By Aaliya Fathima Sayeed
As Ramadan approaches, many of our conversations revolve around meal planning, recipes, and iftar spreads. Kitchens become busier and tables grow fuller, but often, our hearts remain neglected. This raises an important question: Are we preparing our meals more than our hearts for Ramadan?
What is Ramadan Truly About?
We hear the word Ramadan every year. We fast, increase our prayers, and give charity. Yet, have we paused to reflect on what it truly means and why Allah grants us this month again and again?
Allah does nothing without purpose. Every creation small or great, living or non-living, exists for a reason. If everything has a purpose, then this blessed month certainly does too.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, chosen by Allah for a profound reason. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity.
Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Ramadan is not merely a cultural tradition or a seasonal routine. It is a divine invitation.
The Core Purpose: Taqwa
Ramadan is not about hunger and thirst alone. Its goal is taqwa, a heightened awareness of Allah in every aspect of life.
Allah says:
“O believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Through fasting, Allah trains us in self-discipline, patience, sincerity, and obedience, especially when no one is watching. Ramadan is meant to soften hearts, revive faith, and reconnect us with the Qur’an.
When Meals Take Priority Over Hearts
Here is where many of us struggle. We prepare elaborate meals, spend hours in the kitchen, and overfill our tables, yet neglect the preparation of our hearts. A month meant for spiritual elevation slowly becomes a month of physical exhaustion.
Islam teaches us that every action can become worship, when done for Allah.
Allah says:
“Say, indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Surah Al-An‘am 6:162)
With sincere niyyah, even cooking becomes ibadah. Saying Bismillah, making dhikr, or sending salawat while preparing food fills ordinary tasks with reward. Gratitude (shukr) is central to this balance.
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah is pleased with a servant who eats and thanks Him.” (Sahih Muslim)
Ramadan does not forbid preparation, it corrects our priorities.
A Revived Heart Makes Ramadan Fruitful
Ramadan is like rain. But rain does not produce growth everywhere, the soil must first be soft and fertile. If the heart is hard, distracted, or numb, even the rain of Ramadan will not bring transformation. This is why some experience what feels like an “empty Ramadan.” The heart is revived through the remembrance of Allah.
Allah says:
“Remember Me; I will remember you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The example of one who remembers Allah and one who does not is like the living and the dead.” (Sahih Bukhari)
A prepared heart benefits from Ramadan. A neglected one merely passes through it.
From Spiritual Awareness to Practical Responsibility
This imbalance often shows itself in our habits, especially in food wastage.
Food is a blessing. Wasting it is not only environmentally harmful but spiritually damaging. Overeating and excess leave us heavy, distracted, and less inclined toward night worship.
The Prophet ﷺ taught moderation: One third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air.
Allah says:
“Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love those who are excessive.” (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:31)
Practical Principles
Plan and simplify: Ramadan is for breaking the fast, not hosting banquets.
Control portions: Smaller servings reduce waste and overeating.
Repurpose leftovers for suhoor or the next day.
Share with others:
“Whoever gives food to a fasting person will have a reward like his.” (Tirmidhi)
Allah praises those who feed others:
“They give food, despite loving it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive.” (Surah Al-Insan 76:8)
Preparing food with the intention of charity purifies the heart and multiplies reward.
The Goal We Must Not Miss
The purpose of Ramadan is not consumption, it is transformation.
It is a divine gift to purify our souls, correct our intentions, soften our hearts, and return to Allah sincerely.
Hunger teaches empathy. Fasting trains discipline. The Qur’an revives faith.
Let us enter Ramadan saying:
“Ya Allah, we come to You with hearts that are wounded and tired. Here is my heart, mend it for me.”
May Allah allow us to meet Ramadan with hearts that are alive, attentive, and ready. May He increase us in deeds during Sha‘ban that prepare us properly for this blessed month.
This Ramadan, let us feed our souls more than our stomach, and leave with lighter bodies and revived hearts.
[The writer is B.Sc, B Ed. and currently serving as the Media Secretary of GIO Hassan District.]
