'Ramadan has cemented my faith in Allah'

Dubai - We allow in the compassion for others to appreciate what we actually have rather than focus on what we do not.

For me, the challenging nature of fasting has been that of the spirit. Through tiredness and the lack of food and water, the mind can tend to wander around many thoughts and feelings. What I always bring myself back to make a resolve, is that this has been my choice to undertake this way forward in life, and with it to confront the challenges faced. I have chosen to fast to cement my belief in Allah. It has taught me to be more humble, to view the world in different eyes, it gives you time to appreciate the more simple parts of one's own life and not all the material nature that we end up going down. I have become more focused on those relationships around me, to think about more of those in need compared to myself.
My belief in Allah gives me the strength to handle all the struggles of my life. And that's how I also handle my urges in this holy month and also generally in other months as well. I still remember the day I embraced Islam. I, at once, felt that connection with God and that helped me a lot to deal with any and every issue of my life. Ramadan time has only cemented that faith of mine in Allah. 
Ramadan is not just about the things you restrict yourself from, but what you allow in during this time. We allow in the compassion for others, to focus on those less fortunate than ourselves, to appreciate what we actually have rather than focus on what we do not. Through this time, Allah gives us time to reflect, to reconnect with the world around us. One of the greatest things about Islam is the sense of community and appreciating that spirit and bond between us. The other greatest part is that for us to connect more deeply with Allah through our prayers, reading and being with others to celebrate his teachings.
So, as I came to break my fast last night, with a cup of juice before heading off to my Iftar meal, I reflected that my first Ramadan will be the first of many. That this is a period of time to be celebrated with the loved ones around me and the feeling of Allah with me, and that has brought me the peace that I have needed for a long time.
saman@khaleejtimes.com 
AS TOLD TO SAMAN HAZIQ)
(Darren Streete is a 39-year-old British national who came to the UAE two and a half years back. He works as an HR manager with a company in Dubai and embraced Islam in December 2017 at the Islamic Information Center, Satwa.)  

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai