Ramadan | Page 3 of 4

Ramadan is a special time for Muslims dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. What then does this time mean for some Nigerian women?

Bola, 17

Every Muslim no matter their spiritual strength works hard in Ramadan, the vibe is just different. Even though I’m not the strongest spiritually on a regular day, Ramadan makes me want to improve and be a better person and pray harder. The one thing I do not look forward to in Ramadan is the meal preparation. My mum handles the cooking in sahur and then I clean up after her, wash all the dishes and then I am saddled with the responsibility to cook and clean for Iftar, even though I have brothers.

I do not like that the constant meal prep and cleaning that has to fall on my shoulders just because I’m a woman, while everyone else just gets to chill and relax because they’re fasting. I’m also fasting and I think that work should be shared equally so every body should have time to work on what Ramadan is truly supposed to be about, and that’s the spirituality.

Raheemat , 21

When you’re on your period and not fasting, people always want you to feel some kind of shame. They’ll ask why you’re eating like you’re obligated to explain and when you say you’re off-salat, they’ll tell you how you should eat your food in hiding. It’s like they want you to feel shame for eating, as if you have any control over when periods come and go.

Hafizat, 20

Well, it’s just me and my dad fasting but then I have to make sure I know what he’s eating at iftar. I also am not able to go back to sleep immediately after sahur because I would have to do a couple chores. Luckily, my dad knows I’m lazy so he doesn’t bother me too much. I just wish we didn’t have to cook for iftar all the time, maybe order out once in a while.

Yinka, 18

There’s this unspoken pressure especially because I’m the first girl, to do more and do better and still maximise on worshipping during the month. It makes everything overwhelmimg, but towards the end it gets better because everyone gets a bit more relaxed, you don’t get as many visitors.

Eid day is always high maintenance though. We have a lot of guests over, so there’s always a lot to be done in terms of hosting, taking care of different things and making sure things go where they are meant to be. I get yelled at a lot when things go wrong even when they’re out of my control. Sometimes, I pretend to need to use the bathroom so I can hide and have time to myself. Cleaning is always horrid, especially the bathroom.

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Kudirat, 24

Sometimes, it feels like people forget women fast too. I get to spend Ramadan without my family this year, and I’m so excited about it. If I was at home my mother, sister, and I would spend the bulk of our time cooking and cleaning while all the men in our family just relaxed, prayed, and got to better themselves spiritually. My relationship with Allah means a lot to me, and I too want to improve it.

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Ramadan is officially over and with it comes Eid Fitr 2020. This year’s Ramadan has been weird and that’s putting it mildly. For many Muslims, Eid Fitr is usually a glorious celebration where you get to bond with family and friends and generally chill. With Miss Rona around, there isn’t going to be any of that this year.

Worried about how people may be feeling, we asked 5 Muslims their plans for this years Eid.

Hussein.

“Well, to me, it’s just like any other day. That means I am going to be at work. No holiday for me because I work as a doctor. I’ll probably order food from one of these vendors and try to recreate that feeling of community with my co-workers. Apart from that, I have no other plans.”

Hameedah.

I am just going to cook, eat, and talk to my family over the phone. I stay in Abuja because of work. During Eid, I’d normally come down to Lagos to catch up with them. However, none of that this year. I have to just make do to talking to my people over the phone. I feel so so lonely being far away from them. Whatsapp call can’t replace a warm hug from people who love you unconditionally but Alhamdulilah for that option.”

Lateefah.

“Omo, in my house nothing has changed. We are still killing ram as usual. The main courses are still Jollof rice and pounded yam. The only difference is that we won’t invite neighbours to the house.”

Ahmed.

“Since we can’t pray at the mosque this year, I am going to lead the prayers at home. I had to learn how to lead the Eid prayers. My house people think I am one Alfa so they are looking to me to lead them. I have never had any reason to learn how to. I have spent the last week learning the amount of Takbeers and the surahs to recite. I have been a nervous wreck, but I’ll figure it out. What a time to be alive.”

Maryam.

“I am happy there’s no celebration because that means I don’t have to go home to my family. I haven’t been doing this Muslim thing for a while, but, I always have to go home during these celebrations and pretend like I am still a Muslim. At least, this year, no need to pretend. For that, I am grateful.

I plan to read a book, light a blunt, and worship my body.

Have you read this? A Week In The Life Of An Imam Navigating A Zoom Ramadan During Covid-19
Ramadan is a big deal for Muslims. It’s an exciting time when it starts, but also, it’s also exciting when it draws to an end. If you’re fasting and lowkey counting down to the last day of Ramadan, this post is for you.

When you try to act unbothered but you really can’t wait for the last day of Ramadan

Food. Food. Food.

When you realise that it’s the last 10 days and you have to up your praying game

It’s Laylat al-Qadr season

You, struggling to stay awake every night

This could be the night. I have to do this.

When it’s day 29 and they haven’t sighted the moon

Please nah, announce this thing.

When they didn’t sight the moon and you have to fast for one more day

Hay God!

You, on the last day of Taraweeh

Till next year.

You, thinking about all the food you will eat on Eid

Long time coming!

You, when you realise that there’s only so much you can eat

It’s fine. I have time.

When you realise that there’s nothing really holding you back from all the “vices” you’ve abandoned anymore

So, back to square one?

When you realise that you actually don’t want Ramadan to end

Make up your mind!
With the shutdown of the holy city and the uncertainty of this year’s Ramadan, we spoke to three Muslim health workers. They tell us about juggling Ramadan with working on the frontline.

A Special Kind Of Ramadan.

Aminat (Nurse)

Ramadan hasn’t been very hard. The only difference is that I don’t get to eat what I want to eat, and I am not with family. Because of the nature of my work, the hospital provided hotel accommodation for us. That means that I don’t get to go home and I have to eat whatever the hotel provides.

Olamide (Doctor)

I can’t remember the last time I did proper Ramadan at home. From uni to house job, I have mostly done Ramadan alone as an adult. The only difference was that then, I could go home to spend some time with my family, but now I have to stay in a hotel provided by the hospital. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for me because I am used to fasting alone.

Aminat (Nurse)

Ramadan this year is different because I can’t afford to miss Sahur. I know that missing it will be problematic because carrying PPE requires energy. When Ramadan started, the first thing I did was call home to make sure that they always wake me up by 4 am, no matter what.

Laide (Doctor)

In school, I was the only Muslim in my room. Most times, I had to wake up to eat Sahur and Iftar alone. So, it’s not really different. The major difference is a hotel which is not convenient food-wise because you have to eat whatever they give you. The hospital put us in a hotel to reduce the risk of infecting our families.

On Loneliness:

Laide (Doctor)

My last Ramadan was a bit different because I was in Dubai. The iftar there is a celebration – There’s food, people, it’s a big deal. But this year, it’s just me eating alone in my hotel room or eating at work like any regular person.

It’s a bit solitary because there are just three of us here who are Muslims. We work in different units and different shifts. So, it’s just you, your God, and your Ramadan. To be fair, it doesn’t feel like it’s Ramadan here. Except for the three Muslims here, everyone else is just going about their usual business. We are the ones telling them that we are fasting.

Aminat (Nurse)

It also doesn’t help that there aren’t a lot of Muslims around or on similar shifts, so I am very lonely. No one to remind me to read my Quran, or tell me when it’s time to break. Sometimes, I just sit alone in a corner.

Olamide (Doctor)

It helps that one of my family friends who is a doctor is here with me. We work the same shift, so we do Sahur and Iftar together. It’s nice to have someone to do all of that with.

The PPE Struggle:

Aminat (Nurse)

My teammates are very nice. In situations where I don’t feel like going in, they offer to go in. This is important on days where I had very light Sahur and I am weak. Also, wearing the PPE leaves you dehydrated because of how hot it is. So, it’s very nice when they offer to go in.

Laide (Doctor)

In the beginning, it was weird because wearing PPE makes me hot and dehydrated. On the first day of Ramadan, I didn’t eat proper Sahur. I had to go into the ward wearing PPE and we had a lot of admissions. What stood out for me from that day was that I was very thirsty when I came out. I don’t remember ever being that thirsty in my life.

Olamide (Doctor)

Any day I have to wear PPE longer than usual is a difficult day. This happens on days where there are a lot of samples to collect and patients to see. I try not to miss Sahur so I can be at my best.

The PPE is made from nylon. It is unbreathable. That means no air is getting to your skin and whatever is inside the PPE. It feels like you are trapped with all your body heat. Nigeria is hot, so on a sunny day, it’s ten times worse. No matter how cold the A.C is, you won’t feel it; you are sweaty and uncomfortable. It’s not like coming out and removing the PPE is a quick process. It takes at least 15 minutes to decontaminate you. So, if 12 people go in, you have to wait until it’s your turn. It’s really uncomfortable.

When people come out, the first thing they reach for is a bottle of water. That’s where it can get tricky for people that are fasting. Because of this, a lot of Muslims aren’t fasting at the moment.

Food and Drink:

Olamide (Doctor)

I think one of the most difficult parts is looking for what to eat. The hotel provides us with food but sometimes you want to eat a certain meal for iftar and that option isn’t there. It’s not the same as preparing your own meal and planning ahead. I just have to eat whatever they provide.

Laide (Doctor)

This year, I made the decision to eat well. But it’s not about food, it’s the thirst. I need to have something in my belly because I don’t want to add hypoglycemia to my dehydration troubles.

Because there are only three of us here, there’s no special arrangement for food for us. We have to sort ourselves. The hotel provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so people convert either their breakfast or dinner to Sahur. I had to get a microwave because the hotel doesn’t come with microwaves in the room. Using it to warm my food during Sahur has been super helpful as opposed to eating cold food.

“I enjoy the fulfilment that comes with it.”

Laide (Doctor)

I am fasting because I don’t feel like I qualify to not fast. I saw the Fatwa about not fasting if you are on the frontline. I don’t think I could have not fasted and been comfortable because I don’t see the difference between doing this and regular hospital work. For me, this is my regular job. I didn’t think it was going to be difficult. Or unbearable. To me, not fasting was never an option and it never crossed my mind.

However, I understand that anyone not fasting on the frontline has their own reason for doing so.

Everyone’s case is peculiar. For me, it was never an option because I evaluated my experience and I knew I could handle it.

Aminat (Nurse)

I can’t remember the last time I completed Taraweeh. It’s not easy. Sometimes, on the night shift, I don’t get to pray Ishai till past 10 pm (I normally pray at 8 pm). And that’s after attending to patients. It can be difficult to complete Taraweeh because I am already tired by then.

Olamide (Doctor)

Fortunately for me, I don’t sweat a lot so that part of Ramadan has been easy for me. I am committed to fasting because I enjoy the fulfilment that comes with it.

I don’t think about it that much because I chose to volunteer. I wasn’t going to volunteer, at least not in this capacity, but an incident changed my mind. I heard about the patient who didn’t disclose his travel history in Luth. So, whether or not I am in an isolation centre, at the end of the day, I am going to be exposed to Coronavirus. Because you don’t know the history of whatever patient you are attending to.

I’ll rather be in a place where I know this is what we are managing so it’s not a surprise. At least, if you are aware, you are more careful. At the end of the day, every health worker is at the risk of exposure.

“The hardest part is the stigma”

Olamide (Doctor)

When I was moving to the hotel, I had to go to my apartment to pack some stuff. On getting home, my flatmate saw me, ran to her room and locked herself.

Laide (Doctor)

Unlike other parts of the world where they appreciate you for being on the frontline, in Nigeria, it’s “don’t come to my house!” In the beginning, there was stigma from the hotel staff where we were staying. They were scared, so we had to re-educate them and re-orientate them. I have also had to adjust the way I dress to make them comfortable. Even though the hotel is a walking distance from the centre, I can’t wear my scrubs from the hotel. I have to wear my regular clothes from and to the hotel.

Some people even have to show others their negative test results before they are comfortable around you. It’s that bad, but it is what it is.

Aminat (Nurse)

Being a Muslim already comes with its own stigma. When you add Covid-19 stigmatisation, it becomes a lot worse.. But I will be fine. At least that’s what I tell myself every morning.

“I find myself missing my friends and my family.”

Olamide (Doctor)

Because we can’t leave the hotel and isolation centre, I find myself missing my friends and family. It feels like I am in a routine – go to work, come back, stay alone in my hotel room.

I try to stay in touch with my family through video calls. I am constantly updating them with what’s going on at work and they update me with theirs. I’m looking forward to when this is over. I miss my old life.

Aminat (Nurse)

I am used to spending Ramadan alone and away from family. However, the last ten days are special because I get to go home. I go for Itikaf where I catch up with friends, family, and generally bond together as a religious community. It’s kind of like a reunion. Funny enough, I had plans for this year’s Itikaf because I missed last year’s. Sadly, Corona has prevented that.

Laide (Doctor)

I’ve been avoiding going home. I am worried about infecting my family. Especially in a case where I am asymptomatic. I really wanted to see my Grandma but I cannot afford to infect her.

When this is over, I am going on dinners, travelling… It feels like my life is on hold. Covid-19 derailed a lot of plans and the world is never going to be the same. Even though I can’t envision what life would like in the aftermath of this virus, I am looking forward to the new normal.

Glossary:

Fatwa – a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Sahur – the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting (sawm), before dawn during or outside the Islamic month of Ramadan.

Iftar – This is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

Taraweeh – refers to additional ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night after the Isha prayer.

Itikaf – an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to worship during these days.

If you enjoyed this, you should read this next: A Week In The Life Of A Nurse On The COVID-19 Frontlines.
For many people, Ramadan is the month of new beginning and fresh starts. A chance to get it right one more time. Going along with that premise, I spoke to people who are currently looking for fresh starts during Ramadan.

Here’s what they had to say:

Umar/25.

“I hope that this Ramadan helps me with masturbation. I remember reading one time that if masturbation prevents fornication then it’s permissible. For the longest time, I have used that to justify my actions, but deep down I still always feel like I am committing a sin.

In the past, after the tenth day of Ramadan, I start to wank after Iftar. My body can’t just stay so long without endorphins. I am an orgasm addict. Lol.

My target for this month’s Ramadan is at least 20 days clean without it. I don’t know if I can make it. It has been a tough couple of days but I will keep trying no matter what. This is an opportunity for a fresh start.”

Kunle/27.

“For my job, the two things that help me get through it are copious amounts of stress food and copious amounts of alcohol. No in-between. I cut my stress relief for Ramadan, and to be honest my body is not having it. I am cranky, irritable, and desperate.

I tried reading the Quran as a substitute but it’s not the same. Ughhhh!”

Aminat/28.

“Let me be real with you, I haven’t fasted anything yet. I will fast but it’s just difficult. I struggle with low self-esteem and my validation comes from sending select men pictures of my body. And their resulting desire to sleep with me. I get validation from them wanting to sleep with me rather than the act itself. Do you get? the thrill of being pursued, desired. A man that wants to sleep with you will do anything. I mean anything. That feeling of worship is what powers me.

The issue now is that when I fast, I can’t play these games and I can’t get validation. Without that validation, I can die. I can’t go back to face that girl that was unsure of herself. So, that’s why I keep hesitating. It just feels like a huge tradeoff tbh.”

Hassan/25.

“As a writer, I need music and food to write. Music for mental ginger, and food for stomach ginger. I have had to give up these two for Ramadan and it has been tough. Whenever I am stuck on inspiration, I subconsciously open Deezer. Or, I walk to the fridge to grab a bite. I tried replacing music with podcasts, but I can’t listen to podcasts and work at the same time.

After Iftar, I find myself on Youtube consuming two times the usual amount of music videos I would normally watch. It’s almost like I am compensating for not listening to music during the day.”

Lola/21.

“Can someone be addicted to lying? I have to lie because of work. I am a sales rep and sales involves some measure of half-truths and over-exaggeration. So, I catch myself in tight corners these days whenever I call my customers. If I don’t bobo them, I won’t eat. If I bobo them, I won’t go to heaven. Which way?”

Ahmed/26.

“Lower your gaze has never been harder. I am obsessed with staring at beautiful women. I go down rabbit holes on Twitter once I see photos of a beautiful woman on the timeline. These days, when I see a beautiful woman on the TL, I send the photo to my Dm for surfing after Iftar. I am trying to suppress this habit but it’s just so difficult. There are too many fine people in the world to stop appreciating.”

You should definitely read this: A Week In The Life Of An Imam Navigating A Zoom Ramadan During Covid-19.
This is based on a true-life story. Names, characters, and incidents are not the products of the author’s imagination. This is definitely not fiction. And any resemblance to actual persons, living or dying, or actual events is real.

In Ramadan, when you wake up and you realize you missed Sahur, “Oh shit” shouldn’t be the first thing that pops to your head. But, it is what it is.

Here is everything that happens when you realize you are going to have an interesting day ahead:

Weird cravings.

I am not the biggest fan of cake but I have been craving it all day. This is my body saying let’s eat cake, die, and hasten the process.

Everything starts to look like food.

I have caught myself subconsciously chewing on my pen cover two times today.

You need two naps per task.

Going for my second nap after writing this post because my body is protesting.

You try to suppress day dreams.

I keep having flashbacks of when I ate well. Also, dreaming of the many meals I will have for Iftar. Astargafurllah.

Concentration is in the gutters.

“I reallty gope there’s no typoi in thise sentecne”

Adding 5 other alarms to your first 5.

Naming the alarms “don’t miss Sahur for anything 1- 10.” As an extra precaution, I am going to name a last one by 5:00 am “at least drink water na.”

Texting your exes.

Wait, what?
Click here for happy thoughts.
“A Week In The Life” is a weekly Zikoko series that explores the working-class struggles of Nigerians. It captures the very spirit of what it means to hustle in Nigeria and puts you in the shoes of the subject for a week.

Today’s subject is Imam Nojeem Jimoh. He tells us how he’s navigating Ramadan using technology in this special time.

THURSDAY:

I wake up by 4:15 am today. I pray two rakats and make dua until it’s time for fajr. In the past, I would have left the house ten minutes to the time for fajr to lead congregational prayers in the masjid, but that’s no longer possible. We are in special times. By Saturday, it will be one month since we last gathered for congregational prayers at the masjid. But we have no choice.

Everyone has had to adapt to the new change. Even the madrasa. There are now online classes for the children. Their Arabic teacher recites and records the surah he wants the children to memorize and he sends it to them via Whatsapp. Then, they recite and record and send it back to him and he makes corrections. Arabic classes are now held over Zoom calls. One hour session where everyone recites along and tasks are monitored. It doesn’t replicate the madrasa perfectly but it at least ensures that time is not wasted during this period. You cannot escape Alfa because Alfa is online monitoring your task and progress.

So, instead of going to the mosque to lead prayers, I lead my family in prayers. In the past, I would have had my bath and prepared for my 9-5 after fajr. I am not a full-time imam. I have a job that I report to during the week. My job is classified as essential services so that means I still have to go in during this period. However, I don’t have to go in as early as I used to. This means that I have some leeway to do one or two things.

I am a morning person and I am not used to going back to sleep after waking up. So, I find a way to pass time before leaving for work.

FRIDAY:

If ever we can say something good came out from this period, it is becoming internet savvy. Especially among my own congregation. I have encouraged everyone to actively download Zoom and the response has been encouraging. This is because it seems like this is going to be a Zoom Ramadan. Why I am grateful for Zoom is that it still gives people the communal feeling even though we are all apart. This is especially important because of people who are struggling with their iman during this period. We all struggle with iman normally and that’s why we all need to keep in touch with each other.

Today, after work, I am going to address my congregation on Whatsapp concerning Ramadan. We have a general Whatsapp group where we send important messages. I have informed them that it’s going to be for 90 minutes, and I have asked for their cooperation.

My message to them is simple: this virus is real and deadly. We have been tasked by the Sharia to obey Allah and the people who have authority over us. The Sharia also tasks all Muslims with the preservation of life. The people in authority over us have enforced rules to ensure the preservation of life. Therefore, by obeying these rules, we are preserving life and following Sharia. It is important that regardless of how unusual things are, everyone follows instructions.

Everyone should pray Taraweeh in their homes with their family. Islam is not stressing anyone.

After the address, I look forward to enjoying a quiet Iftar with my family. Me, my wife, the children, feasting on a delicious meal of ogi and moi moi.

SATURDAY:

I wake up with a slight cough today. Normally, I would reach for water but I don’t, because I am fasting. It is one of those things.

Being an imam like any other thing comes with its own “challenges”. I have had a member of my congregation call me by 1 am to just “come to their house immediately” without telling me the nature of the emergency. Bearing in mind that I still had to go to work later that day, I had no choice but to rush down.

Other times, I have had parents bring children to me suffering from depression and anxiety issues. It has been my job to walk the fine line between offering them spiritual comfort based on the Sunnah and also making sure that the child receives the appropriate modern medical treatment. That is, encouraging them to go see the appropriate specialist as the case may require.

In some cases, it has also been myself. Contrary to popular belief, Imams too get low iman. The only advantage we have is the knowledge of the scripture with relevant examples of past prophets who have experienced something similar. Reading these stories and seeing similarities helps shake off the feeling and bounce back. Coupled with the fact that I have to constantly remind myself that leaders are meant to lead by example. These two factors help to always make sure that I am not down for too long. It’s also the same scripture by which I motivate myself that I use to help members of my congregation that come seeking help. It becomes easier to help them when you can relate.

I am going to spend the rest of the day joining Zoom calls. I plan to listen to the lectures that I would have normally attended if I wasn’t staying at home.

SUNDAY:

In the masjid, we have an army of Alfas. During Ramadan when we have an increased number of prayers, we rotate who leads the prayers. So, someone leads Ishai, another person leads Taraweeh, another person leads shafi and witr. While another person recites a Juz of the Quran. This division of labour makes it easier for everybody.

I am the only man in my house. It’s just me, my wife and two daughters. As an imam, even though we no longer gather, it is still my job to encourage members of my congregation over the phone to pray in their own homes. Also, because I am the only man in my house, I am quite literally the imam. So, it means that in addition to leading my congregation virtually, I also have to lead my home. I have found out in the last few days that being the one to lead all these prayers can be exhausting.

Today, after praying shafi and witr, I am quite exhausted. This is the first Ramadan I have had to do without being able to delegate. Even if it’s Ishai. Also, what makes it exhausting is that we try to recite half of a Juz at home. For one person leading all of this, it can be tiring. But may Allah make it easy.

My favourite meal — rice and stew — is what we have for iftar but it is a struggle to keep my eyes open. After the meal, I go to bed sufficiently exhausted.

MONDAY:

Today, I have had time to think over some things. It is now clearer to me why congregational prayers are important.

As an imam, the last few days made me realise what energy comes from having a crowd praying behind you. The way I feel exhausted after praying taraweeh in the last few days made me realise this.

I told my wife that in the masjid, I wouldn’t have felt exhausted so soon in Ramadan. It is clear to me that the crowd behind is part of the energizer that makes things easier.

When I am leading taraweeh and I know that there are 100 – 150 people behind me, the knowledge of that keeps pushing me. Also, there are people to rotate the responsibilities with. However, in this case, we are only four at home praying. I have found out that the energizer is missing and that’s why I feel tired easily.

Zoom has been really helpful with keeping in touch and communal feeling, but you can’t pray via Zoom. I am looking forward to things going back to normal. I miss my congregation, I miss the energy they give me. That energy has never been more important than during this Ramadan.

Glossary:

Imam – The person who leads prayers in a mosque.

Rakat – Single unit of Islamic prayer.

Dua – Literally meaning invocation, is an act of supplication. The term is derived from an Arabic word meaning to ‘call out’ or to ‘summon’, and Muslims regard this as a profound act of worship.

Fajr – The Fajr prayer is the first of the five daily prayers (salah) performed daily by practicing Muslims.

Masjid – Mosque.

Madrasa – A school for Islamic instruction.

Alfa – Islamic scholar.

Iman – Faith.

Sharia – Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna), prescribing both religious and secular duties and sometimes retributive penalties for lawbreaking.

Taraweeh – Additional ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night after the Isha prayer during the holy month of Ramadan. It involves reading one Juz’ (Arabic: جُزْءْ, i.e a section of the Quran 1/30 its length, which generally takes somewhere between 20-60 minutes), and from 8 to 10 cycles of Raka’ah, lasting well over an hour in total.

Iftar – The meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan.

Juz – A juzʼ is one of thirty parts of varying lengths into which the Quran is divided. It takes 30 – 60 minutes to finish reciting one.

Ishai – This is the night-time daily prayer performed by practicing Muslims.

Check back every Tuesday by 9 am for more “A Week In The Life Of” goodness, and if you would like to be featured or you know anyone who fits the profile, don’t hesitate to reach out. Reach out to me: hassan@bigcabal.com if you want to be featured on this series.
Ramadan is going to be interesting this year for many reasons. With social distancing and the whole staying at home thing, it’s going to be a long ride.

People have complained about how their faith can’t thrive in isolation. Inspired by a Twitter user, I found a thread of podcasts that can make Ramadan a lot easier for Muslims.

This is the tweet that started everything:

Here is a thread of podcasts to listen to during Ramadan , inshallah it will benefit us all 🙏🏽❤️
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 20, 2020

1) Freshly Grounded.

I like this one because of how open minded the presenters are. The episodes are long but worth it. My best for now is the episode with Yahya Raaby where he talks about Ramadan without mosques and learning Arabic in quarantine.

1. Freshly Grounded , they also do have YouTube videos linked to the podcast if your would like to watch as well as listen https://t.co/8fZujk2kcm https://t.co/HrkiUeyUel pic.twitter.com/UEtHUpwqTw
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 20, 2020

2) IlmFeed Podcast.

This is a fave. They discuss things from marriage to depression, to creativity, self-care, business. The range here is astounding. Wow. An absolute fave and I can’t decide on my best episode yet. However, one that comes to mind is the episode on gratitude in times of hardship. Loved it!

8. IlmFeed Podcast , also have video playlist of podcast episodes https://t.co/S8Sy4dgIXF https://t.co/3fdONJrs0J pic.twitter.com/rFiom2lL71
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 21, 2020

3) Mufti Menk.

Everyone loves Mufti because of how compassionate and self aware he is. He tackles serious matters with empathy and that’s all we need in life.

8. IlmFeed Podcast , also have video playlist of podcast episodes https://t.co/S8Sy4dgIXF https://t.co/3fdONJrs0J pic.twitter.com/rFiom2lL71
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 21, 2020

4) Honest Tea Talk.

This is for women but I couldn’t help but be moved by the vulnerability. Honest conversations from abuse to depression to jealousy. The honesty is refreshing and it’s a must listen for Muslim women.

5. Honest Tea Talk , Recommended the sisters to listen to this one , also have YouTube videos connected with their podcast episodes https://t.co/MQwA25CzqB, https://t.co/TNPdV7qjse pic.twitter.com/G79eDWtnls
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 20, 2020

5) The Deenspiration podcast.

I haven’t fully listened to this one but the voice of the host, brother Usman, sounds very soothing and kind. On first listen, I was hooked. The reviews look good so I am looking forward to it.

2. The Deenspiration Podcast , they have a lot of episodes in audio and few videos on YouTube as well ,https://t.co/PcDnM792ly ,https://t.co/DxgyECollP pic.twitter.com/UuCD7mclLV
— ray 💞 (@raytalks_) April 20, 2020

You can check out more podcasts by clicking here.
Dread it, run from it, Ramadan arrives – My Alfa, circa 2000.

If you grew up in a Muslim home, chances are that at one point or the other, you have been scared silly of Ramadan. Mostly because you were unsure if you could give up (some) pleasure for asceticism. Afterall, Shaitan is singing locked up in some unknown location.

As a child, you had adults to enforce the rules. As an adult, it’s pretty much the wild wild west. So, how is Ramadan different as an adult than as a child?

These are some of the reasons people gave.

1) It’s not Satan, it’s me.

“The hardest part of Ramadan as an adult is self-awareness. As a child, the excuse for any shortcoming is blamed on age. As an adult, you come to the sober realization that everything you blamed Satan for, you didn’t need to. I can do bad all by myself.”

2) Nobody said it was easy but no one said it would be this hard.

“Working or schooling during Ramadan is not fun at all. I highly do not recommend it. And the worst part? you can’t afford to not show up. It’s a paradox; if you have nothing to do, you’ll be bored out of your mind. If you have to work, you’ll be tired out of your mind. Adulting, which way?”

3) If I had ₦1,000 for every time I cursed.

“I wonder how many times I will curse before I realize it is Ramadan. Cursing is how I let off steam in helpless situations. I had better not just read the news because I won’t be able to hold myself. Especially when it’s news about Nigeria and the fuckers called politicians.”

4) Twitter and Astaghfirullah.

“There was no Twitter growing up, but it is now my escape from the realities of this adult life. Every time I refresh my feed, I have to be Astaghfirullah-ready because people there are badly behaved. So, are you saying I shouldn’t take the medicine for my sorrows? Chai

5) Cooking and not being to eat.

“Cooking is not fun because when it’s time for iftar, I have lost my appetite. Low-key, I miss someone cooking for me. I miss just walking up to eat without all these senrere.”

6) Catch 22.

“Should I wake up in the night to eat and be sleepy and slow all day at work, or should I sleep well and be hungry and slow all day at work?”

7) This Dunya is actually killing me.

“I can’t wank. I know this is bad but it’s the only thing that makes me feel alive. Especially in this lockdown. As a child, I didn’t know anything like depression or lethargy existed because I was always happy. But now that depression is the theme of my adult life, orgasms are the only thing that makes me feel alive. Even if it’s short-lived. I don’t know how long I can do without it during this period.”

In case you missed it, watch Nigerians talk about their Ramadan struggles below:
On Thursday, we all couldn’t wait for the day to be over, because fasting had come to an end and we were finally going to get that short holiday we deserve.

If you didn’t go home this excited, then I don’t know
There are the ones who slept from the time they got home till the day they resumed work. Almost all of us fall under this category.

Ha! This sleep will be tired of me today
The ones who didn’t get any sleep because they wanted to use enjoyment to kill themselves.

Please I just have to turn up with my guys
The ones who made plans to turn up all week but ended up spending the whole weekend at home.

Because if you stay at home, you don’t spend money.
Let’s not forget the ones who left their house to look for ramadan meat.

But realised this isn’t that season. Tragic.
This is the time we know those who can complete 15 series in one day.

” Me and this movies will die on the line today “
There’s also those people who were on their phone all weekend, watching the people who went to turn up on instagram.

“I should have just gone out oh “
The workaholics who continued to work from home.

Oga you better don’t kill yourself
The ones who just watched nothing but the World Cup every day.

What a sweet match
The ones who were just on their phones doing absolutely nothing.

” where’s my phone? oh it’s in my hand “
Finally, there’s the people who can’t relate to any one of these so far.

Because they didn’t even get a break from work.