Ramadan - Ranya's reflections

This Ramadan will be difficult for many people with a familiar face missing at the dinner table, loved ones not being here anymore or not being able to visit Mosque’s as frequently as we once were.

Ramadan 2020 was my first Ramadan away from home due to lockdown, which was difficult in many ways. A year later, I am so very grateful to be with my family. My family and loved ones around me have suffered many losses in 2020 due to COVID, and other health reasons, so I feel it brings everything back to what is important for me, which is my connection to my faith. This year I have done more preparation than I have ever done for Ramadan, as I have been reading and connecting on a more spiritual level this year and really focusing on my emotional wellbeing.

The reading and learning has allowed me to shift my focus onto my actions more, my feelings and thoughts.  I have taken this opportunity as a growing one, one where I can use all that COVID has given me, which is the opportunity to reflect on prioritising my faith. I am now each day, thinking about what I could do more and what I can do to feel closer to God during these times.

Without COVID, I do not think I would have thought about my practice this way and in a very strange way I am grateful for the learning COVID has brought. It has allowed me to learn more about my faith in connection with my own mental health and wellbeing. I feel that I have not taken advantage of each Ramadan so I am very conscious that this year will be different for me, I aim to give more, do more and stay inspired by the wonderful Muslim role models in my life such as my parents.