Why Is Ramadan so Special to me?
Why Is Ramadan so Special to me?
I Am A Ramadan Shahada
Every year it never fails, the countdown of Ramadan makes me feel a bit nostalgic, excited, happy, grateful and extremely blessed all at once. These feelings tend to become much more intense as we anxiously wait for the arrival of the month that we all hope to see, experience and live each year…
It was one last day of Ramadan several years ago, on a chilly fall night in Union City, NJ where I embraced Islam. At NHIEC to be exact, this place not only became my second home but it truly became my safe haven. Even though I didn’t understand a word that was recited that night, I clearly remember how my heart trembled with the beautiful recitation my ears heard. As I sit here and ponder on that life changing night I can’t thank my Lord enough for choosing me to say
أشهد أن لا إله إلا اللــــه وأشهد أن محمداً رسول اللـــــه
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (God)
And even though soon after storm of trails and turbulence were poured on me. If you were to ask me today if would I do it again? My answer is, in a heart beat, I wish I hadn’t prolong as long as I did. One of my biggest concerns at the time was the hijab and, the other was, what would people say specially my family?
The hijab is the last thing one should worry about, I believe that the most important aspect of anyone’s journey should be to focus on our relationship with our Creator. Get to know Him through His beautiful 99 names, Islam is an ocean and we will die with only a few drops of knowledge.
Do not expect to learn everything over night, take it easy, be merciful with yourself, everything will fall into place. Trust me on this one and as far as family goes. Practice what you preach with conviction, read and implement in your life the seerah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him), they will have no choice than to love who you evolve into. At the end of the day family will always be family but your quest, your search, your thirst, your aching soul and ultimate journey is only yours. Do not wait for tomorrow, it is not promised, so many have heard the message of Islam, procrastinated and did not make it to see this Ramadan.
Islam is the religion of the natural state of man (fitrah), the religion of reason and thought. Allah (God) has distinguished the truth from falsehood. He has enjoined all that is good and forbidden all that is evil. He has permitted good things and forbidden evil things. There is no compulsion in religion because the benefits or harms come back upon the created being, not upon the Creator. Allah (God) says (interpretation of the meaning):
We don’t choose our families, but we choose our friends who eventually become part of our family. They are God’s gift to us, as we are to them.
If you feel it in your heart, pray with all of your might ask for guidance and leave the rest to the Almighty for He is the one who changes hearts and guides, that is exactly what I did.
The arrival of Ramadan also allows me to transport myself to that life changing day. Being able to recap, reflect, appreciate, accept and embrace my journey is a blessing that keeps me in the state of gratitude.
I have met some of the most amazing people throughout my journey and have had unforgettable teachings, memories and experiences during our blessed month throughout the years. I have also been able to truly understand and implement my sole purpose in life.
Yes, indeed my life has changed completely, 360 degrees from the first day I accepted Islam but the best part has not been my change. The best part has truly been to live and learn side by side with my then baby boy who is now a teenager. It’s been an absolute privilege to be able to give and see my son grow in the type of environment I longed for.
“He was my leap of faith, he is my biggest blessing, my daily test, my strength, my friend, my rock, my Leech, my legacy, my love, my hope, my mahram, He calls me MOM”
What a blessing my journey has been, never in a million years would I have thought I would be where I am today and for all of that I am grateful and couldn’t be happier, Alhamdulillah!
I wonder how many of you have also embraced Islam during the month of Ramadan? Let’s share with the world why Ramadan is so special to us. Post a picture of yourself or something that reminds or transports you to the day you embraced Islam “Shahada” on any or all of your social media accounts with the following hashtag #IamaRamadanShahada I am looking forward on reading your stories and virtually meeting y’all my fellow Ramadan Shahada Brothers and Sisters, in shaa Allah!
I ask Allah subhana wa taa’la to make it easy on every fasting Muslim, forgive our shortcomings continue guiding us. May He put barakah in our time, accept our fasting, good deeds, unite our hearts in this life and the next. Ameen!
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