Fasting, Flu, and Fulfillment: My Ramadan Reflections

 Which of the favours of my Lord can I deny? NONE!

I missed being here.

It has been three weeks since I last wrote on my blog. Ramadan was around, and I needed to make the most out of it. I did the Ramadan Gratitude Challenge on Instagram and TikTok. It was interesting! Honestly, trying to record gratitude videos on an empty stomach was a whole new test of patience, but we pulled through!

Here’s my gratitude for His mercy to witness Ramadan and the people He sent my way those angels in human form whose kindness made Ramadan easy for me.

I am grateful for His mercy that I could still hike while I was fasting. Yes, you read that right hike o! I went hiking four times or so I was at Usman Dam, Farin Ruwa (read about it on my blog page), and then the International Women’s Day hike. I amazed myself, like who fasts and hikes? Apparently, me!

Usman Dam

And let me tell you a secret don’t tell anyone, o! During the International Women’s Day hike, I was all pumped with plenty of energy that I joined Otes to lead the group. I was feeling like Superwoman. But when I got home, ehn, dehydration hit me like hot slap! My body was weak, and I couldn’t make it to the mosque. I prayed at home with style. Dehydration no be my mate, lol.

International Women’s Day hike 

Then I got hit with the flu at one point, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a little sniffle it had me like, "Eeehh, chaaii!" But, Alhamdulillah, I survived!

Here’s the catch your body adjusts to what you teach it. You train it like you train that one friend who always eats your food. The body system gets to rest from working overtime due to our constant eating. The cells start behaving themselves and do their repair work. In fact, fasting helps get rid of any cancerous cells planning to do gangster things. Isn’t that amazing?

Now that’s for the health part. Let’s talk about the empathy it builds. You suddenly start understanding hunger in 4D! Come to think of it everyone fasts in Ramadan: black, white, rich, not-so-rich, CEO, student we're all in it together, united by growling stomachs and faith. Beautiful, right?

I am grateful for good health to be able to fast. Some couldn’t due to health issues. I even stocked up on ulcer drugs like a responsible adult, thinking I’d need them as usual. But after the first week, I prayed, “Ya Allah, I don’t want to be swallowing these meds all month.” Guess what? I didn’t use them again. Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alameen.

I am grateful to my guardian angel in human form her light radiates like NEPA light on the rare days it's 24/7. May Almighty keep increasing you in abundance, my sweetie hot mami.

I am grateful to friends 🧡 who showed up for me. Thank you. This Ramadan is special because, even with no salary, His mercy on me overflowed. My gratitude kept flowing like zobo at a northern wedding. Some days felt like everything was crashing, but He showed up just like the birds that leave on empty stomachs and return fully fed. The mosque became my second home. Honestly, I could’ve started paying rent, but the peace there? Priceless!

I also had an amazing iftar time with my COHATA sisters. It was a lovely evening filled with beautiful recitations, deep reflection, and sweet bonding moments with our Mentor. Plus, we got some thoughtful gifts too may Almighty reward everyone who contributed.

In Ramadan, you see a lot of charities and kindness in action it warms the heart. I pray this spirit continues beyond Ramadan, ameen.

Then I went for I’tikaf. Hmm, this experience was awesomeness and wholesomeness wrapped in one. Here’s what I’tikaf means:

Iʿtikāf (اعتكاف) is an Islamic practice of spiritual retreat, where a person dedicates themselves to worship and devotion in a mosque for a specific period, usually during the last ten days of Ramadan. The purpose is to seek closeness to Allah, engage in prayers, recitation of the Qur'an, reflection, and detachment from worldly distractions.

During Iʿtikāf, one stays in the mosque continuously, only leaving for essential needs. I met beautiful sisters and brothers see eehh! The way people came fully prepared with big bags, mini beds, food supplies… even power banks like they were entering Big Brother House. Me? I showed up with my backpack and vibes. I had an intimate time with my Maker. I had meaningful conversations with Him, and I pray Almighty answered the prayers of everyone who was in that mosque with me.

You know when you think your own problem is trying to finish you, then you hear someone else’s story and you're like, "Ah! Let me carry my own in peace and thank God."

The Benefits of Fasting

1. Physical Health Benefits:

i. Detoxifies the body (basically spring cleaning for your cells).

ii. Lowers inflammation and supports heart health.

iii. Helps in weight management and improves metabolism.

iv. Strengthens the immune system (so you don’t catch small-small cold anyhow).

2. Mental and Emotional Well-being:

i. Increases self-discipline (bye-bye impulsive snacking!).

ii. Reduces stress and anxiety by promoting mindfulness.

iii. Improves brain function you become sharper than your data usage alerts.

3. Spiritual Growth:

i. Deepens your connection with Allah VIP access to divine grace.

ii. Helps cultivate gratitude and humility.

iii. Strengthens reliance on God’s provision and mercy (because only He can send help through random strangers who send you fruit salad during I’tikaf).

4. Social and Empathetic Benefits:

i. Fosters unity among Muslims everyone feels the hunger.

ii. Develops empathy for the less privileged.

iii. Encourages generosity (you start dashing out food like a cheerful vendor).

5. Discipline and Self-Control:

i. Teaches patience especially when someone annoys you at iftar.

ii. Regulates unhealthy habits (yes, those 2 am shawarma cravings).

SubhanAllah, the benefits of fasting are endless. Ramadan may have ended, but the impact stays. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to fast, to grow spiritually, and to witness Allah’s mercy.

Alhamdulillah for it all.

So, the day before Eid, a lovely lady at the mosque offered to do henna for me and the other ladies. I was excited, thinking, "Okay, I’m about to step out looking all fancy with some beautiful henna designs!" Fast forward to Eid day, and everyone came out looking like they just walked off a runway elegance, handsome faces, and those fragrances in the air that made you feel like you were in a high-end perfume ad. After the prayer, the hustle began, people were off to celebrate, looking all glam.

Meanwhile, what did I do on Eid? Drumroll, please... I spent the day sleeping. Yes, sleeping. 😴 Not a single moment of elegance, just me and my cozy bed, catching up on much-needed rest like I was training for a nap championship. Guess who was rocking their henna? Not me, because I had to take the nap instead.

But hey, Eid vibes are still there just in my dreams. 😅

I survived! Shoutout to Nasfat I'tikaf committee y’all were absolutely amazing! From the registration to the admission process, it was smooth sailing. And let me tell you, the clean environment? Top-notch! I mean, especially the toilets clean toilets are a big deal for me, and these guys nailed it! (I’m a simple woman, clean toilets win my heart every time).

The get-together, the prayer session, and the tafsir were all spot on, but I have to say, the tafsir felt a little too targeted at women. Like, can the brothers get a mention too? 😂 But overall, it was great.

Now, I’m just saying, next time, no phones should be allowed during I'tikaf. Seriously, ( yeeee! who hit me Oraimo charger for head?) 🙄  but we all know that’s a recipe for distractions.

The food? Oh, it was lovely. At registration, they didn’t promise food, but guess what? They still blessed us with a hearty iftar and sahour.

 Nasfat, you guys are truly a gem! May the Almighty keep increasing you all in abundance, and may everyone who donated have their prayers answered.

Let me know your Ramadan reflections in the comments. How was your experience? Did dehydration visit you too, or was it just me?