Cook Happiness and Discipline this Quarantined Ramadan

Millions of Muslims across the world welcome Ramadan with open arms. People utilize this time to repent to Allah and strengthen family relationships. The month of Ramadan is not like any other month of the year; it is just so different. Everything about Ramadan is exhilarating and probably makes you feel like you are in seventh heaven…..until hunger starts to kick in.
Uncontrollable hunger makes me rivet my eyes on the clock- tick tock tick tock. A few minutes to Maghrib and my mom is already screaming at the top of her lungs, “HAAAAANIIIIIIII, PAKORAY LE AAO ROZA KHULNE WALA HAI (Hani, get the snacks because it’s time to break the fast!).” And here comes the best announcement of the day, “Karachi aur uske Mazafaat mein Maghrib ka waqt hua CHAHTA (doesn’t sound right, I know) hai.” And that first sip of water is oh-so-divine.

Everything about this month is decked with
a distinct sense of gratitude. Ramadan fortifies the sense of community through
iftar gatherings with friends and family, Taraweeh (night prayers) at the
mosques, and large-scale charities.  

Unfortunately, Ramadan’20 will be very different. Suspension of gatherings and absolute closure of public spaces have caused nostalgia, uncertainty, and anxiety. Yeah, the pitfalls of COVID-19 justify these feelings!

There is no denying the fact that Ramadan
will not be the same, but equally true is the fact that we’ll get through these
regressive times! For that matter, I have penned down some tips that you can
still work on to enliven a quarantined Ramadan this year.

Why don’t you create a buzz by counting down to Ramadan with your friends and family? You can mark your calendars or do this mentally because the holy month now arrives in less than a week (happy dance). This will create a hype in your mind and make you feel ALIVE!!!

Oh, yes! Ramadan is the most awaited guest of the year so it must feel special during its stay at your place. Make every corner of your house spick and span. As a cherry on top, add festal touches to refresh your mood. And by the way, my mom is having a wonderful time utilizing me as the best fan-cleaning resource nowadays. Clean fans, y’all!

Reap bonus rewards by seeking the right knowledge about Ramadan. The next step is to apply your knowledge to proliferate your rewards. A good way to start is to listen to the stories of the Prophets narrated by Mufti Menk. The more you learn, the more you are able to attain perfection in your conduct this month!

Firstly, jot down your goals for Ramadan and make a plan on how you can achieve these goals. I know you would want to go to the mosque for Taraweeh, but how about you set up your own prayer space to worship? It will help revive that feel to some extent. Also, set realistic goals, please! Transition to an out-and-out religious scholar is a long shot, but it certainly does not mean that you are back at square one after Ramadan. Therefore, planning every day upon the commencement of the holy month will help you stay focused.

You know what your bad habits are, don’t you? It’s time to quit these habits and yes, effective immediately!!! Start sleeping early if you are a night owl or kick your Facebook addiction. Purify your intentions and commit yourself to prayer. Moreover, pray to Allah for guidance and toss out your bad habits.  

Staying at home is not that bad, after all. Why don’t you try out new things? For instance, cook suhoor or iftar if you are fortunate enough to be quarantining with your friends or family. Try to make new dishes! Sounds yum, eh?

A little advice for newbies: Be VERY careful. You don’t wanna set the kitchen on fire!

Ramadan is about earning- not money, but rewards! These testing times have been really hard on each one of us, especially the daily-wage earners and their families. We all are staying at homes but that does not stop us from donating. Donate whatever amount you can because it is the purity of your intentions that truly matters. In conclusion, please engage in charitable work and donate online!

Ramadan is not only about spending more time with your loved ones but also Allah and yourself. If you have a roof over your head, a loving family and a palatable feast, be grateful. A pandemic cannot deprive you of your gratitude, self-discipline, and kindness.

From all of us at the IBA Today, we wish you a very Happy Quarantined Ramadan!