Ramadan 2021: A much deeper spiritual connection

Ramadan 2021 is a blessing from god. Due to the pandemic, our spirituality was put into test. To have faith in a time of such hardship was not easy, it was like a boat without a sail. Yet, we managed to go back inside our hearts. We learned to slow down, enjoy the moment and connect with a higher source and power. It was a renewal for our faith. Ramadan’s spirituality made those feelings deeper and closer to the heart.

Fasting easier this year, even for the 11 year old

This is the second year for my daughter Noora, 11 years old, to fast. It is amazing seeing her grow to a responsible child who wants to complete her fast till sunset. The last ten minutes of the fasting hours, Noora starts her count down. “Mama, I am thirsty,” is the first sentence that breaks the silence in the room. I would admit, Ramadan 2021 is way easier when it comes to fasting. I feel that the slowing down has created an internal balance that surfaces on the outside by feeling the benefits of the month of detoxing and connecting the body, mind and soul.

Family bonding and sharing over Iftar, continues to be at the core of Ramadan

As a mother, I enjoy customizing the Iftar to my family’s preferences. We break our fast with a bowl of warm soup, few pieces of dates and light pastries or samosa. Of course, we get a lot of dishes from my family and my in-laws. I think Ramadan would not be complete without the gestures of kindness and sharing that arrives on our Iftar table.

Iftar is a time of get together as families, small or large, it does not matter…what matters the most is the love we hold for each other and extend beyond the borders of our homes, through dishes that we share with close family.

During our Iftar, this year, we are also enjoying a documentary by Ali Alsloom (famously known as Ask Ali). His program explains hidden aspects of UAE culture. We learned so much from him, we came to know a new piece of information about Abu Dhabi, such as the national anthem of the emirate of Abu Dhabi before the union of the emirates to be the well-known United Arab Emirates.

Heightened spiritual connection

An hour and a half after Maghrib prayer, starts another journey of spirituality, i.e., after Isha’s prayer. During the month of Ramadan, we have an additional prayer, called Taraweeh, that comes after Isha’s prayer. The sense that there is an option of going extra mile in Ramadan makes those prayers precious. It is a time to connect on a personal level with Allah. It is a time where we share our wishes and dreams every moment we bow to him in prayers. For me, this is a time of pure connection that I like to make it special by spraying my favorite perfume on my prayer mat and prayer scarf. I light my candle and dim the lights. It is a moment to relax and be one with the prayer that takes place once a year. Every night seems like a count down for this beautiful connection.

Ramadan is our guest. It shows up every year for 30 days. We celebrate it with every Iftar and many prayers said silently. The pandemic separated us physically, yet our hearts remain in love, full of positive vibes.

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By guest blogger/expert - Hafsa Alsada

Hafsa is a proud Emirati Mom of two girls - Noora & Alia.

She is a Strength-Based Coach, Miracle method practitioner and Theta-healer