Ramadan Reflections: 30 days of healing from the past, journeying with presence and looking ahead to an akhirah-focused future

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Ramadan lasts 29-30 days and the end of Ramadan depends on when the next Moon is seen. The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called "Eid ul-Fitr" or the festival of breaking of the fast. It's kind of like the Muslim version of Christmas, in the sense that it's a religious holiday where one comes together for big meals with family and friends, exchange presents and gifts for the children and Muslims go to the mosque for the Eid prayer and generally having a good time. Once Eid is announced the plans for the celebrations commence in full swing. This book is written with such compassion and encouragement, I’ve really found it such a beneficial read throughout Ramadan so far. It’s full of beautiful and incredibly meaningful reminders, including verses from the Qur’an, Hadith and sayings from some of companions of the Prophet (saws) as well as quotes from the likes of Ibn al-Qayyim.

Fasting is between dawn and sunset, during this period Muslims are not allowed to eat nor drink. Fasting is considered to teach self-discipline and reminds us of the suffering of those less fortunate than us. People shouldn’t have to suffer in silence; and this holy month we must come together as a community to support one another.

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This is undoubtedly the most joyous Ramadan tradition we’ve come across, full of smiling children, melodic songs, and sweets. Known as Gergaoon in Bahrain, there are other variants throughout the Gulf such as Karkee’aan in Saudi Arabia, Gargee’aan in Kuwait, and Hag Al Leylah in the UAE. Gergaoon is celebrated after the breaking of the fast on the 14th night of Ramadan. It’s a cheerful tradition, half way through the Holy Month, to reward Muslim children for fasting. Youngsters dress up in their traditional clothes, carry decorated bags and walk around their neighbourhoods singing the Gergaoon song, in hopes of some neighbourly treats. Cleanliness is an indispensable fundamental of faith in Islam, both physically and spiritually. We cleanse our minds and bodies before and during prayer five times a day, and many Muslims around the world take this purification further when practising special occasions. One great example is the people of Indonesia at the beginning of Ramadan. Padusan (meaning ‘to bathe’ in Javanese dialect) is a deeply embedded purifying tradition in which Indonesian Muslims cleanse themselves just before the Holy Month of Ramadan begins. This ritual is intended to purify the body and soul before starting the fast. Here are some lessons we can learn from the her life: Absolute Tawakkul (trust and reliance) in Allah Sometimes it’s not that we don’t know something, but just that we need a reminder, a little nudge to remember the good something has for us. Day 28 on Istakhara teaches us to turn to Allah in times of desperation, in times when we truly need the guidance of Al-Hādi (the One who guides) to light the way for us. I learnt how to perform Istakhara correctly and with conviction that this is the best way to resolve my conflicting mind and heart. I’ve never been a fan of guided journals. I felt it would be like a chore doing as the journal tells you. But I was proved wrong by Aliyah in the Ramadan Reflections journal. Wow. From the very first day where we learn to reflect into our past. How often do we truly sit and think about our actions? Think about how we have sinned in the past and how it has affected our lives. I’d say hardly ever. But Day 1 — there I was sat dwelling deep into my past sins. Reflecting truly on myself on a whole new level.

I got such deep and new perspectives from her writing that I am already looking forward to her next book. Ramadan is all about starry nights and the crescent moon, and Egypt takes the concept of lighting up the night sky a step further. The country’s people gather together to welcome the Holy Month with colourful fanous – intricate lanterns that symbolise unity and joy – decorating the streets. There is much ancient folklore about the origins of the lanterns, but a popular tale dates their use to a night during the Fatimid dynasty. It’s said locals gathered to greet the Caliphate Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah as he arrived in Cairo on the first day of Ramadan. Military officials held candles, sheltered with wooden frames against the wind, to light the dark streets. Energy levels - fasting can impact people differently, and long periods of fasting during the day may result in low energy levels. Short walks to get some fresh air is common practice.It’s clear there is a growing need for this work. We’ve even had calls from Muslim single mothers who couldn’t afford to buy their children winter clothes. Whist reading, each chapter resonates so deeply, touching every chord within me. The perfect, meticulously chosen words have a profound effect. I found myself on a soulful journey, hand in hand, with a companion by my side. A journey of self discovery, spiritual healing, to find purpose & a passage to reconnect with my creator. I think this is a book I will return to, not only during Ramadan but at any time of the year when I consciously want to reconnect to Allah and worship more meaningfully. The introduction alone stirs the heart and soothes it. The words are comforting which is just as they should be when you settle down to read a good book. And Ramadan Reflections was definitely a good book! Saudi Arabia: MBS stressed to PM Sunak it considered targeting civilians in Gaza by Israel “henious crime”