Hiking in Ramadan provides the opportunity to cleanse the soul through self-reflection. The introspection is a necessary element for every individual regardless of any belief system to analyze behavior and imply corrective measures. Maintaining regular exercising routine becomes sometimes challenging due to external factors affecting our life choices; including weather related impacts, work schedule, change of routine specifically during the month of Ramadan, etc.
What is Ramadan?
The word Ramadan is derived from Arabic language literally meaning ‘the hot month’. Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest and sacred months for Muslims around the globe. Muslim community observe fasting (avoidance of any food or water) from sunrise until sunset when the sun is no longer be seen in the evening.
Benefits of Hiking in Ramadan:
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims usually follow a sedentary lifestyle due to their own reasoning of fasting throughout the day, offering prayers, reading Quran, and finding solace. All these factors should not interrupt one’s goal to stay active. Few reasons why to hike in Ramadan includes:
- Connection with mother nature is overwhelming.
- Contemplation to think and observe from a different perspective.
- Social connection by meeting new hikers and making new friends.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Helps in weight loss journey.
How to attempt hiking in Ramadan:
Hiking while fasting is a challenging task knowing that one had to abstain from water and food until Iftar time (sunset time when Muslims use to break their fast ). Following guideline is carefully prepared to cater the needs of hikers looking forward to hiking in Ramadan:
- Carry as little weight as possible.
- Bag pack should ONLY be filled with essentials.
- Evening hike is a preferable option considering breaking the fast right after your workout.
- Pick a regular hiking trail visited by hundreds of tourists and hikers daily.
- Water bottle, dry fruits, nuts, and chocolates etc.,
- Any other food of your choice (Optional).
- Tea / Coffee essentials (Optional but you are going to thank me later for a head-ups call 😊).
- Fully charged mobile and small torch for return journey.
- Comfortable clothing, hiking stick and sturdy shoes.
Ablution while hiking in Ramadan:
Ablution is the process of purifying the body with water. Muslims do ablution before offering prayers. It is an essential practice observed by Muslim community throughout the globe. For a hiking journey during Ramadan, it is recommended to do ablution before starting your hike to save time.
For Muslims faith and nature are interconnected:
Pakistan being a Muslim majority country had multiple options to choose for a hiking expedition during the holy month of Ramadan. Margalla Hills National Park offers some scenic and breathtaking trails for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy a comfortable and safe hike.
We at @tendwa recommends following options to consider while hiking in Ramadan within Islamabad capital territory.
- Bari Imam Chillagah via Loh e dandi track.
- Bari Imam Chillagah via Rumli track.
- Trail 3 Islamabad.
- Trail 5 Islamabad.
These options are safe to consider as one can find abundant of hikers traversing the path. We are here to support and guide your hiking experience with safety and security being our top priority.
Bari Imam hike | 11000 steps | Loh e dandi track
Rumli track Islamabad: Group hike to Pir Sohawa | 25km
Bari Imam sarkar meditation site:
Hiking in Ramadan to Bari Imam Chillagah provides the opportunity to observe meditation site and explore religious tourism though your own lens.
Chillagah is the site where Bari Imam sarkar (famous sufi saint) use to sit and do meditation for long hours. In local folklore, Bari sarkar did meditation for 12 years in the cave situated on a mountain top. Hundreds of tourists and hikers visit this place on a regular basis. Rawal lake and city skyline from the top is just calming and soothing for your nerves to relax and enjoy the serenity of Margalla Hills National Park.
Conclusion:
Maintaining a balanced routine is crucial in today’s fast paced world. Adjust your exercise and active lifestyle in the holy month of Ramadan by going outdoors once in a week. For hardcore hikers, sky is the limit. For any guidance and support, please feel free to write us at:
tendwaglobal@gmail.com
“No man is a failure who is enjoying life” – William Feather
Tilla Charouni Hike | Highest point of Margalla Hills standing at 1604 meters