FAith Beyond the Surface

Writing Belief That Breathes What does it mean to truly believe something – and how should that shape a character’s every breath? Recently, I interviewed Arthur C. Clarke and Hugo Award winning author, Adrian Tchaikovsky in which we discussed his recent book Bee Speaker and the Dogs of War series. During the conversation the matter […]

Tarnished Heart

Last year I ended Ramadan with a reflection. This year, I want to up the ante and finish with a reflective poem. Three hundred and thirty days a year, Has blackened my tarnished heart, For the thirty days of Ramadan, Immersed myself in fasting, Supplications and recitation, Remembrance of His Names Salutations on His Beloved, […]

Why Am I On A Spiritual retreat?

Last year it was FOMO, this year it’s something else If you are a regular reader, you’ll know that I am currently sitting in itikaf. The word itikaf comes from the root of akafa, which means to stick, cling to or devote oneself to something. It is a religious practice that the Prophet Muhammad (peace […]

Ramadan Days

We are half-way through Ramadan. I thought it maybe interesting for you to gain an insight into what my days look like currently. Work days start with sehri (breakfast) at 4am in the morning. My go to is porridge and dates. After breakfast, I brush my teeth thoroughly and perform ablution for prayer. The fajr […]

Ramadan 2025

Wow. It feels like its only been a short while since I wrote my last Ramadan post. So many people who were with us last year at this time have passed from the world. As a Muslim, I am grateful for every Ramadan that I am alive to experience. Each one is another month to […]

Shawwal 2024 Reflections

What’s a Shawwal? Shawwal is the Islamic month that follows Ramadan. It’s a month of consolidation and reflection on Ramadan. Therefore, I thought it would be an idea to share a reflection on this month as it comes to an end. EiD Ul Fitr 2024 Whilst most people (Muslims included) probably don’t know the name […]

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 […]

Ramadan 2024 WK4

In the previous weeks, I have looked at my daily routines during Ramadan, the social and communal elements, and then at the physical benefits of fasting for 30 days. This week, I want to focus on spirituality. Spirituality is difficult to quantify or qualify as its intangible and speaks of an inner life. Nobody can […]

Ramadan 2024 WK 2.5

Last week I posted a blog about my daily routine during Ramadan. This week, I’d like to take a closer look at what is happening inside the body whilst I’m fasting. Physical Effects of Fasting Fasting during Ramadan is known as dry fasting by the health gurus online. It involves not eating, drinking or engaging […]

Ramadan 2024 Wk1

The first week of Ramadan 2024 is nearly done. My days have been pretty hectic with very little downtime. I start the morning at 4am to eat breakfast (Sehri) before first light. Usually, breakfast consists of a few dates (Palestinian Medjoul are my current go to dates), a cinnamon bagel and a cup of coffee. […]