1st Ramadan 1442h

Ramadan is upon us once more. 

Long have I left the habit of journaling, the last on ramadan may just be nearly 10 years ago when we were in Sheffield waiting for him to finish his placement tenure & waiting for the senate release of my doctoral results. 

It was peaceful times. We were living in Chesterfield and celebrated Eid at the Sheffield mosque. 

I was nearly 5 months pregnant so Ramadan was a challenge yet welcomed since I could finish the fast without skipping. 

We did terawih at chesterfield surau almost every night. I was usually alone or accompanied by 1 other mukmin lady. I could give my 100% attention and devotion during the solat. 

Today, things are different. The 8th year into working full time in a permanent position in a university in Shah Alam and as a member of the management committee - time was like gold. Blessed with a pair of beautiful healthy children, I couldn’t ask for more. 

Ramadan came and went until today. How can I make it different especially for myself? This thought ravages my mind. Just last June for an intensive month the vice chancellor thought me how to read the hijiriah alphabets with proper pronunciation- it is expected that I continued reading to improve my pronunciation and flow but I skipped until the year ended up to now April of the following year. Where can I find motivation?

Today I reached home as the clock struck 8pm. I had done my maghrib solat at office. So now to make tea and prepare for dinner. Before dinner I did 8 rakaats of terawih, entertained the boy and girl a while before dinner prep of mutton and paratha- something to be prepared every night since he has to have paratha & milk during sehri/ sahur. 

Did I read the Quran today - yes just 2 lines. It should be one of the short surah of juzuk 30 really. I must try. Pray this Ramadan be a fruitful one InshaAllah. 

#Ramadan1442h.