Ramadhan

For years Ramadhan has been a yearly norm, where food and water are refrained from during daylight hours. It seemed so simple, yet I failed to truly grasp the essence of Ramadhan. It's more than just starving yourself till sunset- it's about becoming spiritually whole again. It's a time to reconcile and meditate your inner conflicts, a time to become truly connected with your Creator. 

As I've grown older this has become more evident, seeing Ramadhan as a month to become more grateful for what I have. But looking even beyond that, Ramadhan reminds us of who is in control. The purpose of abstaining from food and drink for hours is for God and it reinforces our role as His creation. 

It's about understanding life itself; the temporary journey we are all embarking upon, and reminds us of who we shall meet at the end of this short road. 

Having total control over your emotions without a daily necessity is tough, but it reinforces the inner strength we all have built inside of us, a strength we disregard for 11 months. 

Ramadhan seals and mends and brings hope to those who have lost it. 

The blessings showered during this month bring families, communities and loved ones closer together- regardless of their nationality or culture. The beauty of Islam is its ability to join people different in numerous ways with one belief. The fact that 2.2 billion people across 192 countries are partaking in the same struggle for God reinforces this unity and brotherhood that Islam advocates proudly.

 Ramadhan could be the month in which that girl starts regularly praying Salah. It could be the month in which that man finally decides he's going to embark on the Hajj. It could be the month that brings a broken family together at last. Its endless power is unfathomable, so spend this month wisely and achieve something you'll be truly proud of.