Ramadhan is about more than fasting
The writer, Saleha Suleman (Cape Town, South Africa) is a scientist and Public Health specialist and has been involved in leadership and community service positions from a young age.
“R
amadhan passed by so quickly!” Isn’t that something we are used to hearing, or saying, every year?
And it’s true, isn’t it? The month always comes and goes in a flash. Whether that’s because we get busy in the hustle and bustle of Ramadhan, or because we are enjoying its benefits, it often leaves us with a bittersweet feeling.
As any Muslim would know, Ramadhan is about more than simply refraining from food and water during the day. It’s about a sense of community and togetherness, self-reflection, repenting, being grateful, and improving ourselves in the long term. In the wake of Ramadan, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The end of Ramadhan (and often the nights of Laylatul Qadr leading up to it) present a pivotal moment where we make prayers to remember the lessons learned and improve on the spiritual nourishment we gained during the Holy Month linger.
This feeling may disappitate quickly after Eid, but constant reminders are helpful to remind us to continue our journey of self improvement so that we can be closer to Allah.
One of the ways we can do this is to continue the self-discipline we foster in Ramdhan. Fasting from sunrise to sunset teaches us patience, resilience, and empathy for those less fortunate. This year, it may have also reminded us to be grateful for the little things we have. In fact, you may also have felt a heightened sense of mindfulness after the first few fasts, as your body acclamitised to fasting. This means that we become more aware of our actions and intentions, which is a trait we must encourage after Ramadhan as well by being more mindful. Whether this is by taking an extra five minutes on the prayer mat to give thanks or repent, or by incorporating meditation into your routine and taking a moment to think before responding.
Another good habit we foster in Ramadhan is increased prayers and recitation of the Quran, seeking closeness to Allah and seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings. This act of introspection can also be continued even by just devoting one night a day to recite a page or two of Quran, pray some extra Qadha salats, or listen to the translation of a Surah during a drive home.
Ramadan reminds us to be grateful, because it is a time for communal solidarity and compassion. Now, and for the rest of the year, we should continue to reach out to those in need. This doesn’t always need to be monetary: you may have some extra food you can share with someone, some old clothes that could be perfect for another, or just the act of being kind. The spirit of giving is a fundamental tenet of Islam, something that can be very easy if we are just mindful about it.
The true essence of Ramadhan is not only in the prayers, lectures and other observances we follow, but in the lasting impact it leaves on our lives. As we embark on the post-Ramadhan journey, let us carry forward the lessons we’ve learned and the virtues we’ve cultivated, striving to embody the principles of compassion, gratitude, and self-improvement in our daily lives, extending kindness and generosity to all those around us.
Most importantly, we should continue to seek knowledge and wisdom, to truly understand our faith, and to deepen our connection with Allah.The Holy Prophet says, “The best of deeds are those done regularly, even if they are small.” In light of that, let each of us commit to making positive changes, no matter how small, and so that we can maximise the blessings of Ramadhan until the next one InshaAllah.
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