Ramadhan brings back memories

AS WE approach the 10th of March, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the sighting of the new crescent moon. This marks the beginning of the most revered month in Islamic tradition, Ramadhan.

Ramadhan is a highly significant month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims. It is a time for fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and community-building. Back home in Cotabato City, it is an occasion of immense joy and vibrancy. The bustling night markets and colorful decorations around the city imbue a sense of togetherness and community. It’s a beautiful blend of local customs, traditions, and Islamic practices that have evolved over centuries. Year after year, families and friends come together to break their fast and share meals, strengthening bonds and fostering unity. Those years spent are like treasured memories that we share as one Ummah (community).

This month has always been a particular time for me, as it brings back many cherished memories. One of the most vivid memories is of the pre-dawn meals (suhur) that my Mom (may Allah bless her soul) would prepare before beginning our fast. I can still recall the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the sound of the Quran being recited in the background.

In the evenings, the highlight of our day was breaking our fast (iftar) with a special meal. My mother would prepare a feast fit for a king, with dishes that catered to everyone’s taste buds. I remember how my siblings and I would eagerly wait for the Maghrib adhan to be called out, signaling the end of our fast. We would then gather around a long table big enough to seat ten people and enjoy the delicious food in each other’s company.

At times, we visit nearby mosques for the nightly prayers called Taraweeh, where we immerse ourselves in the peaceful recitation of verses from the Quran. The brief sermons delivered by the Imam during these prayers serve as a guiding light, inspiring us along our spiritual journey.

The final ten days hold a special place in our hearts. It’s a time of heightened spirituality and devotion as we eagerly await the arrival of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. This blessed night is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed, and it’s said that worship on this night is better than a thousand months of prayer.

I can also remember my elder brother, Muhammad, who encouraged me to have extra prayers and supplications during this time, seeking blessings and forgiveness from the Almighty. It was truly a beautiful time spent in our ancestral home.

All of these memories were made in our old house on Rosales Street, which holds a special place in my heart. Even though my siblings and I have moved on to our respective homes, these memories will always remain etched in my mind.

I have my own family now, I want my children to experience what I had during Ramadhan. The traditions and practices we observed during this holy month strengthen the bonds of faith and culture, making it a deeply cherished and transformative time for defining our Muslim identity.