By Each Ramadan always brings something different. And while COVID-19 was not something any of us expected or wanted, it was sort of a blessing in disguise. With last year’s COVID Ramadan, one thing that I looked forward to and loved the most was being able to spend more time with my family than I ever had before. The month also really put into perspective just how easily life can end for us. It was a reminder that Allah SWT is the All-Knowing and only He knows just how long we have on this earth, which makes it even more essential for us to spend our time wisely.
The holiest month of the year is fast approaching again, and I thought I’d take the time to reflect and really pinpoint what exactly I’m most looking forward to this year.
Getting closer to allah
As with every year, the holiest of months gives us the opportunity to not only get closer to Allah SWT, but also benefit greatly from getting closer to Him. I look forward to Ramadan the most because it’s an entire month where we can give Allah SWT our undivided and devoted attention. Ramadan isn’t just about abstaining from food. It’s also a month of reflecting, and gratefulness, and being aware of the privilege many of us have, and worshiping God as much as possible. We get closer to Him just by being aware of these facts, acknowledging them, and accepting and being thankful that Allah SWT has given us so many blessings. And the chance to make dua to Allah, knowing that it will be accepted if I do so with sincerity and conviction, is another way I look forward to getting closer to Him. Dua is a way of speaking to Allah SWT and asking him directly for whatever we want.
taraweEh
Taraweeh is also another reason why I’m looking forward to Ramadan. Alhamdulillah here in Brisbane, Australia, while there are still strict restrictions in place, we have the opportunity to pray Taraweeh at the mosque and listen to the beautiful recitation of the Qura’an by several different Imams. Being able to stand side by side with women from different walks of life in a mosque that’s almost my second home and listen to the Qura’an is a privilege and a blessing that I most definitely took for granted. And having been given the opportunity to do so again after almost two years is something that I will forever be grateful for. But if you are in other places where congregation for Taraweeh are still restricted, don’t worry. You can still pray it at home with loved ones.
zakah
One of the reasons we all look forward to Ramadan is the platters upon platters of food that will be laid out on the table during Suhoor and Iftar. And while my family has a small tradition of having something fried and delicious for Iftaar, as well as a delectable dessert, the point of Ramadan isn’t just looking forward to the food we’ll get to eat. We need to truly appreciate the fact that many of us are given food without worry while millions of people around the world are barely able to even set a morsel in their mouths during the whole day. And that is why giving Zakah and charity in Ramadan is so important. Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam, where 2.5% of your wealth or savings that you’ve kept between last Ramadan and this Ramadan should be set aside and given to charity. Knowing that the money we give in the name of Allah will help men, women and children all around the world have a decent meal for Suhoor and Iftaar is a satisfaction like no other. And the rewards we’ll get for it are immeasurable.
In this horrible, cruel, and greed-filled world, Ramadan is the small window of light and opportunity to take a step back from the negativity and let Allah SWT and Islam take over. And every time Ramadhan ends, we’re all left with an emptiness we can’t quite explain. So let us make the most of this Ramadan as well, whether we’ll still be praying Taraweh at home or not.
May Allah SWT bless this Ramadhan for each one of us and accept all our fasts, prayers, and dua’s.
Ameen.