthy eating and gastrointestinal health:
Start eating with dates. Dates are a source of carbohydrates that provide energy throughout the day during fasting. The fibers in dates regulate the functioning of the digestive tract. Additionally, dates are rich in magnesium and potassium.
Drink plenty of water. Especially in hot weather, it is very important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. Drink enough water after breaking your fast and before saharlik to avoid thirst throughout the day. When allowed to eat, try to drink 8 glasses of water.
Avoid thirst-inducing foods and products. Stay away from salty foods, canned goods, pickled cucumbers, and fish. Additionally, avoid spicy foods as they can trigger thirst. Consume more fruits and vegetables, as they replenish and hydrate the body's water reserves.
Break your fast slowly and without haste. After a long period of fasting, consuming a large amount of food can be stressful for the body. Try to be moderate, start your iftar with dates and water, then you can have soup and salad. After some time, move on to the main course. Overeating can lead to digestive problems and stomach pain. Starting iftar with warm soup is the best meal after fasting, as it replenishes the body's nutrients and prepares it for heavier foods.
Ensure that your meal contains all necessary nutrients. Iftar should include foods such as proteins, vegetables, grains, fruits, and healthy fats.
Choose healthy foods. Your diet should include grains, cereals, chicken, lean meat, fish, olive oil, and fruits. Avoid fried, salty, and fatty foods. Meat, legumes, eggs, and dairy products are rich in protein. You should consume at least one of these food items daily.
Avoid sweets. Sweets after iftar can cause gas in the stomach and disrupt digestion. Additionally, they increase blood sugar levels, which further increases the craving for sweets. Therefore, it is recommended to consume sweets 2-3 hours after iftar. Replace sweets with healthier options: dates, dried fruits, and sweet fruits.
Avoid drinking coffee. Try to reduce coffee consumption during Ramadan to prevent headaches and insomnia.
Have light snacks between iftar and saharlik. It is recommended to divide the main meal into three parts and have light snacks between iftar and saharlik. One-third should be complex carbohydrates, one-third lean meat or fish, and the rest should be vegetables. This will ensure a healthy balanced diet.
