Ramadan is about a lot of things that go far beyond fasting.
It is the month where we are given endless opportunities to repent and become the best versions of ourselves. But vowing to make such changes in just a month can be straining on the mind and the body, especially since we’re not able to eat or drink all day. But it is not impossible.
It usually takes 3-4 weeks to break a habit or introduce a new one, and to do it, you have to be really mindful of your actions. You have to be patient. When you find yourself in a position where you feel like you’re about to break, think of how blessed you are.
The Importance of Patience in Ramadan
Patience in Ramadan is not just about waiting for iftar to come, when you can end your fast and start eating again. It is also about controlling our emotions, guarding our tongue and responding to difficult situations in a way that pleases Allah. We may at times become irritable because of the hunger and tiredness, but in those moments, we are tested with our patience the most. Instead of reacting to situations in anger, we must take a deep breath and remember the purpose of why we are fasting.
Allah tells us in the Quran,
"Indeed, Allah is with the patient."
[Quran 2:153]
We must reassure ourselves that in every moment we spend exercising our patience, it is being seen by the One who created us.
How to Build Patience in Ramadan
One of the easiest ways to build patience is by filling our spare time with moments of dhikr and dua, reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar or seeking forgiveness with Astaghfirullah. These simple acts of worship can calm the mind and help us remember the true purpose of Ramadan.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) taught us the importance of patience through fasting. It has been narrated that he said,
"When one of you is fasting, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice; if someone insults him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: 'I am fasting.'"
[Bukhari and Muslim]
As the days of Ramadan pass, you may begin to notice small changes within yourself. Perhaps you’re feeling more grateful for the blessings around you and having compassion towards those who are less fortunate. These are signs that your heart has benefited from the month, creating habits that are worth carrying with you long after Ramadan ends.
Building Patience Through Helping Those in Need
Another way to practice patience is by helping those who are less fortunate. Supporting families facing poverty and providing meals to those who are fasting helps put our own difficulties into perspective. A small sacrifice from us can make an enormous difference to someone else's life, and acts of generosity remind us that Ramadan is a month of mercy, compassion and selflessness.
Ultimately, patience is a lifelong journey. Ramadan gives us the perfect environment to develop this quality, but the goal is to continue practising it throughout the rest of the year. If we can leave Ramadan with a little more gratitude, a little more self-control and a stronger connection with Allah, then it goes without saying that we have truly made the most out of this blessed month.
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