As told by Accensis - Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr reflections

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A wonderful Eid al-Fitr has passed, and Muslims worldwide have a few lessons to share over their reflection period. Every year, followers of the religion celebrate the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, called Ramadan. For a month, Muslims give up any food or water from sunrise to sunset. This act of worship aims to teach self-restraint, discipline and empathy.

"The fasting month is more complex than you would think; you abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk." says our director Muhammad Umar Karim

"Yes, that represents one major component of the holy month, but many other factors are realised and fulfilled during this blessed month: Spiritual upliftment, being more charitable, controlling your anger and patience, being kind and compassionate, focusing on health (body and mind) and gaining discipline to take you through the other months of the year."

"The month of Ramadan is a mindset change which will allow a person to become more inclined towards fulfilling their duties as a Muslim, not for themselves alone, but for their community at large."

"Now that we near the completion of this month, our reflection should be to take what we have done in this month and ensure we apply, even a small percentage, our disciplines and behaviour in the other months of the year. We should continue being charitable, patient and kind, continue with our increased spirituality, and a vital point is to continue reciting the Quran and learning the meaning of the Quran."

"Ramadan is hands down my absolute favourite time of the year," says HR manager Noorain.

"I always feel like it magically approaches at the perfect time when our hearts and spirits need it the most. As sad as I am that the month is now ending, I am most grateful for the enhanced discipline and perseverance I get to carry forward in my day-to-day work and life,"

"Most will focus on everything we are meant to give up in Ramadan, such as food, water, bad habits etc. I see no loss or sacrifice but rather the complete opposite. Instead, I leave Ramadan with my heart full, a renewed spiritual connection and a newfound sense of empathy."

"Ramadan is a month in the life of a Muslim where we double down on our discipline and try to live every day as the best version of ourselves," says Trainee Mumtaaz Khan.

"I like myself best in Ramadan because I control my diet and snacking tendencies more. I also have a more regulated sleep schedule, and as a result, I feel physically healthier. Ramadan helps me build better habits, be more committed to my religious obligations,  developing a better spiritual state. The mind's calmness during Ramadan helps you focus and be your most productive."
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"Now that Ramadan is over, I plan to continue practising these good habits and simulate the peaceful and spiritually heightened ambience we enjoyed the past month."

"One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is the night prayer known as Taraweeh. This prayer is performed after the Isha prayer and consists of reciting long portions of the Quran. It is a time for spiritual reflection and contemplation, " said Trainee Ebrahim Kaloo.

"Taraweeh is a time when I feel closest to Allah. It is a time when I can reflect on my life and seek forgiveness for my sins.

Ramadan is not just about fasting and prayer. It is a time to reflect on one's life and to make positive changes. During Ramadan, I am more patient, kind, and compassionate. I aim to avoid gossip and backbiting. I try to be more forgiving and understanding. Ramadan helps me focus on what is truly important in life."

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