Ramadan 2024 Reflection

The month of Ramadan is nearly done. Tonight is the 29th night and tomorrow may be the last day of Ramadan. Only God knows who amongst us will be alive to see the next Ramadan. I want to take this moment to reflect on what I have achieved, what my regrets are and the change I hope to see in myself in the coming year.

In previous blog posts I have listed my daily routines and the acts of worship I have engaged in (Ramadan 2024 Wk1, Ramadan 2024 WK4). The purpose of these posts have been to share with you what a Muslim’s life looks like during Ramadan. We refocus ourselves around our compulsary prayers and throughout the month increase in the duration and quality of the worship. I am by no means a perfect example of a Muslim. I am merely another sinner trying his best to become a better human and a better Muslim.

Tonight we will conclude the 30th juz (section) of the Qur’an in the Taraweeh prayers (1 hour and 15 minutes of prayers that take place after Isha, or night prayer). Tomorrow, I hope to complete another personal Qur’an completion. However, there are so many voluntary prayers that I have missed and so many more Qur’ans I could have read. I hope to continue reading some of the recommended prayers beyond Ramadan and want to commit to reading Qur’an everyday, at least 1 juz but also some additional chapters in the evenings that are noted for their positive effects for the Hereafter, as well as on this worldly life.

I am known as a calm person who does not raise his voice. Unfortunately, at times I have snapped at people and spoken harshly with them. I need to be more patient with people even if I am out of sorts (unwell or hangry). It is easy to be patient and calm when there is nothing upsetting you. The true test of patience is when you are being tested by an impatient person or difficult situation. A part of this lesson for me is to learn to stay silent, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘The one who kept silent, saved himself’ (Sunan Tirmidhi, 2501).

For the last ten days of Ramadan, I have sat in itikaf, a form of seclusion in the mosque (Ramadan 2024 WK4) and have learned a few things about myself. I am a prickly person, especially when I feel like someone is ridiculing me. The psychology teacher in me thinks that’s probably down to bullying during my teenager years. I am also an emotional person, especially when it comes to my family or the plight of the people of Gaza. The people of Gaza have been close to my thoughts and prayers throughout Ramadan, may the All-Mighty protect them from further violence, abuse and famine, may He send them lasting and persistent respite (Ameen). I am hopeful that some of the additional forms of worship I have engaged in (supplications and rememberance of God) become a daily activity for me throughout the year as they have given me a measure of spiritual wellbeing, but I am sorrowful in that I would have liked to have forged an even deeper connection with the All-Knowing and Most Praiseworthy. However, there is still tonight and possibly tomorrow night to continue to work on my bond, God willing. I would like to share some sage advice that was shared with me by my brother during itikaf. He quoted Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, a 14th Century Muslim Jurist, who states:

Do not carry the worries of this life becasue this is for Allah. And do not carry the worries of sustenance because it is from Allah. And do not carry anxiety for the future because it is in the Hands of Allah. Carry one thing: pleasing Allah. Because if you please Him, He pleases you, fulfills you, and enriches you.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya

Only God knows how much more life is ahead of me, and how many more Ramadans I will see through. I hope to take these lessons into the coming years and be a better man, a better servant of God and of better service to my fellow human beings.

‘O Our Lord, accept from us the fasting we have done in Ramadan, our standing, bowing and prostrating, from Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy’ (Ameen).

I hope you have enjoyed the Ramadan series of blog posts. Please share your Ramadan experiences, reflections and hopes for the coming year in the comments section.