By Ramadan means celebration just as much as it means reflection on oneself and life. Now that Ramadan is over, we asked you what your greatest learnings were from this month. Important for us to know, because we believe your lessons can be of use to all of us reading in making our life better and more positive. Scroll down for some of the greatest lessons you all learned from this month of blessings. We hope all of us are able to imbibe them in whatever way we can, and are more optimistic, gracious and positive people because of it. This time, we want to thank all of you for sharing your words of wisdom with us. Eid Mubarak!
Patience
The most common answer to this question was patience – and we can see why. While fasting, one not only has to practice patience when waiting for their next meal, but also show patience in their prayers and attitude towards others.
“Perseverance, patience and to not lose faith in both myself and most importantly in Allah” – says @issamew, and we couldn’t agree more.
Gratitude
The second most common answer was gratitude. Every single one of us, no matter what problem we may be facing, are immensely lucky to be where we are today, and none of that would have been possible without the will of Allah. There are millions of people in the world who would kill to be where you are today, and the sooner you realize this, the more grateful you’ll be. Instead of looking at people who have more than you, look at those who have much less and see how you feel.
One follower puts it perfectly: “It’s not easy to live the life of poor people. It made me realize how lucky we are to have everything.” – @mahirakhan8799
Tolerance
Tolerance was another popular lesson learnt this Ramadan and we’re glad for it. Let’s face it, we live in a country where something as basic as road rage is heightened during fasting hours, to the point where hundreds of jokes are made on this matter. If tolerance was the only thing you learnt this Ramadan, then it has been a successful month for you. Here are some other lessons that come with showing tolerance:
“The fact that we can’t blame everything on shaitaan.” – @_aimenasif
“To not say bitter things to others.” – @rumellous
Don’t Waste Food
This lesson is as clear cut as it gets. Our reader @bushra_sayeed123 says it like it is! Food wastage is a big problem in underdeveloped countries such as Pakistan, and truth be told, there is so much that could be done about it. Donating to non-profits such as Robin Hood Army who pick food from restaurants and communities and feed the less fortunate are great places to start. According to the World Food Programme, 43% of Pakistan’s population faces food insecurity. Let that sink in the next time you’re throwing away a perfectly good meal.
Charity
If there’s something we should be proud of as Pakistani’s it is that we rank as one of the most charitable countries in the world, donating more than 1% of our GDP to charity. Though, this number is a great start, we should have a long way to go. Our nation is filled with underdeveloped areas, poor facilities and people who live in extreme poverty. “The art of giving” as one of our readers, @the_sanatic, puts it, is an important lesson to learn. We are taught if you can’t afford to offer someone a date, offer them a smile, that is charity too – remember that the next time you’re feeling generous.
Building A Relationship With Allah
Possibly the most important lesson to learn is this. Having faith in Allah is what religion is all about and Ramadan is the perfect time to build your relationship with our Creator. No fast or prayer is complete without praising Him and while doing so, we advise you stay mindful of your actions, thoughts and behaviors. You never know, even the simplest of things can bring you closer to God.
We were ecstatic to read this: “It brought me back to my prayer mat Alhumdulliah” – @mariyamzakaria.
“To be conscious of Allah SWT all the time! You’ll feel blessed and it also saves you from a lot of trouble.” – @nishi.sharma_
Nothing Lasts Forever
If you’re going through a bad time, know that it won’t last for too long. The sun always shines after a storm. But also remember that just as nothing good lasts forever, nothing bad does either. This life is fleeting, and as our reader @wajeeha_tanveer says, “this world is temporary.” Make the most of your life while you have it and appreciate the people in your life while they’re still here – you won’t regret it.
An underlying lesson:
“Life is so unpredictable so don’t hold any grudges. You never know who is living their last moment. Be kind and prepare yourself for the akhrat which is going to last forever.” – @fatimashahid27
What do you think?
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