The last 10 days (Ramadan)
Hello Everyone!
It has been a while since I last posted on my blog. I apologize. I am not sure what kept me away. I guess I was just not inspired to do so.
Since March 23rd, Muslims all over the world have started fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadan. We fast from dawn till dusk and it means that we do not eat nor drink. But Ramadan is not only to deprive yourself of food, it is a way to get closer to God as you have to be on your best behavior and pray more.
This Ramadan I did not feel as tired as the previous ones. As I am working from home now, I do not need to commute. It also means that I do not need to bother figuring out what to wear, and rushing to get out to find a cab to take me to the office on time. It also means I do not stay in traffic trying to return home in the afternoon. For that I am blessed.
Fasting also is not a huge burden as I am used to it. I did have a slight headache the first day. I think it was due to lack of caffeine in my system. In my family, we do not deviate much from our usual menus therefore there is no chance of stuffing ourselves with spicy or oily food. We stuck to eating cereals and eggs for breakfast (Suhoor) and vegetables and grains for diner (Iftar). On the weekend we tend to overdo it because we have family coming over to eat. We also receive the usual Ndogou (Iftar) platter filled with pastries and other snacks from family or friends. However, I have realised that I cannot eat those goodies and a full diner so I usually chose only one option. I think I am getting too old now.
Amuse- Bouche platter gifted by my Cousin
Now that we are entering the last 10 days of Ramadan, it is recommended to pray more. There is blessing in fasting and praying during a particular night called Layletul Khadr or Night of Decree. It is considered to be the night the Quran was sent down on earth and the night the first verses were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). Muslims believe that if one fasts and prays on that particular day, all his sins will be forgiven and his prayers accepted. This night falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan, but no one knows exactly when it is. It is also recommended to donate to poor people as every penny given will be rewarded by Allah.
Sadly, I usually have my periods during the last days of Ramadan. Muslim women who have their periods are exempted from praying and fasting. I used to think that I was cursed. Until I realised that I could still get closer to Allah in other ways: by praising HIM, by donating time and money, by being of service, by helping others.
People tend to pray for interesting things during the last 10 days of Ramadan: between praying to end up marrying the person you love, to having money, to enter Jannah (Heaven) after death. I tend to pray for my family and friends, for them to be healthy, wealthy and happy. I also pray for people I despise. I pray that I no longer have hate for them in my heart and that Allah makes them better. I pray for me to be a better person as well. I pray to have a better job and better salary, to have a booming business. I rarely pray to find that suitable partner that would make my life better. Yet maybe I will change that this year. I pray for the people I lost, I pray for all of us to enter Jannah. However, I stopped praying for World Peace a long time ago.
I absolutely love this versatile dress as I can wear it in different ways.
During the last days also there is this building excitement that comes with the preparation of Eid. Markets and shopping centers are filled with people looking for good deals. We have to figure out what we will feast on (very important), but also what we are going to wear. For food, I have decided two years ago that I won't bother cooking. I would order food. Frankfully it has been a game changer these last years. I did not have to slave in the kitchen and could sit down and chat with my guests. As for the outfits, I have already dealt with mine and the boys, which I should pick up from the tailor this week. However, if he messes up, I still have back up outfits in my closet (the perks of having your own fashion label). The boys will just have to be repeat offenders and wear their Eid outfit from last year.
Finally. I am torn between going to the hair dresser to have my hair done or not, and going to the spa for a mani-pedi. I also like to do Henna on my hands. The problem I have with this plan, is that I want to look good but the timing has to be right. If I have my hair and Henna done a week before Eid, the Henna might fade away and the hair style won't be sleek. However, if I wait until three or two days before Eid, all the spas and salons will be booked and filled with last minute clients. I still have not figured out what to do.
Funnily, the day of Eid I am so tired doing all the chores (cleaning, prepping, serving) that I rarely dress up and take pictures. I take pictures of the rest of the family. I usually dress up the following day if I have the day off. We shall see how this year's Eid will turn out to be.
What about you? Do you have plans for Eid?
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