Tag: Ramadan Mubarak

Reflections: A Quarantined Ramadan

Published on by MeharLeave a comment

Now that we are all well into self-isolation / quarantine / social distancing or whatever else you want to call this lifestyle, I’ve been trying to reflect on how this time is inevitably connected to our imaan and Islam as a whole. As this is the first time for us to experience a pandemic, it can almost seem like this is the first time something to this degree has ever happened in the history of the world. However, we know this isn’t true, unfortunately. Having more free & alone time has lead me to start thinking about how I should spend these days in the best way. It has also made me think: has anyone in Islamic history ever had to go through such a situation where they were completely alone/closed off to society and “regular” life for an extended period of time?

There are actually countless instances throughout the history of Islam that emphasize times of complete self-isolation & the virtues that can come from it. We learn numerous facts about our prophet Muhammad (SAW) & his life, it’s almost so obvious that it’s easy to forget that he was in self-isolation during such crucial points of Islamic history. The very first revelation of Qur’an that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received was while he was in complete seclusion in the cave of Hira. It was in a time like this – so removed from society & the distraction of the worldly life, that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was able to not only begin his revolutionary journey as the Messenger of Allah (SWT), but also to reflect and find true reliance on Al Wahid & Al Ahad (the One & Only). It was only in pure solitude that he was able to find true peace in He who created certainty.

A story that many of us can connect with on some level is that of Maryam (AS). Allah (SWT) revealed her struggles in the Qur’an as she was ostracized by people & removed herself from society with prophet Isa (AS). She truly had no one to rely on or to speak to except for Allah (SWT). Although she had trust in Allah (SWT), we learn that even Maryam (AS) shares the same humanity as us. Even she had a moment of weakness in all of this despair and loneliness, so much so, that she had the thought of, “I wish I had died before this, and been a thing long forgotten,” [19:23]. However, in all of her despair & sadness she still remained with Allah (SWT) and eventually gave birth to prophet Isa (AS), who ended up not only being a great strength & relief for her, but for all of mankind to come.

These are only two (great) examples of how solitude reminds us to turn to Allah (SWT) and remember that He is in control of everything. These instances, as well as all of the chaos the world is going through right now, remind us that Allah (SWT) is indeed Al Awwal (The First) & Al Aakhir (The Last). It is inevitable for us to feel stuck or bored given the current circumstances and the fact that our lives have predominantly always revolved around “contributing to society” and being “productive” in the greater cause for the economy. However, we now really do not have a choice, but to place our energy and focus elsewhere (i.e. on Allah!).

What a unique time we have been blessed with this Ramadan. The physical portion, in every aspect whether it’s food or community, is truly taken away from us, and we are left to focus on nurturing our spirituality and mental wellness. Insha’Allah we all reap immense benefits from this month as well as beyond this time, and may we all re-connect with the Qur’an & Allah (SWT) in a beautiful way.

Ameen & Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan Mubarak: Remembering Allah (SWT)

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I don’t know if this holds true for anyone else, but lately, I’ve been really going through it with life. These past few months of 2019 have been so trying, so unpredictable and such a whirlwind, I feel like I’ve had to face so many challenges and go through so many changes all at once, especially pertaining to my ability to stand up for myself, create boundaries, as well as having to make major decisions regarding my career. It’s so easy to become consumed by everything and to let the stress of continuous decision-making take you away from remembering your purpose.

So much constant change and “adult-ing” can really exhaust the soul and take a serious toll on your overall mood and personality. We never stop to think about how everything affects our hearts and our relationship with Allah (SWT). When we forget Allah and become too consumed in this life to remember our purpose and our Creator, life becomes bitter and draining and we begin to feel this looming sense of vacancy within us. It’s far too easy to forget how simple the remedy for feeling so overwhelmed, sad, or stressed can be. We live in an era where everything is so accessible, the knowledge truly is at our fingertips and the will to seek it out and implement it is within us.

So how can we really restore our faith and start remembering Allah on a constant basis again? Going back to basics here, but an under consumption of salah (daily mandatory Islamic prayers) and reading and/or recitation of Qur’an is guaranteed to take a real big toll on your spirit. Allah (SWT) reminds us of this reality in the Qur’an:

“And whoever turns away from My remembrance, indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.” [Surah Taha 20:124]

With the month of Ramadan at our doorstep, there’s no better time than now to actively try and refresh our faith by taking heed in the mandatory aspects of Islam such as salah and dhikr. Just by practicing these two acts alone with sincerity and patience, we are promised to see and feel a significant difference in our daily lives. What also helps me is by simply looking outside and seeing the life around us. Everything is in motion, has life because of Allah. Allah (SWT) is sufficient enough for us in whatever our needs are and in whatever problems we come to face. He is always with us, we just have to remember Him and it will get easier. Allah (SWT) reminds us:

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:152]

Who wouldn’t want to be remembered by Allah? I think one of the most important facts to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter if you don’t feel “good” enough, Allah does not ask perfection of us, He only asks remembrance and in exchange for this, He will heal the broken parts of you with His light and in ways that nothing in this world can. You don’t have to be the most righteous person to call upon Him or to make sujood, you just need to be humble and sincere in your connection. We all constantly need Allah (SWT), so we’re kind of already designed to be in the perfect state of receiving His all-embracing mercy and His immediate help and superior compassion. Thinking positively and greatly of Allah (SWT) is so key in changing your entire outlook of life. Once you see Allah (SWT) in the best possible light, you will feel so much more secure, confident, and content.

As we enter into Ramadan, let’s remember to remember that Allah (SWT) is near and that He is the ultimate Protector, Helper, and Friend. Reflecting upon some of Allah (SWT)’s 99 Names can also prove to be highly beneficial in re-connecting your faith and finding a balance between this life and your spiritual self.

Some of the 99 names of Allah include:

Ar Rahman (الرحمن) The Beneficent 

Ar Raheem (الرحيم) The Most Merciful

Al Ghaffaar (الغفار) The Ever Forgiving

As Sabur (الصبور) The Patient

The pursuit in knowing Allah and his true greatness will allow us to better our own flaws and thus increase our taq’wah and actions. Don’t be too hard on yourself when life gets tough, we are only human and our emotions and faith fluctuates throughout time. Be patient and kind with yourself and others, and it will get better insha’Allah.

 

Periods & Ramadan: Let’s Talk About It

Published on by Mehar2 Comments

Periods. Menstruation. The monthly cycle. Such a tabooed subject across the globe. A majority of women from all around the world are taught to hide when they’re on their period. Come Ramadan, and this age old game takes on a new level. You either dread its arrival, or are secretly happy to see it come as it gives you a few days to ‘take a break’ from fasting. Continue reading “Periods & Ramadan: Let’s Talk About It” →

Ramadan Mubarak

Published on by Spill The Chai1 Comment

Ramadan Mubarak! The month we all wait for every year is finally here. Ramadan is a great time to set goals and learn new things. There are things you should do and of course, there are things you shouldn’t, we hope that this list helps! Continue reading “Ramadan Mubarak” →