19 Comments
User's avatar
Jamie Asare Ziegler's avatar

I’m embarking soon upon my annual Bahá’í fast and this is an excellent explanation of its significance and value. The abstention from food is just a physical component of a spiritual process.

Expand full comment
Zahra's avatar

Absolutely!

Expand full comment
Shaista Ali's avatar

Formidable and dignified - what a beautiful intent. May it be for you as well 🤲🏽.

Expand full comment
Zahra's avatar

❤️

Expand full comment
Ink Drop's avatar

“If you are fasting this Ramadan I don’t pray that it is easy for you; I pray that it is hard enough to be transformative, challenging enough to be beautiful, and I pray that you emerge from it formidable and dignified.” - this just hit me in a good reflective way. A thought-provoking & inspiring read, Allahumbariik 💕

Expand full comment
Zahra's avatar

Thank you and I’m so glad to hear that’

Expand full comment
Bro Saeed's avatar

جزاكم الله خيرا كثيرا وبارك الله فيكم

Expand full comment
Noha Beshir's avatar

Beautifully explained and articulated! Sharing this with everyone who asks for an explanation of the fast

Expand full comment
Zahra's avatar

Thank you! I’m glad it resonated so much 🙏🏻

Expand full comment
Nick Owen's avatar

Excellent. Most enlightening

Expand full comment
Za’marie 🕷️'s avatar

I love this so much ❤️!! And I do have a question. As someone that’s not Muslim but still wants to participate, should I be reading the Quran daily ? And if yes what exactly should I be reading

Expand full comment
Zahra's avatar

Thank you! There’s no obligation to read the Quran but I would strongly recommend it for the simple fact that it is truly a phenomenal and enlightening read.

Here is a pdf copy of the English translation: https://www.clearquran.com/downloads/quran-english-translation-clearquran-edition-allah.pdf

Pick any chapter that interests you there’s no rule on where you start and let me know how it goes ❤️

Expand full comment
Za’marie 🕷️'s avatar

Thankyou so much, I will definitely update you !

Expand full comment
Shaista Ali's avatar

If you can listen to some while reading or after, the melodic tune will be worthwhile (apps with recitation or even YouTube). 🫶🏽

Expand full comment
Za’marie 🕷️'s avatar

Thankyou so much ❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Za’marie 🕷️'s avatar

What’s should I type up? Melodic tunes for the Quran or is it a type of Arabic tune ?

Expand full comment
Shaista Ali's avatar

Quran recitation? If you’re reading, then type name of Surah / verse. I hope that’s helpful! It may be too vague but YouTube will unfortunately figure you out quickly I think.

Expand full comment
Aamir Razak's avatar

Very well put. Ramadan is an opportunity to cultivate a greater ability to resist our base temptations, work towards a higher purpose, and be our best selves. It is bitter work, but in the end, the results are worth it if we can achieve a deeper, more profound understanding of our reliance on God and our roles in the universe.

I love the analogy that the preceding two months, Rajab and Sha'ban, are to prepare the soil and water the plant, respectively, while Ramadan is time to reap the harvest. It gives a chance to find solitude and calm in a sea of chaos and distractions from the outside world, a chance to reconnect with our Creator and reflect on our existence deeply. I pray that this Ramadan and all yet to arrive may be transformative for us all, and allow us to become the best versions of ourselves inshallah!

Expand full comment
Shafa Yahya's avatar

//This temporary deprivation awakens a sense of compassion and gratitude, compelling us to extend our generosity and kindness to those in need. It reminds us that food and water are privileges, not guarantees, and instils a responsibility to support and uplift the less fortunate.//

Loved reading this! Thank you for writing, Zahra 💝 Stumbling upon this article after 10 days in to Ramadan and renewing intentions.

Expand full comment