When Ramadan (the fasting month for Muslims) comes around, we try to do as much Ibadah (acts of worship) as we can. However, the food we put into our bodies is usually an Ibadah we don’t put much attention to.
The reward of a good deed done during this Holy Month is multiplied 10 to 700 times, according to Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him).
Just imagine how much reward we could get if we watch what we eat and only put the best into our stomachs! All the more on the last 10 to 15 nights of Ramadan, it is as if we ate only Sunnah foods for 83 years!
This prompted us to consult an Ustaz (Islamic religious teacher) about Sunnah foods to eat during this month. We hope that this list benefits you, insha Allah!
Dates
Dates, fresh or dried, are a must-have during Ramadan. The Holy Month feels incomplete without some of this fruit on the table during Sahoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (break fast meal).
And there are many good reasons behind this:
- The simple sugars (glucose) present in them are easily absorbed by the body. As such, even after eating a few dates, you will feel immediately energised and ready to continue performing Ibadah. Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), in fact, chose dates as fast food.
- Dates provide you with continuous energy throughout the day. You should have enough to tackle each day’s tasks.
- They are rich in fiber. Therefore, they are good for digestion and bowel movement. Bowel cancer can also be prevented.
- Vitamins A and C, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and calcium are readily found in dates. These vitamins and minerals maintain healthy eyes, improve immunity, treat anemia, ensures the healthy growth of bones and teeth, among other benefits.
Pumpkin
- This Sunnah food is made of 97% water and are therefore great at keeping the body well-hydrated.
- Pumpkin can be easily incorporated into many different dishes and cooked many different ways. Just steaming the pumpkin is enough if you like your dishes simple.
Nuts
- Nuts contain healthy fat and therefore, they are low in cholesterol.
- Made up of 26% protein, complex fibers and carbohydrates, nuts are good for the digestive system. They are slowly broken down by the body, keeping you satiated throughout the day.
- Consuming nuts allow the body’s blood sugar to remain stable.
Melon
- Melons are made of 90% water. This prevents dehydration.
- This Sunnah food is an excellent source of fiber. This prevents constipation and stomach problems.
Brown Rice
- Brown rice is better than white rice especially when eaten with meat or fish. It is great for digestion and can also balance blood sugar levels.
Banana
- Enzymes in bananas make them easy to digest, and thus they can quickly restore your energy.
- This Sunnah food can also improve bowel movement.
Goat Meat
It is a misconception that goat meat is unhealthy when it is actually the best source of meat.
It has the best nutritional composition, lowest levels of saturated fat and highest levels of unsaturated fat, compared to other meat sources like chicken, beef and lamb. This means it provides your body with healthy cholesterol that keeps your arteries clog-free.
Goat Milk
- Goat milk can treat anemia as it is high in mineral content.
- It is great at strengthening the bones.
- This Sunnah food is also good for diabetic patients.
Honey
There is no surprise that honey is considered a Sunnah food. After all, its greatness is mentioned in the Quran (The Holy Book of Islam)(16:69). It is also mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) that honey is a cure for all kinds of illnesses (HR Bukhari).
Honey can:
- prevent cancer and liver disease as it contains high flavonoids and anti-oxidants.
- hinder heart disease
- prevent high blood pressure
- bring down a fever
- improve blood circulation
Honey is recommended to be taken even outside of Ramadan.
Vinegar
Fruits and grains are fermented to make vinegar. Fruit juice first becomes alcohol then to yeast, acetic acid and finally, vinegar.
Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) mentioned that “The best of dishes is khal (vinegar)” (HR Muslim). There are many reasons behind this.
Consuming vinegar can:
- better help the body absorb calcium
- strengthen the bones
- eliminate thirst
- reduce heatiness
- balance pH levels in the body
- burn calories quickly
Vinegar can easily be added to dishes, salads or even eaten alone. This Sunnah food should be eaten two times a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.
Which Sunnah food surprised you the most? We were surprised to know that goat meat and vinegar are on this list!
What are your favourites from this list? We love dates and honey!
Let us know on Facebook or Instagram how you prepare these Sunnah foods! We’d love to know!
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