This afternoon, while out in the garden my neighbour popped his head over above the fence and asked 'are you fasting today?!' I was a little bit startled because I was sure we weren't fasting - I doubted myself. Anyway, it kind of hit home then that tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan.
I love Ramadan, it makes me marvel at how easy fasting becomes. It shows us how doubting yourself can pull you back because in Ramadan, we find this strength, this amazing willpower and faith. It brings people together - ties with family as well as strangers. There is a sense of giving present in Ramadan, hospitality and openness, that feeling that we are all in this together.
This is the first Ramadan in our own house and keeping small child busy whilst fasting will certainly be challenging! This is also our first Ramadan whilst social distancing. It'll be odd, very odd. Ramadan is normally a very sociable time. You drop off food to friends and neighbours, go to talks in the mosque on weekends where you'll meet a group of people - see, lot's of socialising. Of course at the end of Ramadan comes Eid. Eid involves meeting family and eating food - yet more socialising.
I don't expect that we'll be able to do that this year because of Covid-19 but at least we are all connected through technology! People are only a phone call or text away. Sometimes even a wave from the window will do!
Now tomorrow if I go out, I won't be needing my water bottle. I won't be able to snack or drink tea during the day and staying home may, or may not, make it harder. Who knows! Let's try it tomorrow.
Ramadan Kareem to all those people taking part! May this month be filled with blessings, enlightenment and mercy.
Stay well and stay safe. Remember, we are all in this together.
I love Ramadan, it makes me marvel at how easy fasting becomes. It shows us how doubting yourself can pull you back because in Ramadan, we find this strength, this amazing willpower and faith. It brings people together - ties with family as well as strangers. There is a sense of giving present in Ramadan, hospitality and openness, that feeling that we are all in this together.
Small child must be kept busy or this happens! |
I don't expect that we'll be able to do that this year because of Covid-19 but at least we are all connected through technology! People are only a phone call or text away. Sometimes even a wave from the window will do!
Now tomorrow if I go out, I won't be needing my water bottle. I won't be able to snack or drink tea during the day and staying home may, or may not, make it harder. Who knows! Let's try it tomorrow.
Ramadan Kareem to all those people taking part! May this month be filled with blessings, enlightenment and mercy.
Stay well and stay safe. Remember, we are all in this together.