Ramadan, Motherhood, Spirituality

Ramadan is almost over. During this last week of reflection and worship, we thought this beautiful essay from Asiah Kelly on motherhood, sacrifice, and spiritual development provided some wonderful things to ponder.

Here are some excerpts:

Ramadan is supposed to be the month of mercy. But for many mothers and wives, it can feel merciless. The work is unrelenting — food preparation, child care, house work, and all the while trying to fit in any act of worship possible.

Muslims start mentally and physically preparing for Ramadan at least a month ahead of time. The excitement builds as people think of all the food they will eat, and all the events they will go to. Young girls shop and prepare their outfits for the different parties they will attend. Boys think of the fun they will have staying up late nights with their friends, while sleeping it off the next day. But mothers? They just might tell you that Ramadan is met with a sense of dread. All the expectations — their family’s and their own, are hard to live up to.

Something has to give, and that something is usually the mother.

Click here to visit the full post on the blog, wood turtle: islam|motherhood|feminism.