It’s the last 10 days of Ramadan and being home and fasting the whole month has never felt more rejuvenating. Equally, being in the comforts of home throughout the month has left me missing the hustle, or rather finding the balance even with a full-time job and busy schedule.
I know that this Ramadan, nevertheless has been a great blessing for many, knowing that work and/or school schedules can be rough and sometimes even barely manageable. Many are home to witness their loved ones, allowing many to rekindle and revive the importance of Ramadan and beyond. And even with all the privileges of being home and safe with family, I’d like to make a sincere prayer to those who are otherwise facing any kind of difficulty during this time.
Bismillah.
To those going through suffering – health, illness, loss, death, hunger, violence, heartache, etc. – may your fight give you the strength to overcome, faith to build hope, patience, and love to know you are greater than what life has tested you with, and value because your Creator has created you with such. I pray this blessed month to be one that elevates you beyond your comprehension of how merciful the one who created you is. May the Most Merciful provide you with what you need, favor you with what you sincerely want, and entrust you in creating and living with humility, justice, love, faith, and all that is most beloved.
May you find calmness and guidance solely through Al-Hakim ( the wise), Al-Wadud (the loving), Al-Muhyi (the giver of life), Al-Adl (the just) , and Al-Muqit (the nourisher). As life takes its course, may your past, present, and future be forgiven from the torments of Jahanam. May you be among the believers who will be given the glad tidings of Jannah. May you be among those most beloved to Al-Adl. Lastly, may you recognize the beauty you come with, and allow it to guide the life you live.
Ameen.
Ramadan has been a whole lot for me this year. A lot of love, patience, and trust – all of which needed reviving. The greatest thing I hope to take away from this month is patience. Patience to learn from what was, and what will be, and to always trust the process.
This time around I’d like to reflect on the things that have allowed me to revive the sacredness of Ramadan, in the past and in the moment. Things that have and continue to fuel me mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I hope they serve as a benefit to you as well during this month and beyond.
Dua, prayer, & lots of reflection
As any Muslim would say, dua, prayer, and a lot of reflection is the key to a healthy heart, whether in or outside of Ramadan. Getting into the habit of doing more takes time and that’s why Ramadan is the best time to recharge spiritually. And in doing so it’ll benefit us long after the month has passed.
Setting time for dua after prayer, prior to breaking fast, and basically anytime and every time I feel the need. What a blessing to even have the ability to worship and have the commitment to faith, however that may be. Journaling has also been a great source of comfort for me, as always. Being able to write my thoughts and prayers, my hurt and pain, my goals and aspirations, and all that enters my fragile mind and heart. It’s a space needed.
Catching up on reading, especially the Qur’an
The past few months, it’s been nice having the downtime to read some of the books I’ve been eyeing. Especially the Qur’an. Going through what I call Aisha’s Library. So thank you Aisha for all your recommendations and resources.
Consciously setting time for Qur’an has also kept me up and feeling productive. I love reading books that speak of real-life, and that give me a deeper understanding of the world. Sometimes all it takes is getting lost in a book to understand life and the world.
Family time
Family time can be frequent in my household, especially when it’s boon time. Boon – Ethiopian-style coffee, aka the bomb ish.
A whole day of fasting doesn’t stop us from enjoying boon time. Other than having the weekends to catch up, Ramadan has always been a time we share prayers, laughs, and love. This year, I’m home after spending Ramadan away for two years, and who knew I’d be back in Seattle. Equally, even being amongst family and under quarantine/social distancing rules can be much.
We’re all facing a new kind of norm, and at times it can be mentally and emotionally draining. And that’s to say, it’s alright to feel this way. We all know our trigger points and when we’ve reached a state where we just need time alone. These are the times I revert to writing or doing some art to clear my mind. Family time is a blessing, but so is solo time – so take it when you need it 🙂
Creativity
Whatever fuels your soul, do it. There’s something about being bored that spikes a lot of creativity in me. I’m never necessarily bored at home, although I have my days when I need to change my routine.
Some of the things I’ve been working on whether consistently or not, have been gardening, painting, writing, cooking, crafting/DIY, and researching. It’s a little overwhelming trying to always fill my schedule when home becomes the only space you have, but for the time being it’s space that deserves all the love it can get.
One thing that really excited me was being able to do some gardening with my parents this year. I’ve never been much of a gardener, but this time I felt it deep in me to put in the time in something we all await the blessed benefits it brings us. Above all, getting back into crafting and calligraphy has been my biggest source of joy. Though I may not be as consistent, I know I’ll find the time and mind to get back into it. Some things I honestly can’t just do, but need a clear mind and heart to do so, and art is one of those things.
I say this to all who need to hear it the most: whatever fuels your soul, do it effortlessly.
Learning something new
Having the time and energy to learn something new and build upon what I know has been the most rewarding feeling during this time. I can’t say every day is spent effectively, but it’s the effort and the intention that counts at this point. Ramadan has also made it easier to want to divert the otherwise time spent doing whatever into beneficial time. Other than knowing the spiritual benefits of fasting, scientifically, it even improves brain function.
Setting goals
After Seattle started implementing social distancing/quarantine rules it felt useless to plan anything, especially when being outside was not really an option. Truly speaking though, being home and having the time to sit and think, I feel more inclined to work on the things I didn’t give enough attention to. It can be difficult finding the energy and even motivation, but it’s the small actions that count. Luckily I brought my planner along with me, and I’m able to revise and work on the goals I’d written for 2020. This also goes for the goals I’ve set for Ramadan.
Too often we get so caught up in planning, that we forget what it is we are after. We forget ourselves and how unpredictable life can be. It’s the intention we make when we set goals that allow us to remember that whether we plan or not, there is also a creator who plans.
Planning, or rather being determined is essential to our livelihood, and so is faith in the scheme of being determined. I continue to plan regardless, quarantine or not, but learning to plan with trust and faith that my thoughts are secondary to what has already been written.
Staying healthy
Staying healthy spiritually and physically. Something Ramadan assists so well with.
Ramadan may mean losing a lot of my toned muscle, but for the sake of just allowing my body to take a break from the hustle and bustle and focusing on my soul, I’ll take the latter. I know how essential going to the gym was for me – not just for the sake of working out, but releasing much of the energy I would have, even after a long day. With everything closed, I know it’s time to look deeper within on the importance of also slowing down for the sake of needing to.
Staying healthy during Ramadan and quarantine can also look like: eating in moderation and colorfully, light walks, a dose of vitamin D, praying and doing spiritual work, and all that allows us to feel and radiate a healthy heart and mind.
The outdoors may be restricted, but fresh air isn’t!
No differently, a dose of fresh air has been one of my comforts during this time. This also includes walks around the garden and just little walks in general. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss being out and about, even with my homebody self. It’s still hard, but I know it’s a safer option and one that must be seen as a blessing.
On days I run errands with the family, it really hurts to see how many people are shamelessly going about their day as if nothing is happening. Other than people shopping like they haven’t eaten in months, our society really doesn’t know how to sustainably prepare and live. And that’s when I truly feel the most thankful for Islam and what it teaches us.
Self-development
In the past, I’ve come across many beneficial self-development resources geared for spiritual growth. Ramadan has always been a time to revive this aspect, whether it’s been in communal spaces or alone. And now that everything has become virtual, learning continues to remain accessible alhamdulillah. It’s not the same, but like all things, it’ll do for now.
One of the sites I’ve personally taken courses from has been Seekers Guidance. All courses are free and taught by knowledgeable scholars and teachers. Courses range from fiqh, madhab, prophetic teachings, and more, and I truly hope to continue benefiting from these classes.
To those interested, I’ve linked a couple of different resources that are consistently creating content during Ramadan and beyond. Seeing how in-tuned and connected the world has become relieves me to know how much we value community. But as with all learning, we start from within, doing the self-work we must do to build upon the spaces we need.
Loving myself and where I am
Nothing is more important than our mental state, and I’m learning this more than ever. No amount of money will ever give me the clarity I need to acknowledge and love where I am, physically and emotionally. Learning to look deep into myself and those around me, and just appreciate. Mama’s smile, daddy’s laugh, Aisha’s corny jokes, Sumaya’s calm presence, and now Mueza’s lively energy.
For all that allows you to achieve and be in a pure state of peace, may your soul find it. And may your prayers these last blessed days be answered in a way that is most beneficial to you.
What are some ways you’ve revived Ramadan during this time? Let me know in the comments below!
