Ramadan 2024 - The Half Way Point

Thank you Malak Serarfi, Sami Mohammed, Zishan Khan, Farid Hafiz and Masood Khan for sharing with us an insight into your mid-way journey through Ramadan.

How are you? How has the first 2 weeks been?

The first few days were challenging due to the lack of coffee and water. My body has now adjusted to fasting and settled into the new routine. - Malak Serarfi

I am doing great. The first few days are very tough as the whole routine completely changes. For us, who work night shifts it's a challenge to adapt to the new routine and food habits. It takes some time for our body to adjust and when it does you will feel a positive difference. - Sami Mohammed

I'm doing well. The first two weeks of Ramadan have been quite fulfilling. I've been managing my time effectively to balance my daily rituals and responsibilities. It's all about striving for that perfect balance between spiritual devotion and everyday tasks. - Zishan Khan

Alert, focused and calm!
Fasting during Ramadan has always been an opportunity to excel myself in time management. First two weeks of Ramadan have been spiritually enriching and fulfilling, and the atmosphere is of increased devotion and charity. - Farid Hafiz

It's good, I love Ramadan as it’s a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, heightened devotion, and worship. It’s like reconnecting with Allah and with each other and to renew my commitment to faith, family and community. - Masood Khan

Can you share with everyone about your daily routine?

I wake up before sunrise around 3 AM have a quick snack/breakfast and go back to sleep for a few hours. I then set my alarm for 6 AM to cook breakfast for the kids and get them ready for nursery. After nursery drop-offs, I log on and work my usual working hours. I start prepping food for Iftar which I’ve cooked in advance during the weekend. I break the fast with my family in the evening when the sunsets and enjoy our meal together. It’s my favourite time of the day, everything stops and you get to be grateful for the food you’re eating and the family surrounding you. - Malak Serarfi

As I work night shifts, I usually log out at Sehri time (4:00 AM). It is enjoyable to have a meal so early in the morning with the whole family. Usually, they don’t wake up so early before sunrise, so it becomes a special and fun time for us. After Sehri I go out for the morning prayer and return around 6:30 AM. Then, I go to sleep and wake up in the afternoon to perform afternoon prayer. After that, I recite the Holy Quran and take care of chores at home. Following the evening prayer, I go the market to buy fruits and dates to break my fast at around 6:30 PM. Once I have completed my fast for the day, I pray and then log in to work. - Sami Mohammed

My daily routine during Ramadan revolves around maintaining a balance between work, family, and spiritual obligations. I start with Sehri before Fajr prayer, manage work responsibilities during the day, and eagerly anticipate Iftar with my family. Evenings are dedicated to Taraweeh prayers and quality time with loved ones. Each day is a blend of devotion, productivity, and cherished moments with family. - Zishan Khan

My daily routine in Ramadan begins with eating a healthy Seher and offering early morning salaah, then I rush to bed for a sound sleep. Waking up by afternoon, I get engaged in offering salaah and reciting the Quraan. Then spend time with family and begin for arranging Iftar (supper to break the fast). After breaking the fast and offering the evening salaah, I have some rest before going to login for work. If possible, I visit the mosque for Tarawih, the special prayer in Ramadan (being on the night shift, this usually happens on the weekends only). The late-night gatherings for prayer are the most lively. In Ramadan, during the work at night, one-word echoes… Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!! 😊 - Farid Hafiz

My day essentially revolves around worship, Sehri meal (before sunrise), Iftar (breaking fast), offering 5 times Prayer, Quran recitation, Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), spending time with family, short power naps after Fajr & Zohar prayer.
My day starts with Sehri meal (before sunrise), Fajr (Morning Prayer) then Quran recitation. Then head to sleep for 6 hours then Zohar (prayer at midday). Short power nap wakes up and get ready for Asr (prayer in the afternoon). After Asr it’s time for remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) till Iftar. Iftar (Breaking fast) then Maghrib (prayer at sunset). Dinner with family after Maghrib (Evening Prayer). After Isha (Night Prayer) then I will log in to work. - Masood Khan

What are the main benefits?

Detox and discipline. It’s hard to settle into a new routine with no food and water after a full day of back-to-back meetings at work. It takes a lot of mental strength and discipline, but the self-satisfaction that follows and the spiritual gratification is worth it. - Malak Serarfi

Physically, fasting promotes detoxification, weight loss, and improved metabolic health.
Spiritually, fasting fosters a deeper connection with the Almighty, increases mindfulness, and cultivates empathy for the less fortunate. - Sami Mohammed

Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for Muslims to deepen their connection with their faith through increased devotion, prayer, and reflection. It's a time for self-discipline, introspection, and spiritual renewal. - Zishan Khan

Fasting during Ramadan can confer several potential health benefits, it teaches self-control, reinforces one's faith and piety, helps one become more mindful of God and His blessings. It is a means of seeking forgiveness of sins and is a reminder of the plight of those who do not have adequate food, water, and shelter. - Farid Hafiz

It teaches self-control, reinforces one's faith and piety, helps one become more mindful of Allah and his blessings, seeking forgiveness of sins, and is a reminder of the plight of those who do not have adequate food, water and shelter. Spiritually, fasting facilitates forgiveness of sin, enhances one's relationship with Allah and creates a balance between body and soul. - Masood Khan