LIFE: RAMADAN KAREEM
Today marks a week since Ramadan has started, and it is my favorite month of the year. I love the vibe and energy that it brings around us as we celebrate in gratitude our good fortune, and the decorations are put up at home, and the entire country lights up, while we stay up late amongst family and friends, planning our meals for days to come.
In a rapidly-growing, materialistic, digital world, where everything is continuously changing, Ramadan is a time where everything slows down. When you can pause, take a deep breath and rearrange your priorities. A time to step back from your everyday lives and truly reflect on yourself. It is a time for family and self-nourishment. It is also a great test in perseverance and patience.
Abstaining from food and drink is only one part of it. Ramadan, to me, gives me a sense of peace. As a believer and a Muslim, this month is a special occasion when the blessings of God (Allah) are bestowed upon us all in such great abundance. It is an opportunity to cleanse your body, mind and soul and come out restored.
It is a month that unites us all over the globe in fasting, feasting, worship and prayer. A time that reminds us to feel for those who are less fortunate. A reminder to go out and be more charitable, be more patient, be more compassionate. It teaches us to fast from feelings of animosity, hostility, racism, chauvinism, antagonism, discrimination and so on. Try to cut down on the road rage (this one’s directed at me in particular), the lying and the judgment. Try to seek forgiveness from those whom we may have wronged, and take this month as an opportunity to train our inner being.
Ironically, Ramadan is also the month of food! Have you ever cooked anything without being able to taste it? During Ramadan, we have no choice, and nothing tests your cooking skills better. Let’s not forget, though, that Ramadan is a time of giving. So let’s resolve to not feast heavily this year and put food to waste, but to actually prepare extra meals that we can give to those in need.
Ramadan Kareem to everyone. Happy fasting!
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
.كل عام والجميع بألف خير. اللهم تقبل منا صيامنا وصلاتنا