Ramazan, the month of blessings and rewards from Allah Almighty, is enthusiastically welcomed by Muslims across the world as they prepare themselves for mandatory fasting from dawn (Fajr) to dusk (Maghreb) throughout the month based on the lunar calendar.

The faithful hold special prayers at Sehr and Iftar times while fasting for Ramazan. This time, however, the period of fasting is above 15 hours in Pakistan, and therefore, it has a significant effect on our body.

The long fasting hours require special care when it comes to diet at Sehr and Iftar times as experts warn us of dizziness and weakness going out in the sun while fasting for Ramazan in the summer.

They stress the need for having a protein-rich diet at Sehr times so that fasting people do not feel hungry or weak throughout the day. They also advise the faithful to use broth at Sehr times with less oil and spices, which can be digested easily.

“Try to use more fibre in your diet such as fruits and green vegetables as they are digested slowly, and their consumption does not make the stomach feel empty during the day,” they say.

“And through these fruits and vegetables, water is also provided to the body. Even at Sehr times, you can drink any kind of liquid such as milk and fig or date shake,” they add.

They also underline the importance of eating more dates and fruits at Iftar times and advise faithful to avoid drinking water immediately. “Drink juices and milkshake of mango or date,” they state.

Experts also advise fasting people to avoid too much food consumption at both Sehr and Iftar times, laying emphasis on self-control at Iftar.

“Don’t use cold drinks, junk food and caffeinated foods such as tea or coffee at Iftar as it increases thirst. In hot weather, the body needs water. So, drink plenty of water, but instead of drinking one or two litres of water at a time, drink little by little,” they say.

“Wake up early in the morning so that you do not have to eat impatiently and in a hurry due to lack of time. You should not eat one thing at a time even in the morning,” they add.