Me in Ramadan

Hello friends and visitors! Oh wow, it's been quite a while now...time sure flies! I've been meaning to feed my blog with recent updates and share the stories of my life the moment I started blogging but unfortunately I often came across several hurdles blocking my way. There and then I often think how I wish I could escape just for a while and write. Today I decided to make time for writing while my little one takes her morning nap...alas!

So far, August has seen me making many things indoor and outdoor! I spent the first week in my garden pulling weeds and attempted to dig out my huge cactus plant from the lawn yet it still remain at the same place. I will tackle this big guy after Ramadan.   

Speaking of Ramadan, that is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is a divinely prescribed annual training exercise to attain physical and spiritual well being; I'm often up by 4 o'clock in the morning. The first thing I say is "Thank You Allah" for giving me another moment to breath and live! I enjoy the tranquility of the early morning hours, so refreshing too! As usual, I prepare a small meal (sahur) for my family followed by declaring one's intention (niat) to fast to please Allah The Most Merciful. The niat distinguishes the fast of Islam from just starving under a diet plan. We break the fast (iftar) at the time of the call to prayer for the maghrib prayer. In total, we fast about 14 hours in day light for 30 days. I cook every day prior to breaking fast and that's when my children would come asking what is special. 

I cook what they love to eat and for everybody to enjoy their meal as well. My Chicken Curry is a hit the other day! It's a delight to watch my loved ones eat.  

Preparing the meal is a whole lot of fun when my children are involved. When I'm in the middle of cooking and need something from my edible garden in the backyard, one of my kids would go and take what I need. For instance, the curry leaves from its tree.

 

During the hours of fasting, I carry on with normal duties but with greater awareness of the need to avoid sinful acts and increase my good deeds. Meanwhile I'm busy making dresses for my girls and my husband. My son chose to buy ready made so he has lots of choices. In fairly two weeks Muslims will celebrate Eid Mubarak so that means I have to work faster on the sewing machine and start making cookies. My girls are very excited about that and so am I. 

Thank you for reading. Hugs and smile.