Possible hunger aside, time is your biggest op while fasting. It’s painfully slow and drab on most days. But what if we told you there are ways to embrace delulu and willfully believe that an angel in heaven’s time management department has pressed fast forward?
Embrace hard labour
You know how you can get into house chores very early in the morning and next thing you know, it’s 3 p.m? Exactly. Hard labour speeds up time.
Don’t work from home
Let’s just say time moves faster when you’re not in your house during Ramadan. By the time capitalism and Naija traffic finishes with you, 7 p.m. for don knack.
Remove every time-tracking device
Deactivate the clock on your phone, gather your wristwatches and lock ‘em up for a month. Finally, remove batteries from the clocks in your house. The day moves faster when you have no sense of time.
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And divide the day into prayers
Don’t think of the day in hours during Ramadan; think of it in prayers. Let’s do the maths: After you pray Dhuhr, remind yourself there are two prayers left. After Asr, there is one prayer left, and when you pray Maghrib you’re done. 3 prayers >>> 14 hours.
Avoid sleep
True OGs know that 10 hours of Ramadan sleep is one hour of sleep in real life. So therefore, thou shall not slumber. Stay woke.
Trek-a-thon
Instead of sitting your ass in a private or public ride, hit the ground walking. That one hour road trip will be four hours by foot. Before you get to your destination, time to break for don reach.
Remember, Ramadan is low key the official fitfam month for Muslims, so it doesn’t hurt.
Plan a mosque tour
Most mosques run daily lecturing programmes during Ramadan. Set out every day with at least seven new addresses. Before you reach the sixth or seventh location, it’ll almost be time to break.
The inflation is inflationing, but that shouldn’t keep you from sending something valuable to your Muslim friends this Ramadan. Start with a Ramadan fruit basket to show you’re all about their well-being without breaking the bank.
Watermelon
Photo source: Nairaland
Watermelons are 90% liquid and a great choice for anyone who’s been dehydrated for hours. A small to medium-sized watermelon should set you back about ₦3000 – 3500. Watermelon slices sell for ₦150 – 200.
Pineapples
Photo source: Next Cash and Carry
If your Muslim friend or relative has a sweet tooth, you can replace the watermelon with a pineapple. A small to medium-sized one costs about ₦1200 – 2500. Pineapples contain vitamins A and C, and are great options for rehydrating a fasting Muslim.
Apples
Photo source: BO Farms
Apples have great water content and are rich in vitamins A and C, which help reduce skin issues. A medium-sized apple costs about ₦200 – 250, which means a dozen will cost no more than ₦3000.
Oranges
Photo source: KitchenButterfly
Oranges are rich in vitamin C and water, and are probably the cheapest option on this list. A dozen medium-sized oranges cost between ₦1000 – 1500. Go for the vibrant yellow, slightly heavy ones if you want them juicy.
Grapefruit
Photo source: Mile12Market
Grapefruit isn’t as sweet as an orange, but it’s another vitamin C-rich fruit with high water content. A dozen in your fruit basket should cost about ₦1500 – 3000.
Plums
Photo source: Fairway Market
If your friends and relatives find apples boring, add some plums in that fruit basket. They’re rich in water content and are good for bone health. A medium-sized plum sells for as high as ₦300 – 500. You can do half a dozen for your fruit basket.
Mango
Mangoes contain vitamins A, C and E, which are all effective in hydration. A dozen should cost about ₦1000 – 1500.
Short of giving them hard currency or a loaded gift basket, heartfelt messages are one of the most thoughtful ways to welcome your friends and family into the month of Ramadan. If you need help crafting Ramadan messages to loved ones, we’ve got you covered.
Photo source: Pinterest
Ramadan messages to your friends
Whether you want to usher them into the month of Ramadan or inspire them during the hunger strike, these messages will do the job.
Photo source: Pikbest
“Ramadan Kareem”
It translates to “generous Ramadan” and it’s the simplest way to wish them well in the holy month.
“Your iftar is on me”
Want your gees to know you’re really thinking about them? Let them know you’ll cover what they’ll eat to break their fast.
“May your fasting feel fast”
Send these to friends who hold time to ransom during Ramadan. No better way to give them small perspire to maguire.
“Wake up. It’s time for suhoor”
Send this message around 4:30 a.m. every day for those friends who oversleep and might miss the morning meal AKA suhoor.
“If I’ve ever wronged you, please, forgive me as we enter the month of Ramadan, and I’ll forgive you too”
Is it even Ramadan if you’ve not sent or received this message from your friends?
“May Allah accept your Ibadah”
Ibadah means “worship”, and fasting is considered a form of worship. This is a nice message to send after each day’s fast.
“May this month fill your heart with mercy. May your soul become kind. May politeness take over your arrogance. And may this Ramadan be your guide in life.”
Send this to friends who’ve taken “stay wicked” a little too far.
“Salaim alaikum. You’re welcome to share iftar with me and my family tonight”
Know a friend who’s spending Ramadan alone? You should light up their day with this message inviting them to break the day’s fast with you.
“Wishing you a healthy and holy fast”
No better way to tell your friends you wish them the strength to keep sin at bay during Ramadan.
“May Allah touch and shape your heart. Ramadan Mubarak to you”
This one is for friends who struggle with their faith.
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Ramadan messages to your loved ones
Don’t let see-finish be the reason why you don’t craft a thoughtful Ramadan message to your family members. These ones should get you started.
Photo source: Google
“Wishing you a Ramadan filled with Allah’s abundant Rahmat, overflowing Barakat, and a fasting experience that brings you closer to Him”
Send this heartwarming message to your loved ones at the start of Ramadan.
“Sending you strength and positive vibes as you observe your fast“
Send this to your loved ones who struggle to keep up with the long hours of hunger required during Ramadan.
Ramadan starts in a few days and Muslim folks are gearing up to embark on a 30-day long fasting exercise. If you’ve got Muslims friends and want to support them during this period, a Ramadan gift basket is a great place to start.
If you need help or ideas for what to put inside a Ramadan gift basket, this post is for you.
Ramadan Gift Basket Ideas
Foodstuff
Photo source: 24 Hours Market
Food inflation is crazy high and your Muslim friends will appreciate a Ramadan gift basket of items that take the pressure off their food consumption bills.
A foodstuff basket can include a bag of rice, kegs of palm oil and groundnut oil, tubers of yam, a paint bucket of garri, and more. Your budget will determine the size and quantity of each item.
Protein cuts
Photo source: Greatland Grocery
Beef, turkey, fish and even ponmo have doubled in price, no thanks to food inflation. Take the expense off your Muslim friends by giving them fresh or oven-dried protein options that’ll last them through the month of Ramadan.
Beverages
Photo source: Pinterest
During the fasting period, folks can’t consume liquid between 12 and 13 hours every day. You should consider giving your Muslim friends a gift basket with healthy and non-alcoholic drinks that’ll keep them refreshed after breaking the day’s fast.
Prayer essentials
Photo source: Modah
The month of Ramadan isn’t just about going on a hunger strike for your creator; it’s also a time to get closer to God. Gift your Muslim friends personalised gift baskets that include Qur’ans, hadith books, incense, rosaries, a praying mat, etc.
Oral care essentials
Photo source: Pinterest
Abstinence from eating and drinking during Ramadan can cause an unpleasant smell in the mouth. Curate a gift box that contains oral care essentials like mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, including miswak sticks, which are highly recommended for fresh breath during ramadan.
Fruits are one of the most essential items during Ramadan and many people break their fast with them. If you’re not a fan of the regular gift hampers, you should consider giving out a Ramadan fruit basket.
Dates, oranges, pineapple, watermelon, and apples are some nice options to include in a Ramadan fruit basket.
How much do you know about the holy month of Ramadan? Test your knowledge in this ultimate Ramadan quiz.
Questions
This is a question
Ramadan begins during which month of the Islamic lunar calendar?
Fasting during Ramadan starts from what time of the day?
What is the meal before the beginning of the fast called?
What is the first prayer of the day called?
Asides drinking and eating, what else is prohibited in the holy month of Ramadan?
Ramadan stems from the Arabic word – ‘Ramad’ which means…
What is the name of the Islamic month that follows Ramadan?
All of these people can be exempted from fasting except:
At the end of Ramadan, what is the celebration called?
What meal breaks the fast?
Ramadan is observed for how many days?
What is the name of the door in Paradise that opens only for those who fast?
You got #{score}⁄#{total}
We can’t believe our eyes but yes, you did score this low.
You got #{score}⁄#{total}
A fair performance but we expected better.
You got #{score}⁄#{total}
Bravo! You’re doing well.
Ramadan is a blessing to all who get to witness it but it’s also one of the most interesting periods for women who wake up extra early to cook different kinds of foods in a day for sahur. Here’s a list of things Nigerian women can relate to during Ramadan.
1. If you’re the first daughter, you’re automatically the main cook.
This also applies if you’re the only daughter.
2. Waking up earlier than usual
During Ramadan, you have to wake at 3.30 a.m. so you can prepare sahur for your family. There are no excuses — you either do it or you do it.
Since you are the official cook for the family, you have to be home early to cook and set the table for the family before sunset.
4. Ramadan police
We usually have police that criticise how you practice your religion but during Ramadan, they become worse. They are Allah’s left-hand man so they know whether your fasting is accepted or not because you didn’t cover your head for five seconds.
Some people do not consider sahur or iftar to be complete without pap. For them, if you don’t make pap, you’re wrong. We all know how hard it is to make great pap.
6. During Ramadan, your father’s appetite grows
That’s when he wants to taste everything. Also when he remembers food he hasn’t had in years and you have to make it whether you know how to cook it or not. They will eat snacks, appetisers, main course, dessert and snacks. Before you can rest, it’s time for sahur.
7. Ramadan is time for tailors and abaya sellers to flex
They won’t allow us rest with different pictures of abaya on the timeline. Also, if you don’t go to your tailor early with your material, you’re on your own when it’s time for Eid-l-fitr.
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Ramadan is usually a reverred period for Muslim faithfuls to spend time reflecting, praying fervently and reconnecting with family. As is customary, Ramadan also serves as the Month Of Good for Muslims all around the world. Everyone is expected to add their quota of goodness to an otherwise bleak world.
During this period, leading tea brand, Lipton made it a point of duty to uphold some of the most important virtues of Ramadan, especially charity. Here are 3 inspiring ways Lipton achieved this:
1. The #ThinkLessDoMore Campaign
Thinking of doing something good for the benefit of others is great, but what’s more awesome is actually carrying out that good thought. Lipton set a good example of this through the #ThinkLessDoMore campaign aimed at doing more for customers on social media
2. Outreach
Lipton was able to reach out to over 68,000 fasting Muslims in different regions with fruit packs and steaming cups of Lipton. This helped them break their Ramadan fast in a healthy and wholesome manner. A healthy body, helps with a healthy mind. Awesome!
3. Fostering goodwill
The world can be difficult, especially to those not as privileged as you may be. Hence, one way we can make it better for everyone is to foster goodwill and spread hope. Again, Lipton came through and distinguished itself as not just a Tea brand, but also a source of inspiration in the community by encouraging others to do good.
Why choose Lipton?
Lipton tea provides you with flavonoid antioxidants. These antioxidants are thought to help keep one’s body healthy by preventing everyday wear and tear by free radicals. Studies observing large populations and their eating and lifestyle habits over a period of time show that regular tea drinking may help maintain heart health.
Interview With… is a Zikoko weekly series that explores the weird and interesting lives of inanimate objects and non-human entities.
Today, many Nigerians are at work against their own will. While the world was waiting to sight the moon, the Nigerian government declared Wednesday and Thursday as a public holiday instead of Thursday and Friday which many Nigerians were hoping for.
On this week’s episode of Interview With, we sat down with the Moon to ask why it refused to appear when everyone expected thereby ruining everyone’s plans for the long weekend. The answers were… unexpected.
Zikoko: It’s good to have you here.
Moon: Thank you.
Would you like a glass of water?
This one you’re acting nice. Is this a set-up?
No oh. We are just trying to treat you specially because you are an influential personality.
Hian. Why the special treatment?
You didn’t appear when the world needed you the most.
And who will lie to me mbu tomorrow isn't Eid. Yet i have seen the moon myself 🤣🤣🤣Happy Eid ba sweetheart pic.twitter.com/PCy8qNhlYk
— Dad's ka Princess 🧕🕋🕌proud Muslim (@ShifabintAli1) May 12, 2021
But how is that my fault? I had to take my time too. If I’ll be making a major appearance, I might as well do it in a way you all can never forget.
Do you know that you are the reason many Nigerians are working today?
Did I send them work? Please oh, nobody should blame me for anything.
But how can we not blame you?
This is one thing I hate about Nigerians. Your house will be on fire and you will go ahead and start digging a gutter. The problem is right in front of you, but no, you will rather pick something else to blame.
Your government is the one at fault, but you called me here and started blaming me. If it’s not that I just finished fasting, I would have laid a curse on you.
Ahan, small play.
Please know the kind of play you will be playing next time.
Ahan, why is your own different in this Nigeria? Other countries knew I was coming and when they did not sight me on time, they waited. But Nigeria? No oh. They jumped and declared public holiday. If only your government will be that enthusiastic about important things.
But why did you not show up when everyone expected?
Again, why did your government declare public holidays when I had not given a sign of my coming?
Is that how impatient you all are? Is that how much you love public holidays?
Look, we are all tired in this country. Any opportunity of rest, we take it.
The FG should just declare Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as Public Holiday, and save Nigerians a lot of permutations and stress.
We’ve been through a lot this year as a Nation, surely we deserve some Government giveaway ?! #EidAlFitr
Every time rest. If you continue this way, you won’t have any notable achievements when you turn 23.
Look at me, for instance. When I was 23, I was already well known in all the seven continents. I had a mansion up in the sky, and I was being visited by astronauts. This is what you should aspire to, not just public holidays.
Is that all you have to say?
Moon: What else do you want me to say when your government is there to take the blame? If they cannot get the proper dates for a public holiday correctly, what is the assurance that they will do anything else correctly?
They had one job and they messed it up, and now you’re asking me questions. Better direct your questions to them.
You’re a really wicked soul.
At least I don’t have to work this Friday. Maybe finish your work first and then see if you have the strength to point out who is wicked and who is not.
Check back every Friday by 9AM for new Interview With episodes. To read previous stories, click here.
“RAMADAN” can be rearranged into 40 different English words. Can you get 15?
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You could’ve done better.
You got #{score} words!
You did okay.
You got #{score} words!
You did amazing!
Lagos Food Bank was established in 2015 making it the first food bank in Nigeria. Since then, the organization has been able to reach 1,500,000 people in 120 underserved communities across Lagos and other neighbouring states, with the help of a network of over 10,000 volunteers.
This Ramadan, also known as the month of all good deeds, where 1.9 billion Muslims across the world celebrate by carrying out charitable acts and giving to their community, even as they engage in fasting from dawn to dusk. Brands often take the time to express their values, speak authentically and seek to give back to communities in which they operate.
For Lagos Food Bank Initiative, this season is only one of the periods they show support for the impoverished in the society with targeted outreach programs. In this conversation with the Lagos Food Bank team, they shed light on their operations and plans for Ramadan 2021.
1. Tell us about Lagos Food Bank and the goal behind the initiative?
Lagos Food Bank Initiative is a non-profit, nutrition-focused initiative committed to fighting hunger, reducing food waste and solving the problem of malnutrition through targeted programs that seek to improve the nutrition/food intake of pregnant women and their infants who are not able to get the required nutrient during pregnancy and breastfeeding of their babies. Our primal goal is to reach out to children from 0-16, pregnant women and lactating mothers, patients of diet-related diseases, seniors from ages 50 and above, the destitute and extremely indigent families. We cater to the entire spectrum of the impoverished in our society, providing them with relief materials and nutritious food.
2. How often do you reach out to the less privileged and malnourished in society?
We reach out to the less privileged on a daily basis. We have 5 active programs targeted at addressing the problem of malnutrition and hunger.
3. What does the Holy Month of Ramadan mean to you?
To us, The Holy month of Ramadan is a month of love, kindness and giving. It’s a month of paying special attention to the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters; especially the needy fasting Muslims. We hope to enrich their spiritual experience this Ramadan by doing the little we can to provide food and essentials for them.
4. How has Lagos Food Bank promoted love, togetherness and kindness during Ramadan in the last few years?
As part of our commitment to solving hunger-induced problems, we have worked with over ten thousand volunteers across all the 20 LGAs in Lagos to deliver meals and shelf staple items to fasting needy Muslims during Ramadan.
5. How has Lagos Food Bank used social media to reach out and impact the community during Ramadan?
We use Social media a lot, especially Facebook and its suite of Apps such as Instagram, and WhatsApp. They have been very effective and instrumental in propagating what we do, fundraising for events and recruitment of volunteers. Most of the volunteers who participate in our yearly Ramadan Feeding Programs were recruited through the Facebook suite of apps. Thanks to Facebook, we are able to reach a wider audience of both potential sponsors and volunteers.
6. What are some of the challenges you have surmounted in your journey to where you are now?
The issues of Finance, Logistics and Infrastructure. We have also been able to surmount the challenge of trust and volunteer apathy towards charitable causes. We have recruited over 11,000 volunteers from inception till date who help in reaching all our beneficiaries across Lagos state and its environs.
7. This is the second Ramadan being celebrated during COVID-19 pandemic. How has this affected your outreach and how has it motivated you to do more to help the needy in society?
Last year, the COVID 19 lockdown had a great impact on so many families in Lagos state. Our mission is to act as a frontline agency to assist those struggling with hunger across the country. This period was the time our food interventions were needed the most and thankfully Lagos Food Bank received permission from the government to operate throughout the lockdown. Through the help and support of our frontline volunteers who were resilient and willing to put their lives and wellbeing at risk, we were able to provide meals from door to door to needy Muslims for the 30 days of Ramadan in 2020. This Ramadan, we hope to do even more.
8. How will you be showing acts of kindness this Ramadan?
In addition to our Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program where we provide immediate food, nutrition and relief assistance to families in low-cost communities, we have been providing Iftar (meal served at the end of the day during Ramadan) to feed fasting needy Muslims in Agege, Lagos and other neighbouring communities. This exercise has been a daily activity for us all through the Holy Month of Ramadan.
