As we approach the last 10
This has been one very long month so far…constant massive headaches, lack of concentration and extremely arduous days make fasting for me not as easy as it always has been … Despite all that and as much as I am anxiously awaiting Eid, the feeling of sadness as this month winds down is immeasurable. I am very thankful to God for giving me the capability to withstand the difficulties of the long working days and I am extremely blessed to witness the blessed month of Ramadan. The significance and benefits of this holy month make up for every difficult moment… The month of purity and as one put it ‘spiritual rhapsody.’
I’ve received this by a friend last year. I tend to save emails of value and believe this one earns it:
“We must thank God for the gift of Ramadan. It’s not just the fasting. It’s not just reading the Qur’an or eating delicious meals with our friends and family. We get a chance to gauge ourselves as Muslims. We get a chance for purification and self-reflection. Have I been charitable enough? Am I patient enough with my loved ones? Do I reflect often on the blessings of Allah subhana wa ta ‘ala? These are just some of the questions that we ask ourselves in the hopes that we are better than the year before. Sawm is just another of the myriad of ways that we change ourselves and our condition. It’s a way to put ourselves at peace by being at peace with Allah subhana wa ta’ala. I hope Ramadan came upon you as a realization of your progress as a slave of God in fulfilling His commands. If not, may this Ramadan be the beginning of your journey. “
Here is to hoping that Allah will accept my fasting and prayers as well the fasting and prayers of everyone else observing Ramadan. May we live to welcome next Ramadan with deeper faith and closeness to Allah …
