Ramadan Reflections

As salaam alaykum and a Blessed Ramadan

Allah tells us in the Holy Quran that “HE will not change a condition of a people unless they first change
what is within themselves”(Ar-Rad 13:11). Ramadan is the best time to strive to achieve that. We
abstain from food and water for 14 hours in a day, so it seems that the struggle is real, although the real
struggle is the fight to battle our Nafs, (our lower desires). Ramadan comes from the root word
رمض(Ramidha). This means a scorching heat. We feel this in our hunger pangs throughout the day; this
burning heat, but know this is a spiritual heat meant to purify the state of the human being. This makes
us ponder more on the inner- self. What can I do better? How can I continually refrain from bad
character?

Allah tells us “HE is not in need of us leaving off food and drink unless we leave off bad character”
(Sahih-Vol 3).

​Sometimes some of us cannot refrain from that until we are towards the very end of the blessed
month. (Hence the struggle is real).

Understand that although all good deeds we do are for the benefit of our own souls, Allah said fasting is
for HIM-so this is DUTY to Allah the Most High. Look at the beauty and mercy from our Lord that he
provides us for doing so. Our faith is strengthened, are blessings are magnified, and we become
spiritually replenished. We should seek to come out of Ramadan a better person then we were before
we entered. You will get out of it what you put into it. Some of us just do the bare minimum fast and
pray. That is acceptable but why wouldn’t you want to go above and beyond and take advantage of the
blessed month and truly utilize it as the “Healer” it is. Some of us rush out into the community to do
good deeds (and that is wonderful indeed), but sometimes we need to sit home for a spell and learn and
study ourselves during this month and really seek to obtain self control, self restraint, and true self
discipline, so that when the Shayatin are released again, we are equipped with our spiritual armor ready
for battle for the next 11 months until we are graced with the presence of the blessed month again if
our Lord permits.

Utilize the guidance of our Holy Book this month and re familiarize yourself with why it is called that. Set
Islamic and moral goals for yourself for the coming months and most importantly make Dua to our LORD
that HE helps us to attain them.

Let us continue to pray with fear of Allah in our hearts and uphold the five pillars on which this faith
stands. Al Humdulillah for Ramadan.

Truly Allah is the Greatest as HE knows exactly what HIS servants need. Let us be grateful that HE
allowed us to know who HE is and given us the tools by HIS mercy to attain a good life here and
inshaAllah in the next. May Allah allow us to see our dear friend Ramadan next year (ameen)- and
however we may have fallen short, May we recognize and keep striving for the betterment of ourselves
and seeking HIS face all year long (ameen).
​
My Brothers and Sisters in faith I leave you in peace (As Salaam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu)
and Indeed Ramadan Mubarak

Zahra Abdullah

Zahra Abdullah by Allah's mercy was born and raised in Islam. She is a sign language interpreter, mother, and wife and currently resides in Atlanta, Ga.

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