Ramadan
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Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman, London We have just gone through a month of fasting in Ramadan which is, as we all know, much more than just refraining from eating and drinking. Ramadan is the month of generosity, alms and charity. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) used to give charity “like the fast wind”…
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Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn A few months into the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip I came across a social media post that recalled all the mundane things we do during our day, like eating a warm meal with our family, having a conversation with a friend, going out for a walk or sleeping under a…
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Bareera Ghaffar, Birmingham This year Ramadan comes at a time when hearts are heavy, when the soul needs nourishment, and when the world at every corner is crying for help. The holiest month in the Islamic calendar is not solely about abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset, but rather about deep reflection…
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Nooresahar Ahmad, Hampshire Like many, I find myself entering Ramadan wondering how to deal with the knowledge that, in Gaza, the Palestinian people continue to face horrors beyond comprehension. I wonder what it means to fast knowing that in the Gaza strip, at least 576,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. One in…
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Iffat Mirza, Raynes Park Indeed, happiness is something that cannot be taken for granted. This world is full of pain and grief but there are beautiful moments which are interspersed throughout our life where our cheeks may ache with smiles too big for our faces to bear. Whether it is laughing with your siblings around…
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Arfa Yassir, Swindon Salvation may be described as the state of balance and harmony of our spiritual being. Since our spiritual beings transcend the boundaries of this life, such harmony is carried to the afterlife, as well. Islam teaches this state can be achieved, or the process can start at least, in this life. Spiritual…
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Iffat Mirza, Raynes Park As it is the second Ashra, or ten days, of Ramadan, it is time to consider the Forgiveness. The concept of forgiveness is one of the most fascinating ideas to ponder over. The act of forgiveness implies not only so much about the forgiver but also the forgiven. As such, I…
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Mahrukh Arif-Tayyeb, Newcastle We have all heard of the expression ‘words can make or break a person’, but do we deeply reflect on it? As we begin the holy month of Ramadan and navigate through its first Ashra (ten days), let us pause and think of the last time somebody’s words hurt our feelings and…
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Dur-e-Shewar Anwar, Manchester In contemporary culture fasting in its various forms is being increasingly revered for its health benefits. However, fasting is an age-old tradition; practised historically by religious or spiritual individuals seeking some form of detachment from the physical world in order to progress in their spiritual development. In Islam fasting is prescribed by…
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Arfa Yassir, Swindon To listen we need to be attentive and focused. The process of listening to yourself i.e. reflection and contemplation requires to disconnect from the hustle of daily life, a silence to reflect inwards. One is reminded of a quote from the celebrated 13th century Persian mystic and poet Maulana Rumi: “Let silence…
Voice of British Muslim Women 