My Ramadan Diary: Those People Again!

By Umm Ibrahim Ramadan has ended. Eid is here. Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept from us and you all! Allah is the Greatest. There is no God but Him. And to Him belongs all Praise and Gratitude. Many of us have been privileged to go through the entire Quran this month either on our own,...

My Ramadan Diary: What will the People Say?

By Umm Ibrahim "Log kia kahein gy?" "Log kia kahein gy?" - this has probably killed more dreams and good intentions than any other thought. As Ramadan softens our hearts and shakes our conscience, we dream of becoming better people, we make good, honest intentions, but often the fear of people stops us from forging...

My Ramadan Diary: Friends!

By Umm Ibrahim All things come to an end. So shall Ramadan in just a few days. One thing that we all fear, or should fear, is turning back on our heels after Ramadan, and nullifying whatever of good actions and habits we have maintained. Here is a golden tip to keep you keep steadfast...

My Ramadan Diary: Getting on Your Nerves?

By Umm Ibrahim So, you casually resolved to maintain a smiling, cheerful countenance in Ramadan. Little did you know that something apparently so easy will also prove a tough nut to crack at times. It's actually quite uplifting, easy and fun to be cheerful with people who are good to you. But who wants to...

My Ramadan Diary: Break The Ice

By Umm Ibrahim So, for 11 months, we did as we chose. We broke the promises we made last Ramadan. We undid all our efforts. We corrupted our hearts and polluted our minds. We put the dunya in front of us and chucked the akhirah behind. We forgot the allegiance we pledged to Allah. We...

My Ramadan Diary: What’s the time?

By Umm Ibrahim Every year, Ramadan is either 696 hours or 720 hours. From the first Maghrib of the month to the last, that’s all it is. That’s all each one of us gets after waiting for a year. The real resource we have is time. Whatever good we can earn in this month, we...

My Ramadan Diary: Hold Your Tongue!

We’re almost done with the 1st ashra of Ramadan. Just a couple of hours left now. The rest of Ramadan will also zoom by at the same speed, if not faster. It is a good idea to sit down and evaluate how we have been spending our days and nights, and what areas are we...

My Ramadan Diary: Abort Mission NOW!

By Umm Ibrahim Physical intake should decrease in Ramadan; spiritual intake should increase. One of the best ways to increase spiritual intake is to connect to the Quran, to recite it and reflect on it, individually and in a group. Both modes have their own benefits and virtues. Alhamdolillah, I’ve been trying to attend Quran...

My Ramadan Diary: All you could ask for!

  By Umm Ibrahim “Verily your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi) Two Ramadans back, someone advised me to make a Dua List for Ramadan. Always a fan of making lists, I sat down and...

My Ramadan Diary: Forgive Me When I Whine

By Umm Ibrahim Hot days? Long fasts? Parched tongue? Droopy eyes? Aching legs? This Ramadan, I will not whine! I absolutely refuse to complain. Not only will I not complain to Tom, Dick and Harry (or to Jamilah, Sakinah and Aneela) I will not even complain to myself! I feel too grateful to do that. I...