My best and most challenging moments during the month of Ramadan

19 April 2023 , 09:21

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Muslim family waiting for Iftar food in Ramadan (Image: Getty Images)

I was asked by one of my friends last week, what have been some of my best and most challenging moments of Ramadan - which got me thinking, whenever I look back at the Ramadan months I have experienced, there is always an overall sense of peace.

Don’t get me wrong there are challenging moments, like not eating for long periods of time and not having my daily coffee!

But the month for me has a clear memory of beautiful recitations of the Quran being played throughout the day, daily visits to the mosque during the early mornings and nights and being able to have Iftar together with my friends and family.

Some of my ‘best’ moments during Ramadan are more personal and come from a feeling of accomplishment.

Anyone who takes part in the month will often set some goals on what they want to achieve in the 30 days. Whether it be completing all the fasts, or to finish the holy Quran, or to stop a bad habit, or to give more to charity.

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The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God (Getty Images)

When you achieve these goals (which at times were so difficult) you feel a different sense of achievement, one which isn't so revolved around materialism but more about ourselves and our spiritual well-being.

But Ramadan doesn’t always look like this. My Ramadan last year was one which I found quite challenging, as the month was filled with me staying up from evening to Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to get through all my university assignments and then doing the same throughout the day, whilst fasting.

For many Muslims this is a common struggle, as many of us continue our demanding schedules with the added daily fasts.

It is challenging at times and can be draining, but during these we remember those who are less fortunate then us and maybe facing greater challenges in life.

To add, fasting has not been made mandatory for those who are not physically and mentally able to fast. Mental illnesses are as valid as physical illnesses as a reason not to fast.

At times when I was not able to fast, I would build my spirituality in other means such as giving charity or reading about my religion.

Eating dates is a popular way to break the fast, it is said that Prophet Muhammad used dates to break his fast (Getty Images)

I’m yet to have my famous ‘not even water’ moment, which I often hear a lot of Muslims share their annoyance about. It’s the moment when you're talking about fasting and someone will respond with ‘you can’t even have water!?’

This is probably one of the most asked questions - and to be honest, I don’t mind it. But sometimes there is this misconception that we as Muslim's are struggling during Ramadan and need pity.

For me, it's actually the opposite -being able to practice Ramadan together with family and friends makes it a very enjoyable experience and one I look forward to every year. so yes, not even water and personally I wouldn't have it any other way!

It would be wrong to not mention how delicious food is during Ramadan, it definitely goes on my list one of the 'best' moments. After a day of fasting everything looks, smells and tastes so much better.

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And for me, Ramadan wouldn’t be Ramadan without my mums homemade date bars. They are basically dates mixed with nuts and seeds and shaped into small bars. It sounds really basic but I’m telling you, these things are so addictive and delicious!

Before you know it, just like any trip or holiday, the month of Ramadan quickly comes and goes. You begin with prepping for the 30 days and end up prepping for Eid on the final days, and thinking how quick it all went by.

The time really does fly! It’s one of those bittersweet moments, where sometimes you feel like you were just getting into the habit of things and now it’s already finished.

But the real challenge after Ramadan is whether we can carry on our new habits and practices which we picked up during the month, through out the year.

Shawaz Ahmad