How I Make The Most Of Ramadan Despite Being Unable To Fast

As Ramadan comes to an end, I am reminded that for the past 10 years or so, I am unable to fast during this special month once again. Due to my condition I am unable to fast as it will harm my already weak body and cause weakness. Now don’t get me wrong, there is no obligation for me to fast because Islam is a beautiful religion and there are exceptions for people who are sick and exempted to fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Fasting(Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Shahada(declaration of Faith), Zakat(charity), Salah(prayers) and Hajj(perform pilgrimage) and is mandatory for a muslim. So what happens when one’s health doesn’t permit them to fast, they are simply exempted but there is a condition. They have to pay fidyah, which is a form of charity paid to someone in need and is equivalent to feeding one person for every fast missed.

As a woman living with scleroderma, Ramadan takes on a unique significance for me. While fasting is not possible due to my condition, I have found ways to make the most of this special month and connect with my faith. This was not the case initially, I used to feel disheartened and sad during Ramadan because I felt I was missing out on the blessings of fasting. I’d feel immense FOMO during suhoor(midnight meal) and embarrassed having to eat lunch. I’d always feel depressed during Ramadan as I felt I was missing out on the blessings.

Fats forward to today, Ramadan is a time of renewal, gratitude and reflection. It's a time to focus on my relationship with Allah and strengthen my faith. This was also one of the many journeys towards self acceptance. As I accepted myself, I accepted the fact that I had a special pass for Ramadan and I had to understand what my Lord wanted me to do the most. And that was focus on what I can do, which is prayers, dhikr(remembrance) and reading Quran.

I try to help around the house with whatever I can and it could be as simple as helping mum plan out our daily iftar menu, set the suhoor alarm and ensure I call the fam up to check if they’re awake and I listen to islamic lectures on youtube and try to understand my religion. I also make it a point to stay away from social media as much as I can as it is a time to reflect on one’s relationship with Allah.

Ramadan is a time to focus on our inner journeys and strengthen our bond with Allah.

This quote emphasises that your actions are judged based on your real intentions and so it reminds me that I will be rewarded based on my intentions. We are reminded of the mercies of Allah throughout the Quran and my heart feels content knowing I have done my best in remembering my Rabb(God).

If anyone finds themselves not being able to fast during Ramadan, for valid reasons, please find comfort in knowing that Allah will reward you, just keep your focus on what you can do and you will receive His blessings. May Allah accept our prayers and the fasts of all those who were able to fast. Ameen.

(I talked about my feelings during Ramadan on a podcast and hope someone may find comfort in knowing they are not alone).

Eid is just around the corner, Eid Mubarak!

Take care and keep being wonderful!

Until the next feed, please share this newsletter with your audience.

Enthusiastically,

Farah Khaleck