RAMADAN TIDBITS

You probably have not even noticed it, but we are well into the second week of Ramadan. Without even realising the fact, you are experiencing the wonderful antidote that is fasting. There's nothing wrong with enjoying food, but excess food on a continuous basis does create a burden for the body. Check your indulgences; do not waste the effort spent in the span of dawn to dusk with an eating spree once the sun sets. Be smart! Stay healthy.
“I often observe in the fasting participants that by four days of fasting, concentration seems to improve, creative thinking expands, depression lifts, insomnia stops, anxieties fade, the mind becomes more tranquil and a natural joy begins to appear. It is my hypothesis that when the physical toxins are cleared from the brain cells, mind-brain function automatically and significantly improves and spiritual capacities expands.”
Gabriel Cousins, M.D. (Psychiatry)

Honey vis-à-vis sugar
One tablespoon of table sugar or sucrose contains 46 calories, while one tablespoon of natural sweetener honey has 64 calories. Although honey may have more calories, we actually need to use less of it since it is sweeter than table sugar. As a result, you may in fact consume even less amount of calories that you would with sugar. And in the long run even though honey is more expensive, it may be more economical than table sugar. This Ramadan reap the health benefits of honey, and earn spiritual benefits associated with this natural product in Islamic traditions.  

A good deed…
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. Bring out your calculator and make the necessary calculations. Rather than spending money on petty donations like giving saris and 'lungis' make a meaningful contribution that can be a life changing matter for someone less fortunate than us. Give it a deep thought.
A good read…
In the world of Jalaluddin Rumi, the Islamic way of life established a high level of spiritual awareness. This world could use more of Rumi's philosophy. Make a mental note of adding his works in your reading list.
Ramadan is the perfect time to experience the unique mystical appeal of Mevlevi Rumi. His 'Mathnawi' remains one of the purest literary glories of Persia, and one of the crowning jewels of Muslim literature.

A day out
Let's face it: come Ramadan the restaurant scene wakes up from a day time slumber at the sound of the muezzin's adhan. And there is not much you can do after sunset other than shop or eat. We suggest neither. Spend a day out with friends on a sightseeing spree of the notable mosques in Dhaka. Escape into the world of the Mughals, take a brisk walk through the colonial times into the present day. Although many of these sites have lost their formal glory, they have a diverse tale to tell; just listen.