This Ramadhan may be quite challenging, with the heat outside yet cooler spells at times. It’s wise to avoid sudden cold showers when your body is overheated, as the shock can strain your muscles.
Traditional Malay petua advise starting by rinsing from the feet upward, then gently massaging your scalp with cool water. Allow your body to gradually adjust to the temperature before taking a full bath.
On particularly hot days, it is also advisable to rely on a fan instead of air-conditioning. Letting your body adjust naturally to the surrounding temperature can be gentler and may help prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause discomfort.
In the late evening, around 6.00 to 7.00 pm, a light brisk walk is ideal, not too intense, just enough to work up a mild sweat.
It is also a beautiful Sunnah that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would break his fast with dates and a few sips of water before performing the Maghrib prayer. Although he never compelled anyone to follow his personal manner of fasting, one of the hadith conveys a clear principle: if you are hungry to the point that it distracts your concentration in your prayers, it is better to eat first (lightly) before performing your prayer.
This reflects the balanced teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that worship should be carried out with presence of mind and sincerity, not while struggling with discomfort that affects focus and devotion.
On weekends, whether working online or on-site, it is best to begin around 7.30 or 8.00 in the morning and conclude by Zohor. These timeless pieces of advice from our elders remain practical and beneficial.
Most important of all is spiritual restraint especially patience. Once you allow anger to surface, whether in heavy traffic or during a price negotiation at the Ramadhan bazaar, the fast can easily turn into frustration instead of reflection. That is not the true spirit of Ramadhan. (Never been consumed by too much anger as it will lead you to a darker side where many can't escape)
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink, it is about disciplining the heart, controlling emotions, and responding with calmness and wisdom. Patience is the essence.
If you find it difficult to engage in zikir, tasbih, or recitation of the Al-Qur’an during the day, do not force yourself. It is perfectly fine to dedicate time at night instead, perhaps until around 10.30 pm especially if you are not performing tahajjud or other forms of qiyamullail.
Ramadhan is about consistency and sincerity, not exhaustion.
Choose a time when your heart is calmer and your mind more focused, so your worship is meaningful rather than rushed or burdensome.
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