Whilst the month of Ramadhan has an extremely intent focus on fasting and the Holy Qur’an, it also lends itself to several subtle and usually, disregarded acts.
Whether one has a plan or not, it’s usually accepted that Muslims exit Ramadhan a better version of themselves. Some have a rigid plan that they follow throughout the month, whilst others simply wing it. In any case, the month contains within it a certain powerful energy that assists us in making reformations. But we can all agree that so much more can be done!
Ramadhan challenges our spiritual weaknesses by prompting us to reflect more, spend more, recite more and most importantly, practice self-control. However, to fully maximise the growth potential, it’s necessary that these concepts are given conscious and invested thought. Instead of aimlessly passing through Ramadhan, challenge yourself by introducing the concept of conscious reflection.
Reflection is an undervalued and often ignored practice. Abstaining from food and drink is an intentional act and one that results in reviving two things; the heart and the mind. Food is a major contributing factor to heedlessness, so when consumption decreases, the heart and the mind have the opportunity to awaken. This powerful transition results in being able to think deeply and reflect on what matters.
Reflection is a conscious act and can only be done when the mind and the body are not deterred by environmental factors such as eating and drinking. But why is it so important?
Looking into the mirror and assessing oneself is the key to success. It’s the magic recipe to make those changes that you’ve always wanted to make. When one reflects, he or she looks carefully and thoroughly at one’s shortcomings and also successes.
Reflection lends the opportunity to figure out where things have gone wrong and what requires changing. It’s very common to race through life without ever pausing for thought. But Ramadhan brings things to a halt and gives us the time to figure things out. It gives us the chance to ask important questions such as, ‘is this something I want to carry on doing?’ or ‘what am I grateful for?’. As a result, one begins noticing and challenging certain behaviors and begins to express gratitude for what one has.
This Ramadhan, makes reflection an everyday act. Develop new habits of questioning, challenging and enumerating blessings, so that you leave Ramadhan with a renewed vision of how to approach not only religious and spiritual complications but also all matters of life.
Main Image – Robert Murray, Unspalsh
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
