I would like to add that doing Ramadhan in a western country (if this is the case) certainly leads to exhaustion because you must perform, work and mantain the same schedule as if you were not fasting. May Allah accept our fasts and out efforts.
SubhanaAllah, Ramadan is not supposed to be an easy walk in the park. That's why it's one month in the year, because Allah knows that this what we can bare. We all are grieving the month, yet happy it's over. Makes sense that it ends with Eid celebration. May Allah accept all you fasting, prayers, and good deeds. Eid Mubarak
If you think about it, if we were not meant to be glad and grateful, there would be no Eid! Alhamdulillah for tasting the sweetness of this month and Alhamdulillah for the arrival of Eid, and Alhamdulillah if Allah has Written for us to greet it again next year.
Very well written and introspective. I appreciate the honesty and more importantly the examples you used from the seerah on how to navigate those feelings. Its very easy in the age of modernity to lose connection with people at that time but the more I have listened or learned about the seerah, I appreciate more and more why the prophet s.a.w. life was meant to be a guide and lesson of every kind. JazakaAllah kayr for the reminder.
Here in the Southern hemisphere, Ramadaan fell completely in summer this year (and will remain as such for many years to come). I found myself dreading the challenge - in the sense of the exhaustion I knew was coming. How I knew the standards I wanted for myself would not be realistic, because I just physically can't handle the way things go in summer...energy management is a huge struggle.
And that exhaustion is truly a test, but there's special barakah that comes with the month that helps us to pull through - despite the fatigue. Allah shows us what our best selves are capable of - even with our struggles and obvious imperfections. Alhamdullilah for that.
But that level of effort can never be continuous. We can never maintain that intensity permanently, or even semi-permanently. Allah knows that. He made us that way.
Like the hadith about the companions who came to the Prophet s.a.w. (Bukhari 5063) - one wanted to pray through the night every night; the other wanted to fast every day; and the last said he will stay away from women and not marry. And the Prophet s.a.w. - by his response, showed them that the prophetic way - the way Allah wants from us - is moderation and balance, rather than extremity.
Ramadaan comes to show us what we can do, and when it leaves, we have a sort of void - missing those nights of communal prayer for an hour or more; missing that spirit of communal striving - everyone fasting together; doing good - trying to do *better* (as compared to their own personal base before the month) - all of us in one boat.
Even though we can't replicate those efforts and that spirit outside the month, I think the key is to try to hang onto something - or a few things - and be consistent. Communally, where we can, but most importantly on an individual effort. The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if few / small, so it's on us to try to do the 'little' things we can, and ask for barakah in that - knowing that Allah can turn those efforts into much greater results. (But, again, never doing it for the feelings...and never *expecting* greater results. Just doing it with discipline because we know it pleases Him.)
May Allah help us all to take account, honestly, and strive as best we can in these other 11 months.
May Allah accept the blessed month for us, and forgive us for where we fell short. And may He grant us the gift to witness another blessed month again and again, Ameen!
Thank you for being so honest, that's not a given and is really appreciated. There is a saying I say to myself often, especially on the days when I'm struggling or when I'm not satisfied with myself. It says: Usually, what could have been better could have been worse.
I would like to add that doing Ramadhan in a western country (if this is the case) certainly leads to exhaustion because you must perform, work and mantain the same schedule as if you were not fasting. May Allah accept our fasts and out efforts.
💯
SubhanaAllah, Ramadan is not supposed to be an easy walk in the park. That's why it's one month in the year, because Allah knows that this what we can bare. We all are grieving the month, yet happy it's over. Makes sense that it ends with Eid celebration. May Allah accept all you fasting, prayers, and good deeds. Eid Mubarak
If you think about it, if we were not meant to be glad and grateful, there would be no Eid! Alhamdulillah for tasting the sweetness of this month and Alhamdulillah for the arrival of Eid, and Alhamdulillah if Allah has Written for us to greet it again next year.
What a beautifully honest piece. May all the highs and lows lead us to Him.
Wow. Reading this was litelrlay a weight being lifted off my chest. Thankyou 🤲
Very well written and introspective. I appreciate the honesty and more importantly the examples you used from the seerah on how to navigate those feelings. Its very easy in the age of modernity to lose connection with people at that time but the more I have listened or learned about the seerah, I appreciate more and more why the prophet s.a.w. life was meant to be a guide and lesson of every kind. JazakaAllah kayr for the reminder.
Here in the Southern hemisphere, Ramadaan fell completely in summer this year (and will remain as such for many years to come). I found myself dreading the challenge - in the sense of the exhaustion I knew was coming. How I knew the standards I wanted for myself would not be realistic, because I just physically can't handle the way things go in summer...energy management is a huge struggle.
And that exhaustion is truly a test, but there's special barakah that comes with the month that helps us to pull through - despite the fatigue. Allah shows us what our best selves are capable of - even with our struggles and obvious imperfections. Alhamdullilah for that.
But that level of effort can never be continuous. We can never maintain that intensity permanently, or even semi-permanently. Allah knows that. He made us that way.
Like the hadith about the companions who came to the Prophet s.a.w. (Bukhari 5063) - one wanted to pray through the night every night; the other wanted to fast every day; and the last said he will stay away from women and not marry. And the Prophet s.a.w. - by his response, showed them that the prophetic way - the way Allah wants from us - is moderation and balance, rather than extremity.
Ramadaan comes to show us what we can do, and when it leaves, we have a sort of void - missing those nights of communal prayer for an hour or more; missing that spirit of communal striving - everyone fasting together; doing good - trying to do *better* (as compared to their own personal base before the month) - all of us in one boat.
Even though we can't replicate those efforts and that spirit outside the month, I think the key is to try to hang onto something - or a few things - and be consistent. Communally, where we can, but most importantly on an individual effort. The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if few / small, so it's on us to try to do the 'little' things we can, and ask for barakah in that - knowing that Allah can turn those efforts into much greater results. (But, again, never doing it for the feelings...and never *expecting* greater results. Just doing it with discipline because we know it pleases Him.)
May Allah help us all to take account, honestly, and strive as best we can in these other 11 months.
This was quite profound, thank you for sharing!
May Allah accept the blessed month for us, and forgive us for where we fell short. And may He grant us the gift to witness another blessed month again and again, Ameen!
JAK for sharing this honest reflection
Thank you for being so honest, that's not a given and is really appreciated. There is a saying I say to myself often, especially on the days when I'm struggling or when I'm not satisfied with myself. It says: Usually, what could have been better could have been worse.
Maybe it'll help you too.
Each word felt like a comfort as I sit with all of what is mentioned. Most beautiful part despite all of it even I know "something was given" :')
His Mercy is Limitless.
This piece spoke to life a lot of what I have been sitting with. Alhamdulilah!
Thank Allah that He chose you to deliver this beautiful reflection. May Allah increase and put Barakah for you
Can you please share how you do this post-ramadan debrief (after you've rested)?
I don’t have a specific process, but just spending time reflecting on how things went.
An example of something I already know is that I need to start physically preparing much earlier so I’m more physically prepared and less exhausted.