A NUDGE

From Ramadhān

Okay! I've finally decided to do something on Substack since God knows when. I'm a little sad that I couldn't start with a bang this month (Oh! How I had fantasized posting on the first day of Ramadhān).

But it's all good. I'm finally here and that's what matters.

We're still very much in Ramadan and I want to share a thing or two about it.

It could have been a privilege and that is what is most likely. We all sat in the train heading in the same direction. Some had stopovers and there and then, their days were over. The rest of us that made it alive to Ramadan were more than grateful. But even after, some lives came to a still. And the cycle continues till the legendary trumpet is blown.

As funny as life can be, it seems like yesterday that the crescent was sighted and the breeze blew, overjoyed. My mind still gives a vivid description of the calming rain that stretched its feet to touch mother earth that evening.

And today, we're ten days away. Those who've set aside their Ramadan with envious plans to amass rewards are by the grace of Allah earning numerous rewards. Those who've also decided to live Ramadan as it comes are also acquiring the rewards as it comes.

It's surprising right, that tonight is the tenth. Now, we do not want this month to slip us by and my question is if we are really doing enough to hold it down. If we're going to make the best of it because we probably might not have another chance.

The first ten days are about to depart before our eyes and it isn't our wish - not mine too - to live the rest of the month as we have been doing from its start. It's not enough what we've been doing since Ramadhān began. It's not even cute to be satisfied with our efforts. After all, we are all racing, seeking the pleasure of Allah and I believe the beautiful thing about seeking rewards and more is that it never gets too much.

Considering going harder, it's not too early and it's not too late. A whole 19-20 days can give birth to excellent things. But there's something else you and I are worried about, more than the renewed energy to dive in again. It is the will, the high determination, to persevere, to stay consistent and persistent. We have our reason which is primarily to earn Allah's pleasure and Jannah and others like getting our Du'aa accepted.

The reasons are as strong and clear as the sky yet the nafs (mind) would want to put up some defense. The urge to get its desires fulfilled. Fortunately, Ramadhān has helped tie down the Shayateen, should we then not follow suit and tie down our Nafs? We can go through the struggle, innit?

We all have to do Jihad against our swaying minds (Nafs), reassuring it of every promise Allah has made likewise scaring the life out of it by reminding it of punishments of Allah. May Allah make this our best Ramadhān yet.

Ramadhān Mubarak! 🤍💜

To me,

and to you.

It's not ‘Jaane’, it's ‘Mata a shita’.