As the crescent moon welcomes the arrival of Ramadan, Muslims around the world prepare to embrace this sacred month. It’s a beautiful time; of blessings and purifying oneself – so that we draw inwards and get closer to Our Creator. Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and connection with Allah (SWT). It is a month of fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, offering an opportunity to renew our faith.
The Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a time for Muslims to purify their hearts, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah (SWT).The month is also a reminder of the blessings we often take for granted.
The Inward Cleansing and Purifying
Ramadan allows us to completely flush out our inner systems and rectify our inner world. A chance to rid the body of past sins and set ourselves up for success. We deprive the self against what it lusts for, through consistent depriving oneself of food the ego is diminished and we are allowed to ascend to our higher, angelic self – rather than the lower bestial self. It gives us a fresh start, a clean slate.
Fasting with Schizophrenia
Although it is not necessary to be fasting if you have a mental illness such as schizophrenia (those who are ill are exempt from the obligation), I have decided to fast again this year.
Before Ramadan, I am not experiencing any positive symptoms, but I do experience the effects of schizophrenia in terms of lack of energy, and poor cognitive function.
At the start of Ramadan, it is probably the most difficult since there are so many changes one with schizophrenia experiences the most – the changes in sleep times, to wake up and eat suhoor, the dawn meal, and also abstaining from food for the whole day until iftar, the sunset.
In these first few days, the fast has not been too difficult – with a window of about 13 hours – but I have experienced lots of tiredness after eating, where I need to lay down and sometimes fall off to sleep.
My medicine times have changed too. I am now taking my medication before suhoor instead of later in the day.
As Ramadan goes on and I get used to the new structure of my day, I actually feel more energised.
Preparing for Ramadan 2025
Here are some ways to get ready for this holy month:
- Set Spiritual Goals: Reflect on what you hope to achieve during Ramadan.
Whether it’s completing the Quran, improving your prayers, or giving more in charity, having clear intentions can help you stay focused. - Plan Your Schedule: Balance worship, work, and family time.
Allocate specific times for Taraweeh prayers, Quran recitation, and Suhoor/Iftar meals. - Educate Yourself: Learn about the virtues of Ramadan and the significance of fasting.
Share this knowledge with your family, especially children, to inspire them.
Tips for a Fulfilling Ramadan
- Embrace the Spirit of Fasting: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It’s about controlling your desires, avoiding negative behaviours, and cultivating patience and gratitude.
- Increase Your Worship: Use this month to deepen your connection with Allah (SWT). Perform extra prayers, recite the Quran daily, and make heartfelt dua (supplications).
- Give Generously: Ramadan is a time for charity and helping those in need.
Consider donating to a cause you care about or supporting local initiatives. - Strengthen Family Bonds: Share meals with loved ones, pray together, and engage in acts of kindness. This strengthens family ties and creates lasting memories.
- Reflect and Repent: Use this time to reflect on your actions and seek forgiveness. Let go of grudges and strive to be a better version of yourself.
Conclusion
Ramadan 2025 is a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. It is a time to reflect, give thanks, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). By embracing the spirit of Ramadan, we can make this month truly transformative. May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and spiritual fulfilment to you and your loved ones.
Ramadan Mubarak!