Ramadan Reflections: Faith Beyond Fasting

18th March 2025

by Rabia Roshan

Ramadan is a time of inner reflection and spiritual renewal—a chance to seek forgiveness and grow closer to God. It’s a month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline, where we strive to abstain from anything that might detract from earning good deeds and reward. But for me, and perhaps for others, fasting feels like the essence of Ramadan. It’s what sets this month apart from other significant times in the Islamic calendar. The reward for fasting is so special that God has kept the details of it to Himself.

But what happens when you can’t fast?

I haven’t been able to fast for several years due to ill health. Muslim doctors have advised me that fasting isn’t permissible in my situation. And yet, I can’t shake the feelings of sadness and failure that come with it. Everyone else is fasting, accumulating reward, while I prepare meals and care for those in my household who are fasting. But it’s not the same. There’s no relief from that first sip of water after a long fast, no sweetness of dates breaking the hunger since Suhoor.

People often remind me that there is wisdom in my situation—that fasting isn’t the only important part of Ramadan. I’m told that feeding those who fast carries equal reward, as if I had fasted myself. Yet, the anxiety remains. That’s why I wanted to write this—to share my Ramadan journey with others who might feel the same.

Social media in the lead-up to Ramadan is filled with toxic positivity, setting an almost impossible standard. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, I’m not doing enough. I’m not praying enough. I haven’t used every second of my day productively. I find that this pressure adds to my anxiety, making me wish the time away just to escape the discomfort of feeling like I’m falling short.

But I’m learning to unravel these difficult thoughts and feeling. Allah is Al-Ghaffar—the Ever-Forgiving—and through this name, I’m trying to extend the same grace to myself that I would to others. Life doesn’t pause in Ramadan. Our casework and helpline team have continued handling complex cases and calls, a reminder that struggles don’t vanish just because we stop eating. And that means it’s okay to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed or spiritually low.

I recently read that Iman (faith) fluctuates, but we should never stop returning to Allah. He is Al-Wadud—the Most Loving—and no matter what personal battles we face, we are always enveloped in His love and mercy.

May this month bring your soul everything it needs and more.