Things Come To An End
Ramadan and our retreat among them
As I write this story the new moon marking the beginning of a lunar month in the Islamic calendar has already been born. However, since Islamic months begin with the first sunset after the new moon, this year’s Ramadan fast continues until the next sunset. So, this is not only the last night of Ramadan but also the last night of our retreat.
I have enjoyed this retreat immensely.
I pray that I can continue some of its practices throughout the rest of the year and into the rest of my life. I intend to read much more of the Quran than in the past. I have set a goal to finish reading this wonderful document every two months or even more frequently:
Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted.
Teaches by means of the pen.
He teaches man what he never knew.
(The Quran 96:3–5)
I also plan on continuing my sitting and/or walking meditation every evening, slowly increasing the time until the meditation reaches at least 30 minutes:
Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. (The Quran 39:9)
Other brothers and sisters in my home mosque have similar goals. Perhaps the kutbah (Friday sermon given in our community by a different brother each week in rotation at the noon Jummah prayer) delivered by one of our young brothers near the end of the Ramadan of 2015 inspired us. He spoke of maintaining our level of piety and faith after Ramadan. If you wish, you can follow this link to the community’s monthly newsletter with his excellent article covering this on its last page.
While part of me is very sorry to see Ramadan and the retreat end, another part looks forward to getting back to my normal routine and discovering if I will reach my goals.
Life continues to change as time irreversibly creeps on. Eventually that life will drain out of my body and my soul — my essence — will move on to a new adventure, just as everyone does. Now I have the chance to grow strong enough in my soul to make that future a joy rather than a sorrow. All of us have that opportunity. Will we take it?
Thank you for reading this. If you have missed my other stories on Ramadan and the Last Ten Nights retreat here are free links to them:
May God bless you!
