My Thoughts as Ramadan Comes to an End
As Ramadan is coming to an end, i am realizing certain things more than when it started. For example, i realize that I really enjoy Ramadan at night time (and this isn’t just because i am allowed to eat at this time) but because my nights are much full of the true essence of what Ramadan should be.
During the day, i am usually out the door around 10:00 AM in the morning trying to get some reading done at school before my classes start. Then i make a “poor attempt” at trying to focus in class until fajr (sunset)when i can break my fast. Nothing spiritual about that, right?
But then comes the night. I am usually reading the Quran and performing my mandatory prayers on time and even praying sunnah. And i realize that every single, i feel sad that the Ramadan will come to an end. It just makes me realize how one can be so different between day and night. No pun intended.
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A problem for Muslims during this time is that we eat way too much for one meal sitting. I mean the underlying reason for Ramadan is to practice moderation in all life activities. So as i was lying in bed this morning after sohour (eating before sunrise) reading a news article from my Blackberry, i realized how some Muslims misconstrue the essence of Ramadan. Read NEWS article: Help for the Heavy at Ramadan.
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Reading my thoughts from above has made me learn a lot about my self. I realize that i have not completely fulfilled my duties as a Muslim this Ramadan. Although i have been consistent with my fasting, prayers, and reading the Quran, but i have done all of those for myself. Ramadan is much more than that. This holy month is not only set for us to re-think our lives but also to think about others. For example, those millions of children in Africa that feel hunger throughout the whole year or even those newly arrived immigrant Iraqi’s to the United States that are spending their first Ramadan in a foreign country without many wounded feelings about the loved ones they’ve lost during the war.
I just hope that i remember to do this throughout the year by striving to improve my character, make my community a better place and help those that need us the most.
Sultana
