Being a Muslim, Ramadan is the most special month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month that Satan is chained up, and the shower of God’s mercy rains upon all Muslims more than ever.

The night of the moon sighting always fills me with a tingling excitement. I can’t describe that feeling of inner peace and fulfillment. You see, Ramadan is not simply about the fast which refrains us from consuming food from dawn til dusk, but we must also fast with our other senses- in other words: see no evil, hear no evil and talk no evil. It is a month to reconnect with Allah, the Almighty, and ask wholeheartedly for forgiveness. It is a month to better ourselves as Muslims, as well as human beings. It is a month that teaches us self control, humility, sacrifice, good will and so much more than I could possibly fit into this little post.

I’m not going to lie, the first few days are tough. There’s plenty of tummy rumblings and weak limbs, but our bodies do a great job at adjusting, and of course Allah gives us strength. Once the rhythm catches on, the days seem to snowball into the next far too quickly. For me, by the third or fourth day I am all set into the new routine.

During Ramadan, my prayers increase in frequency and so does the time I spend reading Quran (the Holy Book). I am currently reading the Quran in English, because although I can read it in Arabic, I do not understand the meaning. (Yup, exactly… What use is that?!) I hope to finish reading the Quran in English by the end of Ramadan, so as to gain a much better understanding of Islam.

Breaking the fast at sunset with my family is a gratifying experience, in regards not only to the food but also the well being and togetherness of the family around the table. I love to break my fast with a sweet date and then dig into a scrumptious meal that I am blessed to share with my family. I must remember not to eat too quickly, as it just ends up giving me stomach cramps, and makes praying straight after a whole lot harder too!

I must admit, somewhere near the mid of Ramadan, efforts from me begin to wane or dwindle a little. I find myself shortening or quickening my prayers. However, the prayers once again lengthen in the last ten days of Ramadan since they are the most fruitful during the month. Who would want to miss out on extra brownie points given by God himself?

As the last few days of Ramadan approach, there is a sense of urgency. An urgency to collect as many brownie points as possible before the month ends. There is also a sense of excitement for the big celebration to follow Ramadan that is Eid!

Before marriage, Eid used to be very much about dressing up and showing off my new outfit to all my cousins who were equally glammed up. With time and experience, I have come to understand that Eid is much more than that. So now, as we congratulate each other on the sighting of the new moon, I quietly pray to myself that Allah blesses me with the chance to live past another Ramadan. In sha Allah (If God wills).

This Ramadan is going to be yet another challenging one in terms of fasting in the peak of summer in sizzling hot Dubai. Yet, I am grateful to be witnessing yet another holy month and hope to make the best of it!

“As salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you)