By Ogunneye Oyinkansola Munirat – From my pen to your heart

Your Ramadan, Your Journey

Last year, I was determined to have the best Ramadan of my life. I had a vision of how the month would go—waking up early, observing more solat, reading pages upon pages of the Quran, listening to insightful Islamic lectures, and following multiple Ramadan series from different scholars. I wanted to absorb as much knowledge and spirituality as possible. In my mind, the more I did, the more I would achieve.

The first few days went well, but soon reality hit. My daily responsibilities—work, errands, and commitments—started piling up. I found myself rushing through my Quran recitation just to tick it off my list. I would start a lecture but struggle to finish it. By the middle of Ramadan, I felt drained. Instead of feeling spiritually uplifted, I was overwhelmed and frustrated. I had filled my Ramadan with so many things that I had no space to truly experience its beauty. 

Then, something changed. In the last 15 days, I paused and asked myself: What am I truly gaining from this? That’s when I made a decision—I let go of the overwhelming checklist and focused on a few meaningful acts of worship. I chose to recite just a small portion of the Quran daily but with reflection. I took time to make sincere dua, even if it was just for a few minutes. I slowed down. And for the first time that month, I felt the sweetness of Ramadan.

 That Ramadan wasn’t just about what I did—it was about what I left behind. In those last days, I made a conscious effort to quit a bad habit that had been weighing me down for years. That decision became a turning point. Looking back now, I realize that it wasn’t the endless tasks that transformed me, but the small, intentional acts that I committed to with my heart. 

This is why Ramadan is not about how much you do but about the quality of your worship. It’s about choosing what truly nourishes your soul and allowing those practices to shape you beyond Ramadan.

 As you enter this blessed month, ask yourself:

● What truly nourishes my heart and soul?

● Which small change can have a lasting impact on my relationship with Allah?

Choose one or two things that resonate with you, and commit to nurturing them. Your Ramadan, Your Journey. It’s not about perfection, but about progress—one sincere step at a time.