A Ramadan Prayer

Ya Allah.

My daughters were three years old last Ramadan. They understood that Ramadan meant no eating or drinking for Mama or Baba all day long. You helped me take them every night to taraweeh prayers, so they could see another aspect of Ramadan. You helped them memorized a few surahs from the Qur’an and recite them every day. You helped me accomplish my goal of introducing the fourth pillar of Islam to them.

But oh, Allah. This year they’re four years old. They can understand oh so much more. I feel I can start helping them understand the spiritual side of Ramadan, too. Of letting go of our dependance on food and drink. Of finding pleasure in other ways. Of seeking freedom from our human needs.

But oh, Allah. I have no idea how to. I want to help them reach a new level. I want to make this Ramadan even more special than last Ramadan. This could be my parents’ last Ramadan. Or mine. Or my children’s. I know how precious Ramadans can be. Please, my Merciful Lord, I ask you to help me and my family reach a higher level this year. Show me the way. Help me to help my children love You more.

Help me, ya Allah.

Asiya Akyurt

Asiya  lives in Virginia with her husband and twin daughters. She is an active MAS member with an ijaza (certificate) in Qur’anic recitation and tajweed, and enjoys teaching, interpreting and translating.