Scene 1: The Anticipation of Ramadan
The cool breeze of early spring carried with it a sense of excitement and reverence—Ramadan was just around the corner. Everywhere, the atmosphere was changing. The local masjid was being decorated with soft glowing lights, Islamic bookstores were stocked with Ramadan journals and Qur'ans, and grocery stores displayed dates, honey, and other essentials for the fasting month.
At Syedna Umar Farooq Academy, students were eager to learn more about the significance of this blessed month. Maryam sat among her classmates, her heart swelling with anticipation. This would be her first Ramadan as a Muslim, and she wanted to make the most of it.
Ayesha, standing at the front of the classroom, smiled warmly as she addressed her students. "Alhamdulillah, in just 12 days, we will welcome the most beautiful and sacred month of the year—Ramadan. This is not just a time of fasting but a time of deep spiritual connection, purification, and mercy from Allah."
Maryam listened intently, absorbing every word. She had read about Ramadan before, but learning about it in such depth from Ayesha made it feel even more meaningful.
Scene 2: The Rules of Fasting
Ayesha picked up a whiteboard marker and began listing the fundamental rules of fasting.
"Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam," she explained. "It is obligatory for all adult, sane Muslims who are capable of fasting. However, there are certain people who are excused, such as the sick, travelers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and—"
She paused as a hand shot up from the second row. It was Zainab, a bright and inquisitive student.
"Yes, Zainab?" Ayesha encouraged.
"Ustadha, what about women on their menstrual cycle? Can we fast during those days?" Zainab asked.
Maryam straightened in her seat. She had wondered about this too but had been hesitant to ask.
Ayesha smiled, appreciating the question. "That's a great question, Zainab. The answer is no. Women who are on their menstrual cycle or postpartum bleeding are not allowed to fast during those days."
Maryam furrowed her brows. "But why?" she finally asked.
Ayesha turned to her. "Because it is a mercy from Allah. During menstruation, a woman's body is going through physical stress, and Islam, being a religion of ease, does not burden women with fasting at this time. Instead, they are required to make up for the missed fasts after Ramadan before the next one arrives."
A few murmurs of understanding spread across the room. Maryam exhaled slowly, feeling relieved and grateful.
"So, it's not a sin to miss fasting during that time?" Zainab asked again, just to be sure.
"Not at all," Ayesha reassured her. "Allah does not burden anyone beyond their ability. However, once the month of Ramadan is over, women should count the number of fasts they missed and make them up before the next Ramadan, if possible."
Scene 3: Spiritual and Physical Preparation for Ramadan
Ayesha continued, "Fasting is not just about staying hungry and thirsty. It's about self-discipline, patience, and spiritual growth." She wrote on the board:
Key Aspects of Fasting in Ramadan:
1. Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) – Highly recommended, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, 'Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.'
2. Avoiding Sins – Fasting is not just abstaining from food but also from bad speech, anger, and sins.
3. Dua and Quran Recitation – A time for increased supplication and Quran reading.
4. Iftar (Breaking Fast at Sunset) – A meal to break the fast, often with dates and water.
5. Taraweeh Prayers – Extra night prayers for spiritual upliftment.
Maryam raised her hand this time. "Ustadha, is it okay if we feel overwhelmed? I want to do everything perfectly, but I also know this is my first Ramadan."
Ayesha gave her an encouraging smile. "That's completely normal, Maryam. The key is balance. Don't overwhelm yourself. Start with the basics—fasting, praying, and reading Quran. With time, you'll get better at incorporating more acts of worship."
Maryam nodded, feeling more at ease.
Scene 4: A Special Discussion with Ayesha
Later that evening, Maryam and Ayesha sat on the balcony of Ayesha's home, sipping warm green tea as the sky turned shades of orange and pink.
"Ayesha," Maryam began, "I really appreciate today's class. There was so much I didn't know about Ramadan."
Ayesha placed her tea cup down. "I know, Maryam. It's your first Ramadan, and it's going to be special. But remember, this is a journey, not a race. You don't have to be perfect. Just do your best, and Allah will bless your efforts."
Maryam sighed, her heart filling with warmth. "I just want to experience Ramadan in the purest way. I want to understand why Muslims love this month so much."
Ayesha smiled. "You'll feel it when the first fast begins. The hunger and thirst will remind you of the blessings you have. The nights of prayer will bring you peace like you've never known. And the duas before iftar will make your heart feel so close to Allah."
Maryam stared at the sky, feeling a deep longing for the sacred month to begin.
"I can't wait," she whispered.
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