'I ask only Allah, for even the smallest of things in Ramadan'

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I ask only Allah, for even the smallest of things in Ramadan
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Name: Hafsa Zaheer; Nationality: Indian; Age: 23 years; Profession: Marketing professional

By Saman Haziq

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Published: Fri 17 Jun 2016, 6:29 PM

Last updated: Sun 19 Jun 2016, 8:50 AM

Ramadan is a month of immense blessings so I aim to make the most out of this blessed month that is full of spiritual opportunities to seek mercy, forgiveness and deliverance from hellfire.
I avoid going out during Ramadan so we (my family and I) do all grocery and Eid shopping for Ramadan well in advance, ensuring we don't have to waste time going out or getting distracted with worldly affairs during this blessed month.
We are all charged up to seek forgiveness and ask for bounties in this world and hereafter.
I started fasting regularly since I was nine. Back then, it was only about being hungry and anxiously waiting for Iftar. I remember how my parents would keep me occupied and tell me stories of needy people to distract my mind from food. I still laugh thinking about that. Not that I am much different when it comes to food, but it's just that now I have learnt the true meaning and value of this precious month. As I grew older, I started reading the Holy Quran with translation, and thus understood the real meaning behind fasting. That it is not only physical abstinence from food or drink but a cleansing process for the mind and soul, as well. The pangs of hunger have made me value food more than ever and I can empathise with those who cannot afford this basic necessity of life. In short, Ramadan humbles me, and makes me grateful for whatever I have.
Ramadan is a very special month as my proximity with Allah is at its pinnacle. I know that compared to other months, it is easy seeking forgiveness during this blessed month.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves (by sinning), do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." (Quran, Surah Az Zumar, 49:53)
Therefore I try to spend most of the time trying to please Allah by learning His book, His word and understanding and pondering over what God wants from us.
I try and recite the Holy Quran more regularly, seeking forgiveness from God, and yes, I prepare a list of what all prayers I want to request God; after all this is the a month of forgiveness, blessings and rewards.
The unique aspect of this month is the spirit of giving that can be seen all around, especially as Iftar time nears. Mosques are full of worshippers; food parcels can be seen being distributed all around, people are seen sitting together in big groups and waiting for the azaan (call for prayer) to open their fast. There is an inexplicable feeling of unity, love, compassion and brotherhood in the air.
Recently, I visited a neighbourhood mosque for Taraweeh prayers. As we finished our prayers, the lady sitting beside me turned towards me, smiled, touched my face lovingly and passed me a cup of packed water saying 'this for you'. The look of love on her face, her concern for me was just so touching.
I feel work during Ramadan is much easier compared to other months (due to the reduced working hours and special blessings of the month) and it's amazing to see people from different religions show solidarity with us Muslims by not eating in public or even fasting with us at times.
Fasting is about abstaining myself from anything which is not permissible. I make sure I don't even see anything that could remotely invalidate my fast.
We (my three sisters and a brother) have always refrained from watching TV or discussing anything or anyone (backbiting) that does not concern us. Most importantly, we were brought up with the belief that if you need anything, don't ask people, ask Allah and He will give it you. We ask Allah for even the smallest of the things.
Every Ramadan in the UAE has been a memorable one. A few years back, when I spent my Ramadan in my home country India I couldn't keep up with my Taraweeh prayers as we had to pray at home and not in a mosque (as there was no separate section for women) like here in Dubai. That was the time I actually realised the value of Dubai and the conveniences provided to us by the government here.
(As told to Saman Haziq)


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