“It is sad to note that our suhur and iftar tables are filled with sumptuous, extravagant meals. How much effort, energy, expense and `ibadah time is spent in preparing, serving, consuming, and clearing up these elaborate foods in the name of tradition!” - Dr Farouk Haffejee

The holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, recitation of the Noble Qur’an, engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah Ta`ala), fortitude and endurance. Indeed, it is a month of self-discipline whereby the fasting person is expected to exercise self-restraint. A fasting person’s aim is to attain purity of thought and action.

Unfortunately, however, many of us overlook the significance of fasting in Ramadan and end up placing unnecessary emphasis on exotic foods that are to be consumed at iftar (the time of breaking the fast at sunset).

Dr Farouk Haffejee, in penning this book, aims to redirect the fasting Muslim towards Allah Almighty during this auspicious month and away from worldly mundane activities. It is a provocative book, emphasizing that Ramadan is a training ground for assisting the fasting Muslim to overcome moral ineptitude, including bad eating habits, either gradually or immediately, depending on one’s strength of will power.

Health Guidelines for Ramadan is unique in that it covers, in 27 succinct chapters, an array of pertinent issues relating to the holy month of Ramadan. Some of these issues include: an insight into the spiritual significance of fasting; the importance of keeping a close affinity with the Qur’an when fasting; steps that are to be undertaken before the onset of Ramadan; the intricate rules pertaining to fasting; the positive impact that fasting has on the human body; and caution to the gym enthusiast as to what would be the appropriate time to exercise during the month of Ramadan.

The book concludes with some straightforward - yet healthy - recipes printed in colour, which would certainly be of interest to the reader.

Health Guidelines for Ramadan does well to help fasting Muslims focus their attention on rejuvenating both the body and soul. It should therefore be read well before Ramadan, to initiate the changes required for a spiritually-rewarding Ramadan.

To order your copy of the book at just R70, contact the Al-Ansaar Bookshop (189 West Road, Overport, Durban) at +27 (0)31 208 1601.