Aslm all,

The last 10 days of Ramadan. Yes, the Muslim Ummah (Muslim community), has reached the last 10 days of Ramadan. Wow, it’s gone by so fast.

Interesting facts about Ramadan.

Ramadan is broken into 3 stages (Ashra), each stage consisting of 10 days. The first 10 days, is important for its Mercy. The second 10 days,  important as it signifies Forgiveness.  The third and final stage, the last 10 days are when we seek Refuge from Allah (especially from the hellfire). There is another reason why the last 10 days are important, any odd night could be Laylatul Qadr. It is seen as the Night of Power, the night the Holy Quran was revealed. There are many Hadith regarding the reward you will receive on this beautiful night when in supplication to Allah. The Hadith regarding Laylatul Qadr gives no indication as to which night it is, what we do know is that it is on an odd night. However, traditions believe that the night falls on the 27^th of Ramadan. What do the last 10 nights mean to me? Well I try and make extra Sunnah salaah (praying), I try and recite a little more (even if it the shortest of surah. But most importantly I try and be more patient. Patience? This is really hard especially when you have two little kids and you’ve had a long day and they just won’t listen. What I do tell myself is that they also had a long day, do not lose your temper.

Looking back at what Ramadan meant for me, well it was a chance for me to recite my Quran more often, pray more, seek forgiveness and ask that my family and friends are kept safe from harm. Ramadan 1441 (the 1441 is the Islamic year we are in), has been very different and challenging. The world is in Lockdown because of Covid-19. Lockdown Ramadan meant that we were not able to go to mosque, not able to visit family for Ramadan iftaar (breaking of fast). In Cape Town it is a tradition to sight the moon but this year we were unable to do so, only the Maankykers (people who sight the Moon) were able to go. Ramadan definitely did not start off feeling as a holy month but as my family and I got into it, we soon realised that there was one thing we all had in common. We had time on our hands, if were not in prayer, then you were in the kitchen. Yes,  Ramadan is also the time of year that everyone cooks and bakes interesting things. The first week my phone was inundated with many different pics of lovely savouries and sweets.This year seeing I had time of my hands (yeah right) I tried to make various dishes but the one I am really proud of is Sandaan (rice cakes). It’s very big in the Indian community (Khokni community), it’s basically a rice mixture steamed in a specific pot (no idea what the pot is called) and once it’s steamed you have this perfect little rice cake. I had to make this mixture 3 times before I got it right and boy did it come out right. Ebrahim says to me a few days later Mommy when are you making Sandaan again? Mmmmmm looks like I am going to be making this often.

As Ramadan is coming to a close this will be a month that no one will forget but it does not mean  that we do not have to start to change. I will try and be more patient, In Sha Allah Ameen.

If I do not send out a post next week, I am mostly like trying to prepare for Eid, working, teaching or studying.

I hope we all find the night of Laylatul Qadr and may Allah grant all duas made by us and for us.

Laylatul Qadr Mubarak to all.

Khuda Hafiz (May Allah be your guardian). 

Ayesha and family.