No Breaks from Ramadan

With Ramadan fast approaching, it is best to be prepared for this blessed month. Many people focus on taking advantage of Ramadan by fasting, performing Salah, going to the Masjid for Taraweeh and Tahujjud and reciting from the Holy Qur’an.

However, as women, we know there is a certain time period when we cannot fast and pray. Because of this, we tend to feel disconnected from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and our iman tends to decrease.

Instead of focusing on the acts of worship we cannot perform, we have to find other ways to keep our iman high and gain reward from our Lord.

Be content with Allah’s decree

The most important thing to do is to be content with what Allah ta’ala has decreed for us, as women. That means don’t hate your period and don’t hate not fasting. Also, complaining about your situation suggests that you are not satisfied with what Allah ta’ala has ordained. It also proposes the idea that you think your Lord is somehow being unfair to you and not giving you as much reward as you deserve or want to earn, which is absurd. Our Lord is not trying to make us “lose points” and He is never unfair.

Remember Allah is Merciful

Anytime you feel down about “missing out” during Ramadan, remember: Abdullah Bin ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: “No (believing) person gets sick, but (his deeds) will be recorded for him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well.” [Bukhari]

I am not suggesting that this is what happens when we are menstruating, because I do not know if that is the case. However, I do believe that our Rabb, who has placed such a merciful method of recording our deeds, has one just as merciful for women.

Sickness is a blessing

Surely, we have all heard that when someone is ill, his or her sins are being washed away. So while we are not praying, it is possible that enduring a few painful cramps with patience may raise our ranks in front of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala more than praying a few Rak’ahs and may wash away many of our sins.

Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

A break from fasting is not a break from Ramadan

Remember, just because you are unable to fast and pray does not mean you should give up all the good you have been doing. Continue to make the efforts of being a better Muslimah by abstaining from watching TV or listening to music. If you have been trying to gossip less, keep up the effort. Refrain from the negative actions that you were refraining from while fasting.

Replace certain good deeds with other ones

•Instead of going to the Masjid to pray Taraweeh, you can go to the Masjid and listen to the recitation.
•Baby-sit for a sister who has children so that she can go to the Masjid instead.
•Offer to baby-sit in the children’s area in the Masjid.
•Make a du’a list so that you do not end up repeating the same few du’as over and over again.
•Help around the house as much as you can by offering to cook, clean, or simply take care of things when others may be too tired from fasting, so that you can get reward.
•Serve food and water while people are eating.
•Listen to the Qur’an on your iPod or laptop while you are doing daily chores.
•Feed those who are fasting, which will give you the same amount of reward.

Don’t forget to eat

We tend not to eat all day even though we are not fasting. There is reward in eating, since Allah has ordained us not to fast during this time. However, if Allah has given us ease, we should accept it and be thankful to Him. When we are fasting, we complain of hunger, yet when we are not fasting, we do not eat. SubhanAllah! But remember; try not to eat in front of those who are fasting out of good etiquette.

Stay in the habit of Salah times

To stay in the habit of making Salah, when you hear the adhan, go make wudu. While others are praying, take the time to make dhikr, istighfaar or du’a. This way, you stay in the habit of prayer times and you will not struggle once you pray again.

Just remember that there is a lot that can be done when you cannot pray and fast. All you have to do is make an effort to stay connected with Allah ta’ala and insha’Allah, He will help you. You just need to make the intention.

Source: http://www.igotitcovered.org/2011/07/06/no-breaks-from-ramadan/