Full English Breakfast - Ramadhan in the UK
Fasting Alone
The first time I fasted for Ramadhan was two years ago - about six months before I actually converted to Islam. I was studying for my finals at University at the time, and I didn't tell any of my friends in case they thought I was going crazy! It was a private and special experience which brought me much strength, peace and clarity.
My second Ramadhan, however, was an entirely different affair. By then I had become part of the local Muslim community, mainly through working with other Muslims from various backgrounds. This time Ramadhan was more chaotic and exhausting - but also a lot of fun as I was surrounded by people enjoying the same experience as me.
Magical Mornings
For the first few weeks of Ramadhan I was staying with a very kind and devout Muslim lady called Zahida, so getting up for Suhoor (pre-dawn breakfast) was always lovely. We listened to nasheeds (Islamic songs) on Radio Ramadhan and there was always plenty of food to prepare us for the day ahead.
There is something magical about that time of day, when you can see just the faintest hint of a glow on the horizon and everything is peaceful and silent. During Ramadhan the magic seems to intensify, and your imaan (faith) becomes stronger than at any other time. Life falls into perspective, and depriving yourself of food and drink seems such a small price to pay for the blessings of the month.
Coffee Conundrum
During my first 'official' Ramadhan I loved the strong sense of community amongst the Muslims. I would be invited to different homes for Iftar every week. The feeling of togetherness was sometimes overwhelming, and I must have eaten more during that month than the entire rest of the year!
My main struggle during Ramadhan was the coffee conundrum I faced each morning. If I drank a cup of coffee at Suhoor I would not be able to sleep afterwards - but if I skipped it I would suffer caffeine withdrawal symptoms until Iftar! It was an example of how fasting makes you confront your weaknesses, and resolve to change. It also makes you appreciate how lucky we are to have plenty of food to break our fasts. We have so much, alhamdulillah. Throughout Ramadhan our thoughts and prayers should be with those who are not so fortunate.
Eid Mayhem
Eid fell on one of those beautiful ice-cold winter days when the sun is shining and the sky is clear and blue. I walked to the Central Mosque with a huge smile on my face, greeting every passing Muslim with "Eid Mubarak", whether I knew them or not! Cars trying to reach the mosque spread across the dual carriageway, reducing the traffic to one lane. The mosque was packed to its limit. So many people praying together felt really special.
That afternoon I was invited to my friend Fozia's house where I encountered absolute mayhem! All her family was there, with all of their children and I spent most of my time trying not to get in the way. Alhamdulillah, I felt really lucky to have spent the day with a Muslim family on Eid. It was such a contrast to the previous year when I hadn't known anyone, and had celebrated the day on my own with a takeaway pizza!
I'm looking forward to this Ramadhan, now that I have an extra year's worth of experience as a Muslim. With a better idea of what to expect, and a deeper understanding of my faith, this Ramadhan should be even more special than last year, insh'Allah.
Rebecca Johnson
YOUR COMMENTS:
Alhamdulillah i have got new sister, may Allah bless your life and all of us. Aminnn
You have had a wonderful and blessed Ramadhan so I hope this year will be the same!
