My Ramadan…so far

Hi All,

I wanted to do a different type of post today, something unrelated to beauty, fashion, food or books. Just a more reflection type post on this holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan. The month of reflection, forgiveness, peace & charity. Most people think that Ramadan is just getting up before sunrise to eat as much food and drink as much water as you can but its really more than that! It’s a month of prayer & strengthening yourself.

Every year, i’m faced with many Non-Muslims asking me all about Ramadan. During my school days, it was all of my friends and now at work, it’s my new co workers. Each time, i’m met with utter shock and disbelief that I cannot eat OR drink for 18 hours of the day. Getting asked questions like “Not even water?” or “Can’t you just chew some gum, it’s not like you’re going to swallow it?!” make me laugh and shake my head. I just explain to them, that No we can’t do that either.

I always find that the first 3 days of Ramadan are the hardest for me. If you can get through the first 3, you’ll survive the rest. I feel that way only because your body goes from normal meals everyday to a day without anything, and the first few days your body is in ‘shock’ and adjusting to this change & lack of nutrients. After these 3 days though, i feel that your body slowly gets used to it all.

This doesn’t mean you’re not hungry, oh boy are you hungry…lol the cravings are on a daily basis but as the month continues you are able to control yourself better.

My favorite aspect of this month is the feeling of community, family & togetherness. Millions around the world are doing the same thing as you, and the topic becomes a world wide phenomenon. Likewise, this month is filled with iftar parties & get togethers, prayers and often visits to the masjid. You get to meet, eat, and pray with your friends, enjoy the company of your family & enjoy delicious meals. It truly is a time of connecting and enjoying yourself while bettering yourself as a person & reaching nearness to Allah (SWT).

Yes i’m starving at work as i write this post, and yes i’d kill for water and cake right now. But i look forward to each evening’s iftar and try to eat as much as i want, and drink water as much as i need, and i get to do this surrounded by my family and friends who are all in this together. Not many people are lucky enough to experience such an event with so many around them. Never have i thought to stop and think about how blessed and lucky i am to be experiencing such an event with such ease and comfort than many others around the world, who are suffering.

So in these past almost 20 days, i can truly see the changes i have made to myself as a person. I feel better, stronger, and more in control of myself, body & emotions. I am praying regularly, visiting the masjid as often as possible, and enjoying everyone around me.
This month’s blessings are endless and the joy of coming together, and becoming a better version of YOUrself, is the true beauty of this month!

A belated Ramadan Mubarak to all my Muslim followers & now the countdown to Eid begins 😉

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Until next time, XOXO,