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

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As Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, I’m especially concerned about the long-term impact of this loss on children and young people. At the core of all Ramadan's blessings is Taqwa, as Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur'an , "Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may attain Taqwa" ( Surah Al Baqarah 2:183). Taqwa is the quality of the heart most valued by Allah (swt): "Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the one who has the most Taqwa. Behold, Allah is all-knowing, all-aware" ( Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13). When a Muslim has Taqwa, he has every blessing from his Lord: he is blessed with rahmah, magfirah and najah. What more can he need or desire? Ramadan Reflections provides readers with an opportunity for deep self-reflection. Through captivating stories and reflections, Aaliyah Umm Raiyaan encourages readers to find a deeper understanding of Islam, as well as to make meaningful connections between the rituals of Ramadan and their everyday lives. She shares personal experiences and speaks from the heart, making this an inspiring and meaningful read for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. With Taqwa we can see clearly who we are, where we are, and where we need to get to, and how we can reach that destination. Ramadan is here to ensure that we have this essential provision with which we can stay safe on our journey of life and attain that cherished destination of eternal rest, peace and joy, and most of all, the ridwan of our Creator and Lord.

Aliyah has an exceptional, authentic style of expression. This book is a manifestation of her incredible talent; her candidness, her vulnerability is ever so endearing. The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims started last weekend. It marks the month in which the first words of the holy book, the Quran, were revealed to the prophet Mohammed. For many, it is marked by fasting with no food or water before the hours of sunrise to sunset which translates from about 4.30am to past 8.00pm. Some Muslims, though, including children are exempt and others choose to profess their faith in their own way. That said, it is one of the five core pillars of Islam and is a time for heightened reflection and prayer. Having had the experience of the second read through, I feel confident in saying that this will easily become the kind of book people will choose to dip in and out of many times and read over again, as there will always be some lesson or comfort to take from it. 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.

Salam Ramadan!

I wish I had this book, Ramadan Reflections when I was a teenager. I would have learned concepts and had reflections that would have shaped me to be a better young woman then, leading to a better older woman now. This special book is an ocean of gems and a fountain of hope. Meetings - consider hosting meetings earlier in the day (from 10am - 1pm) rather than in the afternoon, as energy levels may reduce during the day. I feel like I’ve put myself through something that is challenging but hope to complete the month as a better person. I would like to wish everyone Eid Mubarak –& hope you have a blessed and safe Eid with your family and loved ones.” Secondly, we see at the very heart of fasting in the Islamic tradition is the idea of a shared heritage. Muslims fast, the Qur’an tells us, just like the peoples of the past. Fasting, in some form or another, is a feature of every major faith on Earth and unsurprisingly, every major faith outside of Earth too. Thirty days without food and drink (not even water) from dawn to dusk in Ramadan may seem quite the challenge for the average human but it’s got nothing on Kahs-wan, the test of maturity for young Vulcans who must survive ten days without food, water, or weapons in Vulcan's Forge. Likewise, in Deep Space Nine we get to witness the fright of Worf’s Kal'Hyah, the four-day Klingon bachelor party that consists of fasting while facing trials of deprivation, blood, pain, sacrifice, anguish, and death. Fasting is also common practice in Bajor, they even have a month-long fast during the Bajoran Time of Cleansing — sound familiar?

A very comforting part of Ramadan Reflections came quite early on regarding LOVE, particularly the love for oneself. Not the egotistical, self-obsessed, proud version so commonly plastered all over social media nowadays. But the private kind, a connection between oneself and the Lord, one that promotes knowing one’s value and self-worth, all written in the most humbling words. I challenge you to not feel moved! Ironically each of these corners of the golden triangle has contributed and presented divine gifts to the other corners and we shall review these unique blessings here.Gaza: 100 bodies to be buried in mass grave in Al-Shifa Hospital due to continuous Israeli airstrikes One aims of this month is to recharge the person spiritually, so there is an attempt to spend more time in prayer and acts of worship. There is a special prayer called the Tarraweh, that is offered after the evening prayer. This prayer can be offered in congregation or at home. Thus, this month provides a Muslim with time to return to their religion and establish or re-establish acts of worship that will carry them through the year till the next Ramadhan. Ramadhan is also a time for charity. Any act of charity during this month is magnified in value. There is a small mandatory charity paid during the month of Ramadhan to ideally reach the needy by the end of Ramadhan. To celebrate the end of Ramadan there is a day of festivity known as Eid, this entails a morning prayer and then gatherings with friends and family. Imam Ali is known as the “walking Qur’an” who has manifested by actions the content of the Holy Qur’an.He collected and compiled the Holy Qur’an which we have in our hands today. Imam Ali (as) is the interpreter of the Qur’an, as the Prophet (sa) said, “I have come to deliver the message of the Qur’an, and Imam Ali is its interpreter.” It is also a time when Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds, from acts of charity and community engagement to increasing good values such as generosity, solidarity, kindness, patience and forgiveness.