The Month
Poem by Aida Zaki, photograph by Rawan Yasser
it’s nearing, it’s close
the month of Forgiveness
from dawn to sunset, we fast
no eating, no drinking, until the sun sets
the month of Purity approaches
the first day feels tough, we want to give up
but we pray to God and we feel much better
no hunger, no thirst, no more
the month of blessings is here
the month of Fasting is much more
than no eating or drinking
it’s also the month of Cleansing
we do good deeds each day
showing our kind hearts
saying good words
to not be intoxicated by sin
we Cleanse our souls, so God forgives us all
the month of Forgiveness truly is a blessed month
it brings us peace and harmony
it brings us gratitude and respect
and it brings me happy tears
as the sun starts to set, the homes fill with tasty aromas
mom prepares her homemade spring rolls
sister helps in the kitchen
brothers lock away in rooms
and dad waits until the calling for the fast to break
as soon as he says “ok, drink,” we say our blessings
and, as I take my first sip,
I am relieved
I am thankful
I am full
the glass of water fills me just enough
I overflow with gratitude
the month we Muslims have awaited is here
the month of Happiness,
the month of Gratitude,
the month of Cleansing,
the month of Sacredness,
the month of Reflection,
yes, the month of Ramadan.
As the month of Ramadan approaches, please show great respect and happy wishes to a fellow Muslim. Every year, Muslims all around fast for a month to increase our spiritual reflection, worship, and devotion. This month of rituals helps us become closer to God and reflect on our actions. Please be kind and courteous towards us as this is a Holy Month for us all. From Aida Zaki, a fellow Muslim; I hope all of our sins are forgiven this month. Ramadan Mubarak!
