Ramadan, a time for self-reflection
Today marks the beginning of Ramadan. Spectrum Family Support Case Worker, Amona Hassab reflects on what this special time in the Muslim calendar means for her.
On Thursday the 17th of May, approximately 1.6 billion Muslims around the world will observe Ramadan, it is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad on a night known as ‘The Night of Power’, Layutul Qadr in Arabic. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
Ramadan for me, is a time of intense spiritual growth. Not only are we required to abstain from food and drink, we are required to purify ourselves, our minds and our hearts by avoiding ill speech, loss of temper, arguments and malicious behaviour. It is the ultimate self-care for the soul.
When I am not thinking about what to have for lunch, I am redirecting my focus on how I can be a better version of myself and how I can use this time to reflect and express gratitude to the Most High through worship, acts of charity and kindness, forgiveness and to try and complete the full recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
Whilst fasting this month, our bellies are void of food to make room for a wholesome spiritual consumption that we so desperately need and that we should preserve long after Ramadan ends.
Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing!
