As a child, Eid-ul-Fitr was unquestionably the best day of the year. We would spend the first half of our Eid in Colombo – starting with praying the Eid prayer at the mosque, followed by traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at home and then do a round of visiting our extended family members, starting with my vapumma (my paternal grandma) and cousins. 

By the time we came home for lunch, everyone was too full for the biryani (having snacked at all houses), but we managed to have some anyway, because we had a 1.5-hour drive to make right after to my hometown. This was my favorite part of the day – visiting my ummumma (my maternal grandma) at her house in my hometown, where all my cousins and I spent the entire day just chatting and entertaining visitors. The Eid table was full, but immaculate. 

As I grew older, and my parents also aged, Eid became less celebratory. Aging adults seem to want to “relax” on Eid, something that teenagers find very boring. Occasionally, I would wonder why we didn’t have as much fun as we did during the Christmas season, with all the holidays [that all ethnic communities would be able to enjoy], and the presents that my Christian friends would exchange with their families. 

What I didn’t initially understand was that a festival didn’t have to be commercialized for people to have a day of joy and meaning, whilst maintaining their spiritual connection with God. The truth was that the meaningfulness and celebratory air of Eid-ul-Fitr lies in observing the Islamic rituals and the legacy that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left behind in respect of it. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Be intentional about celebrating Eid-al-Fitr.

Eid-al-Fitr, which directly translates to “the festival of the breaking of the fast,” is a day that comes after a month of having observed the fast for the sake of Allah. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, arrived in Medina during two days which they were celebrating. The Prophetﷺ said, “What are these two days?” They said, “We would celebrate these two days in the time of ignorance.” The Prophetﷺ said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two better days: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.” [Sunan Abi Dāwūd 1134] 

In light of this hadith, we know that Allah has blessed us with a day wherein we celebrate in consequence of the time we have spent in connecting with Him. It’s important to remember that it was intended to be a day of festivities, and to enjoy and celebrate on this day.

2. Remember to keep up the good work of Ramadan.

A general reminder that we all need on Eid is that everything we do, must be consistent with 30 days of fasting, and not completely against it. It is, therefore, still important that we are conscious of committing sins such as backbiting, gossiping, and slandering. It is also equally important that we are proactive in continuing the good deeds we managed to practice in Ramadan, like starting the day with Tahajjud, reciting some Quran, and mentioning the morning adhkar. Being patient also comes in handy on Eid, because family members can really get in each other’s way (if you know, you know). 

3. Recite Takbeer.

If you asked me whether Eid morning had a sound to it, I’d say it would be a cumulation of birds chirping, light drizzle on the windows and the sound of Takbeer. In Sri Lanka, the radios are switched on in some houses, where the relevant station has the Takbeer playing. If you go to the mosques, it’s echoing off the walls as it’s recited into the mic, with people following in chorus. In some houses, we hear our mothers slowly humming the takbeer as they prepare breakfast. 

Takbeer is recited on the night of Eid-ul-Fitr, for up to three days after. It’s a sunnah to keep your tongue moist with the words “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa-ilaha-illalla-hu-wallahu-akbar. Allahu Akbar wa-lillahil-hamdh,” which translates to “God is Great, God is Great, God is Great. There is no God but Allah, and God is Great. God is Great, and all praise is due unto Him.” If you reflect on this dua, you realize how simple and yet encompassing this form of dhikr is. 

4. Perform Ghusl, and wear your best clothes.

The ghusl (bath) is very significant in Islam on various occasions, and a true mark of Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness. Eid morning is one of those occasions. Like all rituals, there is a way to perform the Ghusl, but it is also seen as a simple bath that incorporates wudhu into it. Thereafter, we are advised to wear our ‘best’ clothes. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be new clothes, but if they are, it’s considered better. 

5. Pray the Eid prayer.

This is perhaps, the most defining aspect of Eid – and perhaps what we are most familiar with.  It is advised that the Eid prayer is prayed in congregation – either in the mosque or at home. For Sri Lankan women, praying in the mosque was always seen as a rare opportunity (unfortunately) – and Eid was one of those days where the mosques were open to women in the morning hours. 

The Eid prayer consists of two rakats. It’s distinguishable from other voluntary prayers (aside from the intention being to pray the Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr prayer) by the number of takbeers said prior to reciting the Surah Al-Fathiha. In the first rakat, seven takbeers are said, and in between each rakat the words “Subhanallahi Walhamdulillah, Walailaha Illallahu, Wallahu-akbar,” is recited. This translates to “Glory is to Allah, and All praises and thanks are due to Allah. There is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.” After Surah Al-Fathiha, Suratul A’la is recited. In the second rakat, five takbeers are said, while Surah Ghashiyah is recited after Al-Fathiha.

It would be useful to reflect on the meaning of these surahs prior to going to the mosque, to understand as the Imam recites them. I find it so significant that it’s these two surahs that are regularly recited in the Eid prayer. Both have many lessons to take from the verses, but my favourite lines are in Surah A’la (verses 14-16) where God says: “Indeed, he has succeeded, whoever who endeavours to be purified. And he who mentions the name of his Lord and performs the prayer. Rather, you all give preference to the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.”

It is also sunnah to listen to the Khutbah after the Eid prayer (if you’re praying in congregation).  Thereafter, to take a different route back home than the one you took to the mosque. 

6. Spend time with family and friends.

What I love about witnessing Eid in different countries is that each culture and community has its own way of gathering on Eid. Some communities have families that get together for a meal on Eid so everyone can see each other at once. Some (possibly families that live close to each other) go on visits to each of their houses. And others spend Eid in their hometowns, even if they usually live away in the city. 

A beautiful practice witnessed on these visits is the decorated Eid tables – a mix of bite sized savouries and sweets (both traditional and western dishes) spread out and a drink (iced coffee or almond milk in our houses, usually) to accompany it. 

Moreover, gift-giving on these visits is also a practice in some cultures. Especially Eid money, by which kids get significantly wealthier than they have been all year. Jokes aside, however, charity on Eid is a beautiful practice. 

But not all of us have the luxury of being with our families and friends on this day. I do feel though that every effort counts – even if it is to go see a Muslim relative or friend you haven’t seen in a while, give salam and say “Taqabbalallahu wa minna wa minkum” (i.e. May Allah accept from you and me). 

Above all, we should be grateful and remember our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and everywhere else in the world where Muslims are struggling. This would include those that have lost a loved one in Ramadan and may not be having the Eid that you will be having.

Every one of us has (if not every year, then at some point in our lives) witnessed the joyful air of Eid-ul-Fitr. To me, its beauty lies in how Muslims choose to worship God on this day in a special way, and in the varying ways we gather as a community. We just have to understand and be honored that our festivals are uniquely celebrated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Amani Raji graduated from the University of London with her BA in Law. She has experience working in arbitration as well as heading public relations. She is currently studying to become a lawyer. Moreover, Amani is very passionate about women’s rights and inspiring change. The discrimination faced by Sri Lankan Muslim women has been instrumental in her pursuit of a career in law.

The post Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr: a Revival of the Sunnah appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Historically, Ramadan celebrates the date in 610CE, during which, according to Islamic tradition, the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak are often spoken and said during the holy month to share blessings and greetings. Muslims worldwide are called to renew their spiritual commitment through daily fasting, acts of charity and prayer. Ramadan is more than just fasting with abstaining from food and drink. Ramadan is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and self-sacrifice. Interestingly, non-Muslims have also practiced intermittent fasting with a cycle of eating and fasting. So come on, get some medjool dates, lights, garlands, lanterns and decorate your home to feel spiritually the blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by practicing Muslims all over the world. It is a month of reflection, closeness to God, the recitation of the Holy Quran, fasting to feel for the needy, and maintaining a good respectful character. Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars (see below for more details) in Islam that is practiced annually for a full month. The practice of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is not to eat nor drink from sunrise to sunset, where you can break your fast (iftar). Not to hesitate or anything, but Muslims are able to also have a light breakfast (suhr) pre-dawn, to eat before starting the day. The holy month lasts 29 or so days depending on the year. The festivity of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.

There are those who are exempt from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan: due to ladies’ menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and/or medical or physical related complications. However, those days missed are compensated through giving to charity even if it’s to provide bread or food to the needy.

Refresher of the Five Pillars of Islam:

1) Prayer (salaat)- Ritual of prayer five times per day.

2) Faith (shahada)- Declaration of faith in one God (Allah), and his messenger, Prophet Mohammed ﷺ.

3) Almsgiving (zakat)- Portion of wealth must be given to those in need on a yearly basis.

4) Fasting (sawm)- Act of fasting and not eating during the holy month of Ramadan.

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)- Sacred pilgrimage to Mecca required at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime if it is within their physical capabilities and means.

Eid al-Fitr-Feast of Fast-Breaking

End of Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar. The other Eid is called Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated differently worldwide. Eid is traditionally celebrated within a span of one to three days, during which children, youth and adults wear new clothes, bake special pastries and exchange gifts. Moreover, Muslims visit the graves of relatives and congregate for meals and prayer time.

Activity- How to Make a Paper Lantern:

Check out how to make a traditional paper lantern with friends and family. Kids will especially enjoy it. Decorations and setting up a prayer area in the house for Ramadan will make you feel the Ramadan vibes and a relaxing atmosphere.

Celebrations come in different shapes, forms, and colors regardless of religion, culture, or faith. If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation during the Holy Month of Ramadan, invite a close neighbor or close friend over for iftar; you may even invite them to pray with you at your local masjid. Remember, you are not alone; Allah is always there.

Sources:

https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-56695447

https://www.learnreligions.com/five-pillars-of-islam-4008936

https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/five-pillars-of-islam/

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Lantern

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hiba Hamed, (H) B. Arts & Sci., MSW, RSW, is a compassionate multilingual community member with a biopsychosocial degree. She has over 15 years of community work and mental health experience and founded a mental health wellness, and an educational platform. Hiba enjoys volunteering, researching, humanitarian work, networking, and learning through professional development platforms. She also enjoys painting, reading, practicing faith/spirituality, attending social gatherings with friends, and cooking and relaxing with family. Overall, Hiba helps multicultural individuals work through challenging life transitions so they can feel a great sense of belonging in their communities. Hiba supports youth and adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. – (Extra: To learn more about the author check out instagram page @brightaslemons)

The post Fasting, Dates, Lanterns, But Wait it’s Ramadan appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Every year, three months before Ramadan starts, undoubtedly, there are Muslims who post on social media, “only one hundred more days until Ramadan!” with a sense of excitement and jubilation.  But when I see those posts, all I feel is stress and dread. That’s right. Dread. It sounds sacrilegious to even say it out loud.  But if I am being honest with myself and you, that is the truth.

That wasn’t always the case.  When I was younger, in high school and during college. I also could not wait for Ramadan.  In those days of only being responsible for myself and the days that I hardly missed a day of Taraweeh prayer session at the mosque, I also counted down the days until Ramadan.

Now being responsible for a family of six human beings (including myself), the thought of the sheer exhaustion due to the lack of energy associated with fasting and the nights spent in attempting extra prayer along with rising earlier than the rest of the family to prepare the suhoor meal leaves much to be desired.

One of the most difficult Ramadans I have ever experienced was in August of 2012. I was a mother of two very young children, aged three and one years old.  My husband was traveling to Chicago from Ann Arbor where we lived at the time; he was interviewing for jobs because we were in the midst of trying to move back to our city of origin.  I was parenting solo and working at a tertiary care hospital as a pediatric hospitalist.  I worked 12-hour shifts that were scattered between days and nights, keeping me in a perpetually dazed state similar to jet lag.  Those shifts were so busy that by the end of each one, we (pediatric hospitalists) would feel like taking a sledgehammer to the hospitalist phone because it would ring non-stop with new admission, transfer calls or calls to take care of existing patients.  So I braced for what was coming that Ramadan and I asked Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (the Glorious and Exalted)- to just let me survive Ramadan.

Not only did I survive that Ramadan, despite the fact that my three year old also experienced his first complex febrile seizure which prompted a 911 call and a prolonged emergency room stay, but it really turned out to be a spiritually rejuvenating Ramadan.  Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t think I made it to one Taraweeh prayer at a mosque that year.  But as we all know very well, spiritual rejuvenation is not constricted to a time or place.  It is however confined to one’s very intimate and personal relationship with her Creator.

For many, the excitement of Ramadan is attached to family, friends and feasting every night.  However, what I hope we learned from the Covid19 pandemic is that if we strive and pray and set our intentions, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala can still reward us with an enlightening experience that we can hold onto throughout the year.  I hope it also taught us to think about and be proactive in inviting the lonely, the newcomers (whether to this religion or to our city), and those less fortunate than we are, to share in our jovial iftars.

The lesson I learned from my August 2012 Ramadan and from the Covid19 Ramadans is one that I will take with me for the rest of my life: I can do hard things.  I know, it sounds like a mantra that you teach your young children when they don’t want to study for a test,  write that essay or clean up their room that looks like a tornado hit it.  But bear with me while I explain.

In no time outside of Ramadan would I expect to be able to abstain from food and drink for 14-16 hours while functioning at a mentally and physically exhausting job and at the same time, being able to have the emotional reserve to teach my three-year-old, he can’t throw things at his sister, nor the patience to change my one-year-old’s diaper. Yet, I managed to do this and I am sure you have managed difficult tasks during Ramadan too.  So give yourself grace if you have not achieved all of the goals you set for yourself in the beginning of Ramadan or if you feel like you are doing less than your peers or friends are.  At the end, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is going to reward you based on your intentions and your striving to get there.

Believing that I am capable of doing hard things like fasting and praying extra during Ramadan has taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone.  Therefore, every time I approach a task that feels daunting, I try to remind myself that if I can fast in Ramadan for a month, then I can do whatever task I set my mind to.  After all, isn’t that the point of Ramadan?!  Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala tells us in surat al Baqarah “Oh you who Believe, fasting was prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those who came before you so that you can attain God-consciousness (taqwa).”

Also, isn’t the basis of taqwa: mind over matter?!  Taqwa is letting your mind or your heart (wherever you believe faith resides) be in charge of your limbs.  Taqwa is what reigns you in from following your harmful desires.  Taqwa allows you to do hard things.   And once you know that about yourself and find something you are passionate about, you will undoubtedly be able to achieve great things.

So embrace Ramadan.  Even though it is hard.  Remember the hadith Qudsi “Fasting is for Me and I shall reward for it.”  Yes, we anticipate that reward in the Afterlife but the reward can also be in this world, in achieving lofty goals that can only be achieved when we convince ourselves that we can, in fact, do hard things!

About the Author:

Dr. Nour Akhras is a board-certified pediatric infectious diseases physician who has been working at a free-standing Women and Children’s Hospital in the suburbs of Chicago for the last decade. She holds a BA in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and received her medical degree from Rush Medical College. She has traveled internationally, serving victims of war on multiple medical missions. Dr. Akhras has advocated for the rights of refugees by authoring op-eds in newspapers like USA Today and the Chicago Sun-Times and through speaking engagements including presenting at Washington DC’s National Press Club on the effects the violence of the Syrian war has had on the lives of Syrian women. She is a published author. She lives with her husband and four children and enjoys swimming, biking and watching her kids on their various basketball teams.

Instagram: and Twitter: nourakhrasmd

Facebook: Nour Akhras

The post Embracing Ramadan appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Year after year, I never fail to mention Ramadan as hands down my favorite month of the year, and I cannot reiterate it enough. It brings me a sense of peace and calmness that no other month can provide. But this year was different; my nafs (Arabic for soul) yearned for Ramadan more than ever before.

Three years ago, when I was told I had breast cancer, my whole world turned upside down. At such a young age, it was a devastating blow that shook me to my core. But looking back on that time now, I realize that my diagnosis was truly what I call a miracle from Allah, the Giver of Peace. It may sound strange to call a cancer diagnosis a miracle, but for me, الحمدلل it was exactly what I needed to fully embrace His love and become closer to HIM than I ever had before.

Cancer wasn’t a punishment, but a gift from Allah (SWT) that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. It taught me the true meaning of patience and trust in Allah’s plan, and it brought me closer to my family and community. Through cancer, I have met the most incredible people. They’ve helped me feel better, given me hope, and shown me the beauty of the human spirit.

In addition, Ramadan has become a deeply spiritual time for me, a time when I reflect on the blessings in my life and give thanks for all that Allah (SWT) has given me. Over the past three years, my health has progressively worsened. At the beginning of 2022, it transitioned from breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer in my brain. I’ve become quite immobile, in a constant wheelchair, and can only manage a few steps at a time. Recently, I’ve noticed my decline has accelerated. This is where this year’s Ramadan has touched me emotionally in a beautiful way. In all honesty, I did not believe I would witness the mercy of this month with the intense decline I see in myself. Then, however, this ayah from the Qur’an came to my mind, and I prayed for guidance: “My Lord! I am truly in desperate need of whatever provision You may have in store for me” (Quran 28:24), and the Most Loving answered my dua.

This year, I have been mainly focused on Islamic and Ramadan-inspired knowledge, and I have been doing a lot of administrative work in terms of Ramadan and cancer-related articles. Although I am not much help around the house, I have been writing posts, blogs, and stories for my personal and breast cancer Instagram accounts. I started by increasing my ibadah and watching YouTube videos by scholars, who have been incredibly helpful in increasing my knowledge. One of the 30-Day Lecture Ramadan series from 2022 that I watched was about Maryam. I haven’t been able to fast for the previous three years, but I still have the niyyah or intention to do so. I have faith that The Most Forgiving will forgive me إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ for being unable to fast. I must take medication at regular intervals, which I cannot delay. I also have chemotherapy infusions. To boost my immunity, I need to stay hydrated and well-fed. I’ve tried fasting in the past while ill, but it didn’t go very well. Allah (SWT) is The Healer to those that are sick انشاءالله. I am thus eligible to make a donation to those in need; it is called Fidya. Other than myself, my illness has also affected my family. Even though I have my medical degree, I still rely entirely on my father for support, particularly financially. My mother is the one who takes the brunt of my burden, especially during Ramadan. She has Ramadan preparations on top of the daily tasks of bathing me, taking me to the bathroom, and taking me to my every appointment. I often feel guilty, but my parents and sister have reiterated that this is their test from Allah. They believe they will be rewarded, and we will be reunited in the hereafter, Insh’Allah.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most significant, and this is when our duas, sacrifices, and prayers should significantly increase. One of the last 10 nights, most likely an odd night, is Laylatul Qadr, also known as the ‘Night of Power.’ The virtue of this blessed night is when Allah bestowed the Quran upon humankind as a gift and a source of guidance. The best dua for this night, according to Prophet Muhammed (ﷺ), is “O Allah! You are the One who forgives greatly and loves to forgive, so forgive me.” The Night of Power holds immense reward for those who seek forgiveness and sabr, including for those on a cancer journey like mine.

Ramadan has been my oasis of calm and peace in these challenging times. While my cancer journey has been tough, it has also drawn me closer to Allah (SWT) and taught me the true meaning of patience, faith, and love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Noshin Saloojee is a medical doctor who graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Medical University of Bahrain. She joined the General Medical Council in the UK but gave up her registration as she has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her brain. She has been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 25 years, except for the years she studied in Bahrain and the first 6 years of her life. She is a proud South African. Her parents still live in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where she resides with them for treatment. Her dear sister lives in South Africa, but for now, she is staying in Saudi Arabia to spend as much time as possible with Noshin.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nosh09

Instagram: @pinkribbonmountains

Instagram: @nosh09

Twitter: @nosh09

The post A Cancer Patient’s Journey During Ramadan appeared first on World Hijab Day.

“One month before Ramadan!” said my 13-year-old daughter and I started to look at decor inspiration. This year, because I have a newborn, I let her decide how she wanted to decorate with the help of her 6-year-old sister. We spent days planning and looking and on the Sunday before Ramadan, we were finished with the decorating.

I often wonder why I decorate and why I make such a big fuss over it. I do it because it’s such an amazing month. We are so excited when it arrives. The thought of wasting any second on this blessed month hurts the heart. My friends and I use the term, “purify your intentions” and some may not understand it, some may even find the term offensive. (I said it to someone once and they got very upset). What we mean by this is, “Check your intentions so that whatever you do, you are doing it for Allâh’s sake.” It is important to say this and do this consciously, with your heart and mind, aiming to be rewarded by Allâh.

Moreover, it is a challenge when so much we do is lacking real thought or reflection when Islam has clear reminders. We could reflect for the sake of our children; we could do it to motivate others, we could do it because it looks good, enhancing the beauty of the holiday. In all of these cases, we get what we often intended – the satisfaction of others, but we need to remember it’s for Allâh.

During Ramadan, I consciously remind myself to check and to purify my intention. When I’m cooking, I would say, “Allah, reward me for preparing iftar for the ones fasting.” When I give iftar to someone, I’d say, “Allah, reward me for giving others food.” So this became my first Ramadan goal!

This year, in particular, I took photographs of my children in celebration of Ramadan and shared it with family and friends. I want them to really understand how special Ramadan is and can always be. May Allah bless my children, Ameen.

Then, it made me think of the “evil eye,” some may call it “nazar” or “ayn.” It is when someone sees your endowment or even hears about it and has a bad intention as a result: Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The evil eye is real. If anything could precede the divine decree, it would be preceded by the evil eye. When you are asked to perform a ritual bath, then do so” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2188).

My third Ramadan goal is to recite a du^â’ every morning and evening, praying to Allah for the protection of my children and my husband. The du^â’ is: “Allaahumma das-sultaani l’Adheem. Wa manni Qadeem. Dar-RaHmati Kareem. Waliya lkalimaati taammaat. Wad dawaati mustajaabaat. Aafiyy (name or names of the individuals praying for) min anfusi ljinni wa l’ayooni l’Ins.” In Arabic, it is:

دعاء للحفظ من الحسد ومن العين

اللهم ذا السلطانِ العظيم

والمَنّ ِ القديم

ذا الرحمةِ الكريم

وَلِيَّ الكلماتِ التاماتِ والدعواتِ المستجاباتِ عافني

مِن أنفُسِ الجنّ وأعينِ الإنس.

٣ مرات صباحا ومساء

My fourth Ramadan goal is to give charity everyday of even £5 so that we are rewarded for every day we give rather than giving a big sum on one specific day, but also to give on Laylatul Qadr. We do not know which day it may fall, therefore by giving it every day, you can guarantee you will give it on Laylatul Qadr and what better day to do than on this day!

Lastly, my final Ramadan goal is to finish my housework one hour before iftar and make a long du^â.’ It is said that the du^â’made on this last hour of fast is most likely to be accepted so how can we miss this opportunity?!

I hope my goals have helped you, slightly, if so make du^â’ for me. And Allâh knows best.

About the Author:

Hafizah Choudhury was born and raised in UK, Birmingham. She is married with two beautiful daughters and a son. She is a secondary school science teacher in Wiltshire, UK in a small town called, Calne. In her spare time Hafizah tutors science, including Chemistry A level and she has passion for teaching and learning Islamic studies. She really enjoys singing and was part of a nasheed band back in Birmingham, and looking to start a nasheed band in Wiltshire.

@hufayzah

The post My Five Ramadan Goals appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion to Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala. During this time, we fast from dawn until dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other pleasures. Preparing your kitchen for Ramadan is essential to ensure a smooth and successful fasting month. A well-organized kitchen will not only make meal preparation easier but will also help you stay focused on your spiritual goals.

Over the years, I have mastered the art of spending less time in the kitchen and more time on other rewarding acts of worship. Here are some useful tips for getting your kitchen ready for Ramadan, which will help you make the most of this holy month:

1. Deep-clean your kitchen.

Make sure the kitchen is spotless by deep-cleaning all surfaces, including the floor, windows, cabinets, fridge, stove, and other dirty gadgets. You don’t want to be going through the stress of cleaning while you’re fasting. If you are unable to do a thorough cleaning before Ramadan, make it a priority during the first week to ensure a clean and organized kitchen for meal preparation. A clean kitchen will not only make your Ramadan better, but it will also contribute to a hygienic and healthy environment.

2. Declutter your pantry.

Dispose of those items cluttered around your pantry (especially plastic bags and containers). Seriously, if you haven’t used them in the past year, you probably don’t need them anymore! Clutter-free pantries make meal preparation and grocery shopping easier. It can also help you identify goods you need to refill.

3. Create a meal plan.

Create a meal plan or reshuffle the old one. Take suggestions from every member of the family. Be sure to incorporate healthy foods and stick to the plan as much as possible. Thinking about what to eat is a stressful exercise on its own.

4. Buy foodstuffs in bulk.

If you can afford to do so, buy foodstuffs in bulk. You should avoid running out of grains, oils, spices, and other essentials. Get lots of dates and keep them safely; remember that it’s sunnah to break your fast with odd numbers of dates. You can reduce your weekly shopping to once or twice in Ramadan—one in the middle and one just before Eid (especially if you need to top up for Zakat ul Fitr). Grocery shopping while fasting can be very stressful.

5. Work Smarter

Invest in a good smoothie maker, juicer, or blender for making yummy fruit drinks. This will help you ditch soft drinks throughout Ramadan and enjoy healthy refreshments instead.

6. Dehydrated proteins are lifesavers!

Dry-sea foods can be a lifesaver, especially if electricity is not stable in your area. Get your dry sea foods from your favorite African or Asian stores. This is an essential tip for those who are fasting in areas with poor electricity.

7. Stock up on dried peppers and tomato paste.

Dried peppers and tomato paste are also essential. You can buy them or make them yourself and stock them in your pantry. These ingredients are essential for many recipes and can help you make meal preparation faster and more convenient.

8. Batch cook and freeze your fresh pepper, onion, and tomato blend.

Preparing a fresh pepper, onion, and tomato blend is a time-consuming task. However, you can save time and energy by batch-cooking this blend and freezing it for later use. For those who like the taste of freshly cooked soups, all you need to do is thaw the pepper and add your oil, proteins, and spices. The soup is done in 15 minutes! If you don’t mind freezing the finished soup in bulk, that’s even more time-saving!

9. Remember that Ramadan is for fasting, not for feasting.

So, it’s okay if you don’t make any special changes to your kitchen or stock any additional food in your pantry. It’s also okay if you continue to follow your normal routine: suhoor is just like early breakfast, and iftar is like dinner. Also, normalize eating leftovers from iftar for suhoor. Avoid wasting food, for Allah (SWT) does not like those who are wasteful.

10. Plan ahead for iftar gatherings.

If you will be having family and friends over for iftar gatherings, plan ahead and keep it simple. You don’t want to be overwhelmed by a large volume of cooking. Consider hiring a helper if it is within your means, or opt for disposable utensils for added convenience. If your guests offer to help with the cooking or cleaning, let them! You can maximize your time and completely enjoy the company of your loved ones during this special time by being proactive and organized.

To sum up, getting your kitchen ready for Ramadan is an essential part of observing this holy month. You can make the most of this spiritual journey by stocking up on essentials, planning your meals, organizing your kitchen, cooking healthy meals, and staying hydrated. By ensuring that your kitchen is well-equipped, you will not only find it easier to prepare meals, but you will also be better able to concentrate on your spiritual goals throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

© Khadijah Tijani

About The Author:

Khadijah Tijani is a Nigerian medical doctor, a creative blogger, and a published author. She grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, and graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in 2009. After five years of practice in Nigeria, she relocated to Saudi Arabia where she worked as a resident physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Known as “Doctor KT,” Tijani is a women’s health advocate and a prolific health blogger for her own blog, www.askdoctorkt.com. She also runs an online platform, known as “Breastfeeding Support Lounge,” where she supports mothers towards achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Twitter @askdoctorkt

Instagram @askdoctorkt@gmail.com

The post 10 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Kitchen for Ramadan appeared first on World Hijab Day.

As we get closer to the end of the Islamic month of Sha’ban, my heart is already thumping and my excitement for Ramadan is rising faster than the price of Bitcoin. I can almost hear the whispered prayers, the hum of eager hearts, and the rustling of hands reaching out to grasp the divine. It’s like a homecoming for my soul, a reunion with a beloved friend whose absence has left a void that even a lifetime of Netflix binging couldn’t fill. The preparations leading up to it are a cherished tradition in my family, and I know that many other Muslim households feel the same way, like we’re all part of a secret society of Ramadan fanatics.

The sacredness of Ramadan was brought up in a conversation I had with a non-Muslim friend a few years ago, during which I also bared the depth of my emotions.

“The emotional effect Ramadan has had on me is hard to describe.” I said, “I almost feel as though I’m going through a deeply spiritual process when I clean, declutter, and organize my home just before Ramadan starts—almost like I’m a spiritual Marie Kondo, tidying up my soul. Giving away my things to people in need feels like letting the good vibes flow through me.”

Ramadan is like hitting the reset button on your soul. It’s a time to grow, to reflect, and to remember that no matter how hopeless or shattered we may feel, Allah (SWT)’s mercy and bounty provide us with hope for a better tomorrow.

I went on to tell my friend, “Ramadan is a celebration of life itself. And I can’t wait to be immersed in its cozy goodness again. Regardless of what our present circumstances may be, Ramadan is always there, giving us a reason to remain hopeful and a chance for a fresh beginning each year.”

The fervor in my voice moved my friend. “That’s interesting. You make Ramadan sound so intense and inspiring. It makes me wonder if I might have to experience it for myself.”

And that’s the thing about Ramadan—it’s not simply a month; it’s an experience that can transform hearts and minds faster than a TikTok trend and inspire us to be better, kinder, more compassionate human beings.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy month for Muslims. It is a time of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation, where we focus on strengthening our relationship with Allah (SWT) and purifying our hearts and minds.

The Quran says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (2:183). This verse highlights the significance of fasting as a means of attaining righteousness and closeness to Allah (SWT). Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire” (Ahmad).

Ramadan teaches us self-discipline and it is like a month-long marathon of self-control. It’s a time when we willingly subject ourselves to hunger, thirst, caffeine withdrawal, and all other needs of the body from dawn till dusk in observance of a fast. By resisting the temptation to indulge in these basic human needs, Muslims become more aware of the struggles of those who are deprived of these necessities of life. It helps us to appreciate the blessings of Allah (SWT) and empathize with those who are less fortunate. We are reminded of our duty to help those in need and to be generous with our time and resources. Ramadan is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and compassion are very important in Islam.

As the sun goes down, Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar. Traditionally, people invite friends and family to share this meal with them, and it is also common to feed the poor and needy during iftar. This practice is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast will have a reward like his, without it detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest” (Tirmidhi).

But it’s not just a physical challenge, let’s not forget about the spiritual workouts we do during Ramadan. We spend hours in prayer and reflection, reciting the Qur’an and pondering its teachings. It’s like a spiritual gym, where we strengthen our souls and our moral compass. For Muslims, it’s a time of intense spiritual focus and self-reflection.

Devotion to Allah is heightened throughout Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran daily and to spend more time in prayer and reflection. The Qur’an says, “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (2:185). Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the month of Ramadan, and therefore, we feel a particularly close connection to this holy book at this time of year.

Yet there are times when we can lighten up a little. It’s common for people to get together and have a good time throughout the month of Ramadan. Around this time, the streets become alive with festive decorations and food vendors as people assemble with friends and family to break their fast together. We aid people who are less fortunate by eating together and donating to charity. This is the moment for us to rally behind one another as a community. It’s like one big spiritual party, where we celebrate our faith and our commitment to spiritual growth.

So, let’s embrace this month-long challenge and see it as an opportunity to grow spiritually and cultivate empathy for those less fortunate. And let’s not forget to enjoy the spiritual party too!

About the Author 

Famidah Dirampaten is a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram@famidz

The post Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual Renewal and Soulful Cleansing appeared first on World Hijab Day.

The school counselor told us to smile at the student who is often rude and causing mischief in the school. He had notified the teachers that this helps the student behave a little bit better. The way we greet the student actually affects the rest of his day so instead of starting with, “Hey you! Stop doing that!” we should start with a smile and, “Hey! Lovely to see you! How are you doing today?”

Once put into practice, I witnessed first-hand what a big difference a smile could do. There are many people who don’t make enough of an earning to give money to charity during Ramadan. It is here that these people’s smiles become of utmost importance.

In a hadith in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated by Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (‎ﷺ) said, “There is no person who does not have the obligation of (doing) charity every day that the sun rises.”

Then, he (ﷺ) was asked, “O’ Messenger of Allah, from where would we get something to give in charity (so often)?”

The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Indeed the gates to goodness are many: glorifying God, praising Him, magnifying Him, saying ‘There is no god but Allah,’ enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong, removing (any source of) harm from the road, making the deaf hear (and understand), guiding the blind, showing the seeker his need, striving as far as your two legs could carry you and with deep concern to give succour to him who asks, carrying with the strength of your arms (the burdens of) the weak. All these are (acts of) charity. And your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, your removing of stones, thorns, and bones from people’s paths is charity, and your guiding a man gone astray in the world is charity for you.”

As narrated, there are a number of ways one can give charity that does not require any amount of money, but is still considered a form of charity worthy of Allah’s rewards. There is everything from as simple as praising Allah to guiding someone who is blind, to clearing the pathway for someone. Here are some examples of how one can put what was narrated into practice:

1.Glorifying Allah which we do when we pray salah for example.

2.Removing harm from a road as in picking up trash from the ground and tossing it into the bin.

3.Pointing out wrongdoing for example when a teenager kicks the door to a classroom, one tells him/her, “There is a lesson happening, that is rude and disrespectful.”

4.Making the deaf understand or guiding the blind in the right direction; this could also mean helping anyone with a physical, a psychological and/or a learning disability.

5.Seeing someone sitting alone at the lunch table, but you decide to join them to keep them company.

6.Noticing a person is sad and you decide to ask them if they need someone to talk to.

7.Smiling at anyone and everyone because you never know if that will make their day.

There are other hadiths mentioning how the Prophet (ﷺ)smiled so much and often. According to the narration of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You cannot satisfy people with your wealth, but satisfy them with your cheerful faces and good morals.”

About the Author

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. She is an award-winning published author and poet. She has an MA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, a BA in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an English Subject Teaching Degree from Gävle Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. She speaks Bengali and Swedish fluently! She has years of experience in the media and publishing worlds. Rumki lives with her husband and their three daughters.

Instagram and Facebook @rumkitheauthor

Twitter @rumkichowdhury

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Almost everybody knows that Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims around the world. But, beyond that, what do most non-Muslims know? Numerous Muslims themselves have no clue about the quintessence of fasting, which goes far beyond abstaining from eating and drinking from the crack of dawn to the onset of the night for a period of 29 to 30 days.

Fasting during Ramadan is a distinct pillar of Islam in which worship is performed by way of self-restraint. All of Islam’s other pillars are demonstrated by physical actions that can be witnessed by others.

During the fast, not only is abstinence from food observed, but also abstinence from intimacy, and throughout the month, one must abstain from doing harm or causing harm. A fast from lying, cheating, swearing, among other things. It truly provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s words and deeds. Without this abstention, the physical fast is pointless. As the Prophet (SAW) says, “Whoever does not cease speaking or acting falsely, then Allah does not need him to cease eating and drinking.” (Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, and recorded by al-Bukhari, Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah.)

Islam seeks to awaken our souls and elevate ourselves through self-control, by reminding us that our lives have meaning and that we are not simply here to consume, sleep and procreate. Rather, we are of a much higher status and have a much higher purpose. The goal is much more about embarking on a journey of iman (faith), releasing ourselves from our desires, and living the reality of the message by returning to Allah SWT.

Despite hunger and thirst and what you desire being right in front of you and no one seeing you, you will not actually touch anything or break your fast because you know Allah SWT is watching. This consciousness of Allah determines your behavior. It is not difficult to imagine someone secretly breaking his fast throughout the day, with no one knowing except Allah SWT.

In the Noble Qur’an (as translated into English), Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says:

“O’ you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may [gain taqwa].”(Qur’an 2: 183)

Taqwa is an Arabic word that essentially means “God-consciousness” or “piety.” This ayah pretty much says it all: fasting was decreed by Allah SWT to carry us nearer to His prowess, or in other words, to help us attain taqwa, as the ayah clearly states.

Fasting is the practice of self-restraint to pull us from physical pleasures to focus on the spiritual, to reflect on God’s blessings and our complete reliance on Him.

We need to grapple with something more substantial – and by accepting the challenge, we must battle our pride until we realize we are incapable of accomplishing anything on our own. It is only through the Almighty that we can succeed. Its main purpose is to develop a stronger human spirit characterized by will power, self-control, and a greater understanding of Allah’s power and presence.

While fasting is intended to develop self-control in individual Muslims, it ought to also awaken the social consciousness of observant Muslims to the plight of humanity’s suffering. An individual Muslim’s personal obedience to Allah must be linked to his social conformity to Him and His creatures. The intertwined nature of the personal and the society teaches us that we cannot isolate ourselves from the world around us. Fasting should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of social responsibility; otherwise, our fast will be little more than a dieting exercise.

Muslims gain first-hand experience of what it is like to be hungry and thirsty as a result of this yearly commitment. This instills feelings of compassion and empathy in the hearts of practicing Muslims for those who are suffering from hunger or are unable to feed themselves and their families. By and large, this creates a two-way sensitivity bridge, allowing devout Muslims to be genuine in their concern for those in need. Thus, when a Muslim expresses concern for the poor and the needy, he/she is speaking from personal experience. Furthermore, because everyone is expected to fast during Ramadan, it provides a sense of equality to both rich and poor, haves and have-nots.

Furthermore, Ramadan is a time for a strong sense of community and family spirit, as well as for mutual support. Throughout this time, many individuals and families pray, eat, and share support with one another through a variety of means. The annual Ramadan celebration this year is better prepared than two years ago when the pandemic was at its zenith. Community activities such as family iftars and group prayers have resumed as restrictions have been lifted across the globe as the pandemic abates.

The fasting that Muslims worldwide observe during the same lunar month is undoubtedly one of the factors that unify the Muslim community. Moreover, it provides an avenue for strengthening family bonds and fostering community through various acts of generosity.

About the Author

Famidah Dirampaten is a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram @famidz

The post A Month of Spiritual Awareness and Social Connectivity appeared first on World Hijab Day.

For me, Ramadan is a month of rahma (mercy) during which we fast from dawn to sunset, perform extra acts of ibadah, give to charity and feast over a beautifully spread ‘Ramzan Dasterkhwaan’ (food). It is a time to thrive in our community spirit where we invite one another and break our fast and pray together. Every Ramadan brings back memories of wonderful iftar times with family and a delectable buffet of dishes. Fruit chat (fruit salad), Rooh Afza Sherbet and pakoras (fritters) are my favorites!

Back in India, I filled myself with all of these at iftar time and then, struggled to keep my eyes open during Taraweeh salah (the recommended prayer in Ramadan).

I recall designing my Eid outfit and having it stitched by none other than the dressmaker, who was more in demand during Ramadan than the Imam (religious leader) of the mosque.

There was a special Ramadan bazaar, where people went after prayers, to buy desserts and breads. Those same people preferred to work at night while managing their prayers in between nap times during the day.

As I grew older and moved locations for education and employment purposes, my understanding of Ramadan evolved. It was the ‘dasterkhwaan’ which disappeared first, as finding something to eat while studying and fasting at the same time, became a priority. There was very little energy left to cook or plan a special spread. Sometimes, even that community spirit was missing. While working, the iftar spread was shrinking every year, though my brother and I supplemented it with special Ramadan delights from the neighborhood’s Muslim market.

When I moved to work abroad, the meaning of Ramadan changed dramatically; there was no family, no community and there were few people with whom I could share my iftar. The fasting hours were much longer; however, I still held onto the spirit of ‘dasterkhwaan’ by cooking for myself, while pampering the little girl within me. How did I fill the void inside of me?

Rather than the typical way of looking at Ramadan, I used the time to reflect. Even without my family, a sense of community, the necessity for Eid clothing or the time spent preparing meals for iftar, Ramadan was still Ramadan. What’s left is now and what’s gone is the Ramadan of my childhood, to which I kept subconsciously comparing my new Ramadan traditions. Regardless, I still have my lovely nostalgic memories, but they no longer control my Ramadan joy.

In my new equation of Ramadan and me for many years now, it has been improving: it has gone from some days of feeling burdened or tired during the long fasting hours and sometimes, missing out on socializing or traveling, to embracing that Allah doesn’t burden us with Ramadan; rather, Allah provides us with a lifestyle that teaches us discipline.

Although Ramadan is difficult for our nafs (self/psyche/ego), it nourishes our souls and hearts.

Overall, Ramadan is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve in a single month of fasting, abstinence and reflection; it is absolutely necessary for our spiritual growth to expand beyond the limitations of our minds.

If we can abstain from that which is halal for us, for long periods of time for a month, how difficult would it then be for us to abstain from that which is haram for the rest of the year…for the rest of our lives? To connect with our Creator, all we need to do is set an intention, pray and keep Ramadan in our hearts even when the month is over.

About the Author

Sana Khan is a Motivational Speaker, Writer and Coach. Moreover, Khan has attained her engineering degree from Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology (now a Deemed University) and Dr. APJ Abdul Kamal University (former UPTU) in India. She has an MA in International Business from EAE Business School in Barcelona Spain and UPC Catalunya, Spain. Khan has recently written a motivational eBook entitled, “Dreamcatcher Framework.” She has also co-authored a spiritual anthology called, “Pause and Pen.” When she is not reading or writing, she prefers to nature-walk or sip coffee with her husband and son in Belgium.

Website: www.talkwithsana.com
YouTube and Facebook @TalkwithSana
Instagram @Sanakrblogs

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