Over five decades, I have developed a structured approach to embrace the transformative opportunities of Ramadhan. Of course, its Quran and Sunnah based! Here I wish to share that profound wisdom.
Ramadhan: The Spring of the Soul
Life, like nature, moves in seasons. Spring brings renewal, summer nurtures growth, autumn is for harvesting, and winter provides rest and reflection. Our lives follow the same cycles, and recognising the season we are in allows us to flourish. Ramadhan is the spring of the soul – a season of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and moral refinement. Just as a tree blossoms and bears fruit in its time, so does the believer thrive during Ramadhan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called it ‘the month of compassion and patience.’ It is the time to realign with divine purpose and cultivate inner growth.
Breaking Free from the Cycle of Excess
Many people feel trapped in an endless cycle – chasing comfort, indulging in consumption, and being consumed by worldly duties. People’s lives revolve around material gratification, creating a loop of earning and spending. Fasting is the perfect antidote to this excessive lifestyle. By abstaining from food, drink, and worldly pleasures, we shift our focus from the physical to the spiritual, from the material to the eternal.
Fasting sets us free from the control of our senses, sharpening self-control, and allowing us to experience the sweetness of devotion. It unveils the soul, bringing us closer to Allah Almighty. “When My servants ask you about Me, tell them that I am near, I answer the prayer of the prayerful whenever he prays to Me. So, they should obey Me, and believe in Me. Then they are guided” (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). During this sacred month, we experience an unparalleled sense of peace, clarity, and divine closeness. Reducing distractions, increasing devotion, and deep reflection contribute to a great transformation.
The Three Stages of Ramadhan: A Journey of Growth
Days 1 – 10: Preparation and Excitement
As Ramadhan begins, my daily routine shifts. The five daily prayers, preferably in congregation, become a source of strength. The night is illuminated by the tarawiḥ prayers, and my tongue constantly repeats: “Ya Ḥayyu ya Qayyum”, Ever Living One, Self-Sufficient One. Determined to maximise the blessings, I engage deeply with The Majestic Quran – reading with understanding, reflecting, and internalising its message. I reduce my food intake, ensuring that both sehri and iftar remain simple and nourishing. With the discipline of fasting, my prayers become more focused, and my heart more receptive. Sleep decreases naturally, freeing up precious time for worship and reflection. Already, the body feels lighter, the mind clearer, and the soul content.
Days 11 – 20: The Inner Voice Grows Louder
By now, my desires for food, drink, and worldly distractions have significantly diminished. Frequent recitation of the Quran and increased devotion have disciplined my senses, making way for a deeper connection with the Divine. The heart softens, the mind calms, and the soul yearns for nearness to its Lord. The stillness of the night calls for Tahajjud, the night vigil, where I seek forgiveness for my sins in solitude. My diet becomes even lighter, with less meat, fewer indulgences, and more fruit and water, allowing me to maintain focus on the spiritual journey. With physical and mental distractions minimised, I immerse myself in remembrance and devotion, avoiding unnecessary social interactions. This is the time to be with Allah. My prayer routine is now well-established:
✔️ Five daily prayers
✔️ Ishraq after Fajr
✔️ Awwabin after Maghrib
✔️ Tahajjud before Sehri
Days 21 – 30: The Blessings Overflow
The final stretch – ten days of immense spiritual potential. Now is the time to assess, and reflect on what I can do better for growth. These moments are precious, and I strive to cherish each one. The beloved master (peace be upon him) said “If people knew how precious Ramadhan is they would wish the entire year turned Ramadhan,” I am fortunate as I spend these days in iʿtikaf (spiritual retreat), withdrawing from the world to fully immerse in worship. Here, in the serenity of the masjid, detached from distractions, I experience the beauty of spiritual elevation. Women can do spiritual retreat at home. Reading, teaching, and learning the Quran have become my sole focus. The worldly burdens fade, replaced by a sense of divine presence.
The 27th night, Laylat al-Qadr, is the pinnacle of Ramadhan: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months”. It is a night of unmatched blessings, where the heavens open, and angels descend. The Quran, the ultimate guidance, was revealed on this night. As I stand in prayer, reciting and reflecting, I feel the weight of divine love and the hope of redemption.
Final Reflection: Carrying the Light Forward
As Ramadhan draws to a close, I reflect on its immense impact: lighter heart, sharper mind, and soul at peace. But this journey is not just for a month – it is a proposal for the year ahead. May we carry this discipline, devotion, and spiritual clarity beyond Ramadhan. May our hearts remain connected to the Divine, and may we continue to flourish in every season of life. Ya Ḥayyu ya Qayyum – Ever-Living One, Self-Sufficient One. Bless us. Ameen!
