Our most anticipated guest once again makes its annual arrival. As Muslims, we have such great love for the month of Ramadan and we strive our best and are on our best behaviour this time of the year. With it comes the hopes and excitement for renewed faith and character that is much needed to help us ‘start over’. However, while the Ummah rejoice at the welcoming of Ramadan and enjoy and strive their hardest during this month, there are among us (sometimes our own selves included), who simply do not experience this “Ramadan feeling” and most times become depressed and lost feeling as though they are missing out. But is this really the case?
As believers, we must always try our best to be positive in every situation and have a positive out-look on life in general. For those of us who have ever been hyped up for Ramadan, with all the preparations and plans put in place, the excitement for the Iman boost along with the many family gatherings for iftars; this feeling is sometimes so overwhelming that we expect that each Ramadan to be the most beautiful thing we will experience for the year. This is a wonderful feeling and one that is placed in our hearts by Allah, Alhamdulillah! It is a great blessing to be happy to please Allah and to look forward to working extra hard to gain His rewards. However, there are sometimes when all of these expectations for Ramadan come crashing down upon us just a few days into the blessed month! All the hopes of being on a “Spiritual High” for 30 days didn’t even last us 5 days! How is this possible? Believe me it is very possible.
Ramadan is a month of striving and working hard spiritually, emotionally and mentally, coupled with the fact that we also have our everyday lives to continue living during this month. When Ramadan is here, life in itself does not come to a halt for a period. We all have families and the responsibilities as parenthood does not take a break for this blessed month. The daily stresses of raising children (especially young ones), can greatly add to us postponing of goals we initially set out to achieve, especially as mothers. There is also the responsibility of school and work for many, and this too can sometimes hamper our acts of Ibaadah, especially if our time isn’t managed wisely. All of these aspects in the daily hustle and bustle of life can most certainly put a damper on our Ramadan spirit, and for some cause feelings of guilt and depression for not doing all we intended to do. This can lead to stagnation and constant worry during the month of Ramadan, having low periods throughout the month. All the hype, excitement and joy vanishes as quickly as it came, without even realising, and we end up simply abstaining from food and drink.
Does it really have to be this way? Do we have to become depressed if per chance we fail to achieve the set goals this Ramadan, or we feel overwhelmed in the face of life’s stresses, while we watch this blessed month pass us by in the blink of an eye? The answer to this question is simply, no. Isn’t Ramadan the month of striving, persevering, struggling in the path of Allah and fighting against our own desires? Understandably it is natural to feel a sense of guilt or feel pressured when you look around at family or friends and see them accomplishing so much more in Ramadan, while life on your end seems no different than before the month began. It is in these moments when we should look at ourselves in the mirror and tell ourselves to keep on pushing, striving and to never give up in seeking the Pleasure of Allah in each and every moment.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may attain taqwa.” [Surah Baqarah :183]
The reward of striving and never giving up or giving in to feelings of sadness during a month where our happiness should be in the Worship of Allah, will be so much more, by Allah’s Mercy. For each day of Ramadan that goes by, even throughout the hectic lifestyles that some or most of us may lead, keep our hearts and minds occupied in the remembrance of Allah,
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Surah Ar- Ra’ad: 28]
Always remember that Allah is the One who is in control of us and everything that happens, so know that He Sees, Hears, and Knows all that His slave is going through. If at any time you feel like life has taken over and your worship and sacrifices for the month of Ramadan are being infringed upon, never hesitate for a single moment, no matter where you are, or what state you find your heart in, turn to Allah and beg Him for His Help, His Mercy, His Comfort, and for a change in your circumstances, for the better.
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” [Surah Baqarah: 186]
Let us be reminded that giving up hope is not an option for us this Ramadan or any other Ramadan to come in the future, Insha’Allah. By being steadfast in pleasing Allah, be it small in our eyes or not, know that our reward is with Allah! Be not negligent in performing Salah, and especially making dua begging Allah to continuously bring us closer to Him and to keep us upon the path that is forever pleasing to Him. We may be surprised that suddenly, amidst all the chaos life may bring, and in the time when we least expect it, Allah may change our circumstances and re-new our hearts and our souls, causing us to experience even just one moment in Ramadan, that can change our lives immensely, be the most amazing moment you ever experience, and cause you to forget the feelings of guilt and sadness, and cause you to make the most of the remainder of the beautiful month Insha’Allah, we just have to want it, believe it and work hard for it. Never give up hope that you can achieve and become a better person or never think that your life is so busy that you may never attain your goals in life to please Allah, for it is Only with Allah that anything and everything is possible, just trust in Him, believe in Him, and have tremendous hope in and love for Him, and we will see the beauty, the wonder and the power, that will only come from Allah.
Disclaimer: All material found on InkOfFaith.com is for free and is for information purposes only. All material may be freely copied & shared on condition that it is clearly attributed to InkOfFaith.com as the original source. The views expressed on this site or on any linked sites do not necessarily represent those of InkOfFaith.com
.png)
