Diary of a Fasting Girl — Entry 1, Day 4

May 9, 2019

It’s sometimes so hard to believe that our beautiful guest, Ramadan, comes around so fast. And as it does, it brings in its wake the endless blessings and bountiful mercy of Our Lord, Allah (God). I am thankful everyday that I was given the honor of welcoming this month again, and I pray that I am granted this honor many many more times.

There’s something to be said about the clarity that arrives with this month. Throughout the year, when life is full of endless ups and downs, hardships and ease, it is hard to just stop and appreciate the blessings we just end up taking for granted. As Ramadan graces us, everything slows down around us, and all the little blessings that we forget that we have shine like little beacons, pulling us out of the cave of our bustling lives.

No, not everyone is fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads. No, not everyone is fortunate enough to have the tasty food that you enjoy. No, not everyone has unlimited supply of water to keep them hydrated and clean. No, not everyone is surrounded by supportive family. No, not everyone has groups of friends who cheer them on in whatever they do. No, not everyone is living in a place where they have the freedom to live a charmed life, without worrying whether they would make it through the day, have enough food to feed their family, have working lights and thermostat control.

And these are just the more obvious blessings that are forgotten throughout the year, when we just worry about what little is wrong with our lives rather than what all is right.

I hope, for myself at least, I don’t lose this clarity. Life is so much better when you can see that all that is good outweighs all that is wrong. The last few days have helped me to realize that I have way too much that I don’t appreciate the way I should. I have way too much that I could cherish better.

Alhumdulillah (All Praise is to God), the fasts have been easy for me thus far. As I sit in the shelter of my home where I can decide how hot or cold I choose to be, as I cook meals to fill my belly before suhoor (meal before dawn), as I lay to rest in the comfort of my bed — all easy. Alhumdulillah.