BY MUMTAZ MOOSA SALEY

15:05:2021

Every year we count the days down to Ramadan with the number of samoosa and pies made for the month.
This year we have seen my generation #samoosarevolution try to end the utter madness of having one million and three different varieties of items we don’t really like or need.

While many had time on their hands, we spent the time productively. We found time to pray, fetch the kids, deal with the cats’ endless issues and even enough time even to contemplate why on earth we didn’t start this revolution sooner.

The other half of the ladies, especially the older generation, sat talking about life in lockdown. A time that was really a blessing in disguise. The reality is we all have 24 hours a day. How we plan to utilise that time makes a substantial difference in our day. We don’t need to rush and run all day when we can plan based on time management.

Where ever you stand on this, to me, Ramadan this year came with the realisation that this year was different for me. As I sat and thought about what really matters, I have learned to let things go for the sake of peace. Most of all, I have learned that if my kids are way more afraid of me when I talk rather than scream at them.

This year the month of Ramadan arrived, and I have had so much perspective put into place on what really matters and how my kids and I don’t have to be stretched out and stressed out for no reason. This month changed my heart and life, but it also made me aware that my emotions can lead me down a dark path if I don’t keep them in check.  We all tend to overthink situations, and when we do this, the worst thoughts come out.

While suhoor was simple, iftaar was the usual. Ramadan gave us all time to sit and make dua and talk about our dua to each other. Our hopes and dreams and how we will all be together next year with the will of Allah.

This year before Ramadan, I lost a close family member, and my dear uncle is missed. But it has made me realise that we need to laugh more, visit each other more and take time out just to let insignificant issues slide.

We are not guaranteed another Ramadan, and next year there will be more empty seats at our tables.  So let’s take this as a lesson to pray more, love more and live more.

Have a blessed Eid