This week, I will share another one of Sister Maaida's delightful Ramadan chronicles of Day 24.

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Sometimes, the best healing comes with tiny shovels and sandy toes.

After a full morning of planning and navigating the usual errands, work and Ramadan responsibilities, I needed a moment to breathe.

So, I packed up the little ones and we headed to the beach. Nothing fancy! Just digging, giggling and letting the sea breeze carry away whatever felt heavy.

Watching them play reminded me of something simple but profound: joy is still here. Even in a month full of sacrifice and striving, there’s room for smiles, for play, and for moments that ground us in gratitude.

Ramadan isn’t just about long nights and tired eyes – it’s also about soft hearts, quiet resets, and the small joys that remind us why we keep going.

Alhamdulillah for days like this.

Lesson learnt today: when things feel tangled or heavy, go where the joy is.

That's all folks … Asa (As salaam alaikum).

***

Indeed, that's it for Ramadan 2025, like the lyrics of a popular song goes:

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight

Here one day; Gone one night. Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon …

Gone too soon

And so it is – just like that, the blessed month of Ramadan is gone too soon.

As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims around the world reflect on the spiritual journey they have undertaken.

A month of fasting, prayer and devotion, Ramadan is a time of self-discipline, increased worship, and generosity.

It is not merely a period of abstaining from food and drink but a comprehensive exercise in self-purification, strengthening faith, and drawing closer to Allah.

As Ramadan departs, it should not leave us unchanged. The self-discipline, increased worship, and good deeds cultivated during the month should serve as a foundation for the rest of the year. If Ramadan has truly fulfilled its purpose in our lives, we should emerge from it with:

• Stronger faith: our connection to Allah should feel deeper, with increased reliance on Him in our daily affairs

• Better character: the patience, kindness, and humility we practised should continue beyond Ramadan

• Sustained worship: while fasting may end, our prayers, Koran recitation, and remembrance of Allah should persist

• A generous heart: the habit of giving should remain, ensuring that we continue supporting those in need throughout the year.

With the conclusion of Ramadan this weekend, Muslims come together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the only two Islamic festivals, alongside Eid-ul-Adha. The term Eid-ul-Fitr translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, signifying the end of the month-long fast. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and community, where Muslims express thanks to Allah for allowing them to complete the fast and seek His continued blessings.

The morning of Eid begins with the Eid prayer at the Masjid, followed by gatherings with family and friends. It is also a time for giving, as Muslims are required to distribute Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer, ensuring that those in need can also partake in the celebrations.

Traditional meals, new clothes, and heartfelt supplications make the day special, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and faith.

However, Eid is not just about celebration – it is also a reminder to be grateful for the opportunity to have observed Ramadan and to carry forward its lessons. As we bid farewell to this blessed month, may we continue to embody its spirit and remain steadfast in our worship, kindness, and devotion.

Just as we opened the blessed month of Ramadan with duaa (prayer), we shall end this blessed month the same way.

O Allah, Most Merciful and Most Generous,

As this blessed month of Ramadan comes to an end, we thank You for the guidance, mercy, and strength You have granted us. We seek Your forgiveness for our shortcomings and ask that You accept our fasting, prayers, and acts of worship as deeds of sincerity and devotion.

O Allah, let the light of Ramadan remain in our hearts, inspiring us to continue in righteousness, patience, and gratitude. Strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and increase us in Taqwa (God-consciousness).

Grant us the ability to carry the lessons of this sacred month into our daily lives. Fill our hearts with compassion, our tongues with truth, and our hands with generosity. Unite our Ummah in peace, love, and justice.

O Allah, bless those who are suffering, provide for those in need, and grant ease to those facing hardship. Accept the prayers of the sincere and shower us with Your infinite mercy.

As we welcome Eid with joy, let it be a celebration of faith, unity, and gratitude. Keep us steadfast on the path of righteousness, and grant us many more Ramadans to come in health, faith, and devotion. Ameen.

The world is small and what is going on elsewhere, but for the grace of God, can happen and will effect us over here! So with that in mind, Bermuda, we must continue to have zero tolerance for injustices wherever they may occur. Let us continue to speak out against blatant genocide and discrimination. Let us always and for ever forbid what is wrong and enjoin what is right.

May the upcoming week bring us all new hope for an existence of justice, harmony, stability and hope for all.

Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid). As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam