Going into Ramadan, many of us are experiencing
hardships of some kind. Some of us are dealing with
painful relationship problems, difficulties in our marriages,
problems with in-laws, breakups, debt, loneliness, or are
struggling with feelings of shame and guilt.
Let’s allow Ramadan to be a soothing balm for our souls.
Let it purify us. Let Ramadan remind us of Allah’s
immense and infinite favors. Let Ramadan do its inner
work on us, and when it’s over let’s not go back to what
we were.
If Ramadan allows us to climb ten steps higher on the
ladder toward Jannah, then maybe after Ramadan we fall
back two or three steps, but not all the way. Be better and
stronger than we were. This holy month will teach us, if we
let it.
Lastly, let’s remember those who are suffering.
Afghanistan and Yemen are in the midst of famine. The
Horn of Africa is withering from drought. The people of
Syria and Iraq are struggling and dying as we speak. Give
sadaqah if you can, through organizations which assist the
suffering across the globe.
And make dua’! Your dua’ matters. The Prophet
Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, said
that there are three whose dua is never rejected by Allah: a
fasting person at the time of breaking fast, the just ruler
and the one who is oppressed.’ (Ahmad,Tirmidhi

)
O Allah, for You do we fast, and for You do we break our
fast. All praise is due to You, who fed us, and gave us to
drink, and made us Muslims. Purify us during this month,
relieve us from our burdens, and forgive us. – Ameen.