What is Ramadan?
Ramadan 2020 looks different than last year because we are at home. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting in the Islamic faith. For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time to challenge yourself to be the best version of you that you can be. We fast from food and drink during daylight hours but also negative thoughts and actions throughout the whole month. We are encouraged to perform good deeds and care for others as well as ourselves. This Ramadan looks a lot different than others, though. With Coronavirus and quarantine changing our day-to-day, a lot of the usual traditions of Ramadan are on hold this year. However, there’s still a big opportunity to grow and do good while we are at home. This blog post explores different ways that we can make the most out of Ramadan 2020.
Ramadan Self Care
Ramadan is all about self-discipline and routine. It is a great time to start good habits and let go of bad ones. For Muslims, praying, spending more time with family, and trying to get closer to God are key parts of Ramadan. However, everyone can benefit from Ramadan because it is also about taking care of yourself and improving your well being.
Skincare
Developing a skincare routine can be tough with everything we have going on. But Ramadan can be the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some good skincare practices. When you wake up to pray, have your cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, ready to use before making woudhou (this is the ritual wash Muslims do to prepare for prayer). I did a post recently of some good skincare and selfcare products to have while at home. And in the evening before breaking fast, complete your daily skincare routine. That way, after your stomach is full and your prayers are complete, you can knock out with flawless skin!
Health and Fitness
Fitness and healthy eating are difficult to maintain for many of us, especially in this time. But the discipline that comes with Ramadan can be just the boost we need to make good lifestyle changes. Fasting cuts out the opportunity to eat anything unhealthy throughout the day. So you just have to make an effort to buy and prepare healthy meals for breaking your fast. For working out, try to do a couple routines at home on the floor after you pray your morning prayers. You’ll be more energized for the day after a bowl of oatmeal and some quick cardio, I promise!
Family Time
Ramadan is my favorite time of the year because of the time I get to spend with my family. We eat together, pray together, and just spend quality time together more than other times in the year. Ramadan is the worst time to be alone. If you don’t have family around you for any reason, don’t feel lonely. Go to your local mosque – there are always people gathered at the mosque. If not, invite some of your friends to go with you.
If you are a non-Muslim and have friends that are Muslim, it is perfectly acceptable to show your solidarity by fasting with them or even just breaking fast with them in the evening. Ramadan is a time for togetherness, so let’s get together.
Volunteering
Ramadan is also marked by our deeds. The more good deeds you perform, the more you gain from the month. This year is different so we can’t do the volunteering that we’re used to but we can definitely still do some good. Supporting local businesses right now, creating masks or other protective gear, and donating nonperishable foods are all ways we can still help. I also shared a link recently to a campaign called Feed the Fasting. If you can donate, donate where you can.
Happy Ramadan 2020
Wishing you all a happy and safe Ramadan 2020! Let’s make the most of this time together. On the bright side, we can enjoy more family, more rest, and more self care.
