Ramadan is here.

 Ramadan Kareem. 

Allhamdullilah Ramadan has come once again.  Allhamdullilah we all have the opportunity to fulfill our deen. 

aMuslima is 3 years old and over a decade old in dreams.  I count not the  day but the period it was re-born.  We brought it back to life during this amazing and blessed month. The month of Ramadan. Although its been a while, we still have so much growing to do – outer and inner.  The sisters who have/are/will participate in our quest to talk about Islam in the most practical manner are the strength of this community, this website, and these articles.  All have poured their hearts, time and effort into making aMuslima happen. The sisters and brothers who come and read aMuslima faithfully, you are the ones who keep the flame going.  May Allah (SWT) bless all of you!

In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

As for me. aMuslima has/is a tearful journey of the heart & soul. I am torn between work  that is needed to physically live and what is needed to spiritually live. By the will of Allah (SWT), I have come to this understanding that I can want and tearfully yearn for something and cry and pray in despair, but if Allah (SWT) doesn’t grant me permission (make the way easy) then it cannot happen.

We have to make do with what we have in front of us at this present time. We should continue to work, pray, and do good in submission to the plans of Allah (SWT).  Only then can things happen.  Allah (SWT) will make it happen in HIS time. Subhannallah!

Allhamdullilah!  We must try our best, work with what we have, accept our capabilities and know our limitations and only then can we shake off the paralyzing feelings of not doing enough, making enough, praying enough, giving enough, etc.  Islam has given us permission to submit to HIM while still doing our best. Being in a perfect situation is not what makes things happen, it’s pushing forward in spite  of our situation while doing our best that makes things happen, inshaa’Allah. Having that no-matter-what attitude is what’s important.

So, with that in mind, this year in the western hemisphere the hours of fasting will be long and hot. Many of us will work normal hours and have hardly any sleep! I ask and pray that you can take your fast and deen by stride.  Do your utmost best, BUT do what is in your capacity.  Don’t beat yourself up when you hear some sisters (Masha Allah) khatam Qur’an during Ramadan.  Or hear that such and such have given large donations.  Or that some sisters are able to make it to Taraweh each night.  Remember, Allah (SWT) has not given us more burdens than what we can handle. So take it in stride. Savor those moments when you can make it to Taraweh, when you can give charity, when you spend time with your family, even when you take that brief sleep. Because… it will pass fast! And worse case scenario, maybe you or I may not make it to the next Ramadan.

I wish you and your families an amazing and blessed Ramadan.

Wassallam

Gemi Hartojo | CoFounder aMuslima.com

 

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