A cordial invitation, once again, to the House of Allah (s.w.t.)! How blessed are we? It is with great joy that we have been given the opportunity to accept the grand invitation by Allah (s.w.t.) for the Holy Month of Ramadhan. A banquet has been prepared, one we have witnessed time and time again, yet each year brings forth new ambitions.
Before us is a feast of opportunities – the ‘ever-so-distracting’ Shaytan is locked up, the treasures of Tawbah and Forgiveness are ample, and the chances to earn Thawaab and tally up our deeds for the Hereafter are endless! But more importantly, what did we bring to the table this time?
Only you can answer that question…
Ramadhan 1433 is the 3rd Ramadhan I am doing in London, England after having moved back from Orlando. The atmosphere in Orlando will truly be missed during these special days, and so will the atmosphere of my parent’s house, as it is my first Ramadhan as a wife, and in a new home.
But what I have noticed over the past years, as we grow and learn, is that this amazing month can be spiritually reviving; not solely due to the atmosphere around you, but the atmosphere you create within you. This year, my husband and I have decided to set goals that we can achieve by the end of the month. Not only does that give us a chance to explore the treasures of Allah’s Mercy but it also gives us good reason to keep striving in this month and not walk away ashamed on Eid Day noting our accomplishments as only the pleasures of our appetite.
I can only suggest that we all take a few moments and put pen to paper and set a few goals. Make your goals realistic; goals that you can achieve within the month. Set yourself challenges to acquire new habits, aim to memorise a Surah or a Du’a by the end of the month, and turn to Him….most importantly…turn to His doors of Mercy and Repentance that are so vastly open in this month.
I wish you all a blessed month in which you enjoy everything that is presented at the Banquet, by His Mercy…and also for Iftaar your local centre! Just remember which one is the priority…
With love and Du’as,
Rumina x