The blessed month of Ramadan is coming to an end soon, painting our remaining days with a different shade of colour. For me, towards the ten last nights of Ramadan it's a time of maximize my worship and reflection to renew my faith and intention, but also a period that requires careful planning as I care for my beloved 20-year-old daughter, Muji, who lives with complex disabilities.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. This practice is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Quranic Verse about Ramadan:
Allah says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183-185):
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ ۚ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ
6 ۖ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Explanation: This verse highlights that fasting is prescribed for believers as it was for those before them, so that they may become righteous. It specifies the month of Ramadan as the time when the Quran was revealed as a guidance for humanity, with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). It also provides exemptions for those who are ill or traveling, allowing them to make up for the missed days later. Importantly, it emphasizes that Allah intends ease for us and does not intend hardship.
Hadith about Ramadan:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Explanation: This Hadith reveals the extensive blessings and spiritual opportunities available during Ramadan. It indicates that the Ramadan becomes more encouraging to good deeds and less influenced by negative forces.
Our day in Ramadan, like any other, revolves around Muji's needs. Due to her medical condition, Muji is exempt from fasting, but the spirit of the month spread throughout our home. Before the call to Maghrib prayer, around 6:30 PM, I ensure her feeding machine is ready. Muji is fed through a PEG tube in her stomach as she has difficulty swallowing. Her feeding times are crucial: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, I prepare a simple iftar - dates, juicy fruits, and some of our favourite savoury treats like samosas and crispy fried bananas. The aroma fills the air, a gentle reminder of the blessings we are about to take in. Once the adhan (call to prayer) for Maghrib echoes, we break our fast before we offer our prayers, grateful for another day and for the strength to care for Muji.
Following Maghrib prayer I make sure Muji's feeding pump is running for her 7 pm feed. Then we enjoy our iftar main meal - usually a plate of rice and a flavourful meat dish, accompanied by a refreshing salad. It's a time for our family to come together, share our day, and express gratitude.
Around 7:30 pm, before we prepare to go to the masjid, I get Muji ready for the night. I change her into her soft pajamas, ensuring she is comfortable for the evening. With the help of a hoist, I gently transfer her from her wheelchair to her bed, if she is not on the bed yet.
Then, it's my turn to head to the masjid with Muji's father to perform Isha prayer and the voluntary night prayers, Qiyamul Layl. Sometimes, our younger daughter stays home with Muji, but often, she too joins us for the spiritual upliftment of praying in congregation during this blessed month. Before leaving, I make sure Muji comfortable and safe on her bed.
When we return home from the masjid around 10 pm, Muji's father prepares and administers her seizure and reflux medication. I will also check if Muji needs a pad change at this time and change her position to ensure she sleeps comfortably through the night.
Before we finally retire for the night, we have a light snack, perhaps some more fruit and a refreshing fruit juice. We spend some time reading the Quran and its translation. The gentle voice of her father's recitation often has a calming effect on Muji, and it's a beautiful way for her to drift off to sleep.
The Importance of the Quran in Ramadan
Ramadan is linked to the Quran. It was in this month that the Quran was first revealed. Therefore, Ramadan is considered the prime time for Muslims to deepen their relationship with the Quran through recitation, memorization, understanding, reflection, and implementation of its teachings in their lives. Reciting the Quran brings huge blessings and spiritual rewards, especially during this month.
Quranic Verse about the Quran:
Allah says in the Quran (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9):
إِنَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the Quran's role as a guide to what is most upright and as good tidings for the believers who do righteous deeds, promising them a great reward.
Prophet's Narration about the Quran:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim)
Explanation: This Hadith highlights the great benefit of reciting the Quran, as it will intercede on behalf of those who regularly read it on the Day of Judgment.
Our days begin early, around 4 am, for sahoor, the pre-dawn meal. We have a light but energizing meal of granola with yogurt and fruit or sometime scramble eggs with toast, along with a cup of coffee and plenty of water to sustain us through the day. We then pray Fajr, the dawn prayer, and I try to read some Quran before catching a quick nap before the morning rush.
While Muji is occupied, I try to find some time for my own spiritual nourishment. I perform Duha prayer (the mid-morning prayer) and either read the Quran myself or listen to a Tafsir (explanation) of its verses. Then, it's time for household chores like washing and cleaning.
Some days, Muji enjoys going for hydrotherapy or an outing with her support worker. On those days, I might spend some quality time with Muji's father, or I visit my mum to help her around the house and do her shopping.
Around noon, it's time for Muji's milk feeding. After the Zuhr (midday) prayer, I pick up our younger daughter from school. Before that, I make sure to change Muji's pad. Muji can get bored easily, so I often put on an audiobook for her to listen to, which she seems to enjoy.
After the Asar (afternoon) prayer, I start preparing for iftar. Sometime when Muji's is awake and on her wheelchair she watches me cooking in the kitchen. I also run Muji's afternoon feeding at 4 pm. If she's resting on her bed, I change her position as she prefers to lie on her right side.
As iftar time approaches, I take a few precious moments to make dua (supplication). I always ask Muji to make dua for me too, even though she communicates in her own unique way. I often remind her that if, in the Hereafter, she doesn't see me in Jannah (Paradise), she should ask Allah about me.
As I write this, Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, is fast approaching.
What is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr is considered the sacred night in the Islamic calendar. It is the night on which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran describes it as "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3).
Reference from the Quran about Laylatul Qadr:
Allah says in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5):
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Explanation: This Surah emphasizes the enormous significance of Laylatul Qadr, stating that it is better than a thousand months. It mentions the descent of angels and the Spirit (believed to be the Angel Gabriel) on this night with the permission of their Lord, for every matter. It is a night of peace until the rising of the dawn.
Hadith about Laylatul Qadr:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have his past sins forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Explanation: This Hadith highlights the immense reward and forgiveness of sins that can be attained by spending Laylatul Qadr in prayer and devotion with sincere faith and expectation of Allah's reward.
What can you achieve from this blessed month?
From this blessed month, one can achieve immense spiritual growth, forgiveness of sins, increased closeness to Allah, a deeper understanding of the Quran, self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a stronger sense of community. It's a time to purify the soul, reflect on one's life, and strive to become a better Muslim.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us a specific dua to recite on Laylatul Qadr:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّى(O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive. So forgive me.)
This dua was specifically taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when she asked him what she should say if she knew which night was Laylatul Qadr.
Significance of the Dua
The significance of this dua lies in its simplicity and profound meaning. It acknowledges Allah's attribute of being the Most Forgiving ('Afuwwun'), one who forgives abundantly and without reservation. It also recognizes Allah's love for forgiveness. By reciting this dua, we are humbling ourselves before Allah, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His boundless forgiveness. Laylatul Qadr is a night of great blessings and mercy, and asking for forgiveness is the most essential thing a believer can do to benefit from this sacred night. The Prophet's emphasis on this particular dua highlights the importance of seeking Allah's pardon and purification during this special time.
Finally, as the time for iftar arrives, I ensure Muji is comfortable. We gather around the table, ready to break our fast. Before we begin, I spend a few moments in heartfelt dua, remembering Muji in my prayers and asking Allah to grant us strength, patience, and His infinite mercy. This Ramadan, like all others, is a witness to the enduring power of faith, love, and the unwavering bond I share with my precious daughter.
Until next post, stay blessed.
Muji's mum. 💕
Comments