Ramadan Reflections #1

What Ramadan taught me about myself and spirituality

Ramadan has left us. Returning to Allah as a witness for or against us, how does that make you feel?

It has been a few days, and for many, it is back to business as usual. We seek refuge with Allah from returning to old habits and evil deeds, aameen.

I have been working on a number of projects since ‘Eid and one of them is a list of reflection prompts to help us create a coherent narrative of our Ramadan experience and take lessons into Shawwaal and beyond.

One of the prompts that has stuck with me is this,

What did you learn about yourself and your spirituality during Ramadan?

and this is what my journal entry read;

Shawwaal 2, 1444 AH

“I have always considered myself an inconsistent person, constantly dilly dallying and chasing shiny objects. This Ramadan has revealed how much I have grown in my capacity for commitment and resilience. This is the Ramadan that I learnt experienced that less can absolutely be more. Decluttering my schedule, and my life really, in preparation for Ramadan allowed me to focus on a few and manage my energy to afford consistency. My daily rituals came alive. They felt like actions with a soul and not merely tasks to strike off a running to-do list. They were a few, but impact felt humungous.

Sadaqa rasulullah, when he said “take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”

O Allah, accept my striving, maximize my efforts, for my deeds are not enough unless you envelope me with Your Mercy.

…

It was after this that I knew what my next immediate project would be — the launch of Maktabah Classics, a virtual book & personal spiritual development club for Muslim women.

I had toyed with the idea of launching a book club focused on exclusively classical works after it was suggested to me by one of my big sisters, Adda M. But I was not sure that it would appeal to most.

Indeed, everything comes to fruition in Allah’s time, not ours. And so, Here it is.

For the month of Shawwaal, We will be reading the book “The Journey to Allah” by Ibn Rajab (rahimahullah).  A concise and practical commentary on this hadith, explaining what it means to be “firm, steadfast and balanced” in our worship, the goal of worship, the meaning and manifestation of moderation in worship and the most beloved deeds to Allah. 

Indeed, he simplifies the meaning of worship while offering a pragmatic approach and guide relevant to the average Muslim seeking to reconnect with their Lord.

So, this is a special invite, to you.

If you are seeking the face of your Lord; if you are struggling and stumbling, like many of us, on the path to Him; if you looking for a guide to ease your overwhelm and offer you calm in your striving for Jannah;

To make it even more accessible to all, Its an open payment option, so go ahead and pay as little or as much as you’d like.

If you are curious about our schedule and other details, here’s a summary:

Remember to download and share your free list of prompts:

What has ramadan taught you about yourself and spirituality?

Fatimah,

On the road to Ihsan.