Ramadan Week 1

Anisah and I have written something each in this blog.

SAMEENA

Ramadan Mubarak! I know this blog is a little bit late but here it is anyways. I feel like the first week of Ramadan is the hardest, our bodies are getting used to not eating or drinking as much. I don't know what you guys want to read about in these Ramadan blogs but I thought I'd say a little something about what Ramadan means to me, what Ramadan is to others (the question thing I did on my Instagram story), the daily quotes I put up for this week.

Ramadan is very important for me, as most of you would have realised it's when I become a little bit more religious because there is no better time to be. It's the month when rewards are multiplied but also when sins are multiplied, so I try to get closer to the Quran, give more to charity, stop listening to music, stop watching movies and tv shows (but I have to say I caved in and watched a few documentaries whilst waiting for suhoor) and a few more changes to focus more on my spirituality.

One thing I like to do every Ramadan is give up a bad habit, so last year it was to stop swearing and alhamdulilah I have cut down so much compared to before, the odd swear still slips out when my sister has left a sink full of dishes for me to wash. This year it's to cut my nails more often, I know how little and insignificant this seems but cleanliness is half our iman and people who know me personally know I like growing my nails. I decided to start changing little things about myself every Ramadan because it's the best time to change, and insha'allah by ten years time I would have cut out ten little sins/bad habits, by fifty years (if I live that long) that'll be another fifty sins/bad habits I've cut out. This is something you can also try every Ramadan, whether it'a a small change or a big one.

I asked people about their Ramadan traditions, their goals or whatever they wanted to say about their Ramadan (most of which are food), here is what a few people have said:

"I want to be more modest uno even tho I doubt it'll happen"

"Imma try finish my Quran IA"

"Roh hafza - don't know how to spell it but it's the bomb when you open your fast"

"Mmmmm also watermelon"

"Kitchri"

"Scared about my stomach rumbling"

"Mango lassi (I hate it but I think I'm the only one)"

"Biryani fam"

"Watermelon"

"I have a tough relationship with my dad, Ramadan eases that, we all eat together and just bond."

"Mango"

My daily quotes that I put up on my Instagram story:

This Ramadan I wanted to do a theme each week, so for the first week the theme was charity. Charity is a huge part of our faith, we are rewarded for even smiling at another person so you can imagine how much reward we get for giving money to charity. If you haven't and would like to donate, I am currently fundraising money for Human Appeal, the money will go to people in dire need of food, shelter and medicine in Palestine, Myanmar and Yemen.

ANISAH

I can’t believe week one of Ramadan has already finished! Here is my reflection from week one of Ramadan.

Of course, the week one of Ramadan is the toughest week as Sameena mentioned. The constant thought of food the first few days, however we have eased into it and should be adjusted by now. For me, Ramadan feels like a friend that comes to greet you once a year and makes you feel a different type of way. It’s a unifying feeling when the Muslim Ummah fasts, prays and strives to be the best Muslims they can be together at the same time. Ramadan, truly, is a time of forgiveness, piety and joy for me!

Here are my highlights from the first week:

The First Friday in Palestine

Having previously been to a Palestine protest during the month of Ramadan, I feel that this truly brought a large smile on my face. Among the ongoing conflicts in Palestine, over 180,000 Palestinians showed their resistance by praying outside the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem on the first Friday of Ramadan. An incredible sight and highlight to show the unity of the Muslim Ummah. I can only imagine the feeling people had after praying here as from visiting Palestine, one thing is certain. The people are the most humble and kind!

Praying Taraweeh

Praying Taraweeh is one of the most satisfying and rewarding factor of Ramadan. Although I struggle with praying the entirety of the Taraweeh prayer, it is the most satisfying feeling you can have. It takes motivation and stamina, but doing it, really does allow you to appreciate your religion and strengthen you beyond with Allah a lot more. Also, entering the Mosque and seeing those familiar faces, really does motivate you and feel like you are part of something greater.

Trying to eat healthier

Eating healthier this Ramadan has been a goal, however because we don’t lie in Ramadan and I should tell the truth. I haven’t really been keeping up with this. But…… I will and I will make this a goal for this week. Insha’Allah This can be hard within an Indian household where the choice of food includes fried somasas, spring rolls or kebabs. So, I will hopefully be working on this, this week. It can be a struggle to not eat what the rest of your family is eating.

Thank you for reading, let us know what you would like to read about in the next Ramadan blog.