Ramadan 2009

This is my first Ramadan, for those who don't know what it is, its the Islamic month of fasting. Its where you refrain from things like eating, drinking, or any excessive indulgence from dawn until dusk. Its meant to teach modesty, patience and spirituality. Its a time to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and to refrain from evils and do good deeds to purify through self-restraint.

Well this is my first one like I said. I have successfully made it through 3 days without breaking fast early and believe me, I have been tested. HA HA the first day I heard the whispers in my ear and I ignored them. Every 30 minutes like clockwork I wept like a baby and was completely cranky refusing all, but I made it and was grateful that I successfully fasted and when it was time to break fast.

Day 2 was not as hard but still left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Day 3 was a bit trying and still not as bad as those before it, the tears flow less day by day and now I'm in the 4Th.

I have successfully ignored the whisperer. I know I will do fine once I get my prayers in order and read my good book.

Because of being a female and the biological functions we women go through, I will have one week to make up later on. I'm sure it will be a piece of cake. (mmm cake lol)

Pondering this, it made me think, if I can make it through Ramadan without breaking fast until after Maghreb (sunset prayer), and be consistent, then I will highly consider fasting on a regular basis. Mondays and Thursdays and maybe adding a day here or there as needed. We will see.

It's making me see a bit clearer on what I need to do with myself and how to go about it. It is most certainly teaching me patience and is improving my spirituality.

***My 4TH day was pretty much a breeze and I'm assuming it will only get easier as the days go by. My body has started telling me interesting things. Thanks to Allah for such a gift!

*** Day 5, just as I suspected... it has gotten much easier. I have been successful in not breaking fast early and I'm beginning to wonder what the big hot fuss was about. I've had a bunch of stressful things happen today and still managed to make it. I suppose Allah has given me more strength than I had originally though. Allahu Akbar!!!

***Day 6, today was fairly stress free, my fasting went very well. It made me think about how easy it actually is and how my body is reacting now that its getting used to this schedule.

2:183 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint -

2:184 Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, - it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.

2:185 Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.

2:187 Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives.They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus Allah makes clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. (The Holy Qur'an) - Yusuf Ali translation

I just figured I'd post the verses as a reminder to us all.

***Day 7, The whisperer was in my head saying nasty little things all day and I managed to ignore every one of those things he was pushing. Even though no one would know what I did in the privacy of my own home (which is the haram collar around my neck (mortgage) I knew to break fast early, would be wrong to do and Allah would be the one who would know. HA HA who would have known that, that alone keeps me from doing something? Tomorrow will be easier.

***Day 8, Another good day was had. I have been blessed!

***Day 9, Due to tons of muscle pains (neck, back, shoulders, hips) I broke fast early to take some pain reliever. I was doing so good and now I'm feeling disappointed. In the beginning I wept because I was fasting, now I'm weeping because I cant. I will have to make this day up later on, Insha'Allah.

***Day 10, Back to my fasting, it went better than I thought it would. I still had those aches and pains but considering I didn't have work the following night, I was able to rest enough and not have to break fast early.

***Day 11, Well, I suppose I am doing quite well with my fasting. Alhamdillilah!

***Day 12, Today was fine, the whisperer was heavy in my ear and still I resisted with the help of a very good brother. May Allah reward him big for his help.

***Days 13, 14, 15, 16,17,18, 19, 20,I will be marking these days down to make up later. Insha'Allah

***Day 21, Back to fasting and amazingly it's like I never stopped. Alhamdilillah!

***Day 22, Feeling like I'm actually doing well for a brand new Muslim going through a first Ramadan.

***Day 23, 24 Doing well, happy to fast.

***Day 25, For undisclosed reasons, I did not fast today. Another day marked to make up.

***Day 26, 27, 28, 29 Brilliant days of fasting. Everything has gone well.

Eid al Fitr was quiet and pleasant. I ate and rested. That's all.