As I sit here in the quiet moments after Maghrib, I can feel your presence waning while the celebratory atmosphere of Syawal intensifies.

Amid the flurry of lights and sounds of Eid, I can’t help but to notice my heart feeling heavy with a sense of longing. On my sajadah upon giving my salawat and salaam, I find myself yearning for the many moments we have shared in the past month, and the memories we created.

Each year, I eagerly await your arrival. But in a blink of an eye, you are gone again; as peacefully and as lightly as a feather in the wind. 

Perhaps, you are a reflection of life itself – ephemeral and transient.

The days that turn into nights, the opportunities that turn into sleepless nights of worship and devotion, and the time that turns into sand, slipping through my fingers.

Dear Ramadan, just a month on the calendar you may be to others, but you are a time of profound meaning to me. Each year, you take me on a beautiful journey of deep spirituality and devotion, reflection, and self-discovery.

Waking up in the stillness of your nights, I will always miss the intimate moments of reflection and devotion as I stand in worship, seeking familiarity with Allah. The quietude, serenity, and calmness that descends upon me in those nights can never be replicated. The physical challenges of fasting remind me of my limited nature as a human being, yet serving as a motivation for self-discipline.

The grumbling of the stomach, the parched throat, and the fatigue during the long hours of the day are all reminders of my own mortality and the evanescence of the body as a mere vessel. The laughter, conversations, and gatherings with loved ones during iftar remain to be moments that I cherish with all my heart. The bonds forged are strengthened by our shared passion and fidelity for you.

Above all, these moments remind me to be grateful for the blessings and sustenance in my life. The late-night visits to the mosque for taraweeh prayers, the sense of community and spirituality that permeates the air, and the feeling of being part of something greater than myself.

The unity that we feel as we stand shoulder to shoulder, reciting the Quran in unison, is a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the power of collective worship.

The weekends of lending our hands to help the underprivileged and underserved in the community makes me strive to not only be a person dedicated to the religion, but one who is dedicated to the betterment of society as well.

Dear Ramadan, you inspire me.

You inspire me to reflect on my actions, thoughts, and intentions, and seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah, and confront my shortcomings and strive for self-improvement, to let go of grudges and resentments, and to purify my heart and soul.

You have witnessed my tears, my joys, my struggles, and my triumphs. You have seen me at my most vulnerable and at my most determined. You have brought me closer to Allah, and closer to myself. You have ignited a fire within my soul that burns with a renewed sense of faith, purpose, and hope. You have reminded me of the fleeting nature of this life and the importance of striving for righteousness and goodness.

For every

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun TuHibbul `Afwa Fa`fu `Annii’

For every

أَشهَدُ أَن لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ الله، أَستَغفِرُ الله، نَسأَلُكَ الجَنَّةَ ونَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّار

Ashhadu an la ilaha illAllah, astaghfirullah, nas-alukal-jannata wa na’uzu bika minan-nar

For every 

اللهُمَّ تَقَبَّل سُجُودنَا وَرُكُوعَنَا بِرحمَتِكَ يَارَبَّ العَالَمِينَ

Allahuma taqqabal sujoodana wa ruk’ana bi rahma tika yaa rabbal aalamin.

May I get to embrace you once again. 

Minal ‘aidin wal faizin wal maqbulin wal maghfurin wa kullu ‘am wa antum bikhair. TaqabbAlallahu minna wa minkum.

With love and in worship.