By Muhammed Arif Bin Syed Sulaiman

The month of Ramadan is unlike any other. It feels like Allah ﷻ sends a divine spark that ignites the hearts of Muslims all over the world. It is a month of mercy, transformation, and closeness to Him. For some, it marks a new beginning, a turning point for those who may have drifted away. Ramadan often brings a renewed sense of purpose and connection even for those already on the path. Alhamdulillah, every Ramadan has touched me differently, always serving as a means to get a little closer to my Creator.

This year, 1446H/2025, Allah ﷻ blessed us with the opportunity to travel for His sake. Every retreat we embark on feels like a trial version of solitude, a step away from the routine of work and distractions of daily life. We experienced what it meant to shape life around Allah ﷻ. Everything revolved around Him: our learning, fasting, prayers, meals, & rest.

The simplicity of the schedule, gaining knowledge, praying, eating, and resting, reminded me of the essence of life. We often think we need so much, but Ramadan strips it down and gently asks: Do you really need it? The Dunya always whispers what we lack, urging us to chase things that never satisfy us. But Ramadan offers a different narrative, one of contentment, clarity, and a reminder of what truly deserves to be pursued: Allah ﷻ Himself.

Each time we gathered to seek knowledge, it felt like a sacred reset, a return to the essence of our existence, our vision in Surah Adh-Dhariyat and mission in Surah Muhammad.

“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.”
Quran (51:56)

“So, know ˹well, O Prophet,˺ that there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Allah.”
Quran (47:19)

THESE MOMENTS RENEW OUR HEARTS AND DEEPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF OUR TRUE PURPOSE: TO KNOW ALLAH, TO WORSHIP HIM AS IF WE CAN SEE HIM, AND BRING INTO CONSCIOUSNESS THAT HE IS WITH YOU AT EVERY MOMENT, SUSTAINING YOU.

Living with less food and sleep wasn’t a form of deprivation — it was a quiet teacher. It taught us that we could move through the day without being bound to fixed meal times. It created space for discipline to take root, for new habits to form — habits anchored in dhikr, reflection, and sincerity. I found myself remembering Allah ﷻ more often: while sitting, standing, even lying down. My heart grew more aware. The veil of heedlessness began to lift, even if only slightly.

One of the greatest blessings of this Ramadan was the sense of community. We were surrounded by people who knew one another — a community that prayed together, learned together, and looked out for one another. We had the opportunity to serve (khidmat) our teachers, our families, and our friends, and in doing so, we learned that service is a form of love and worship.

Moreover, with shaitan being locked away, you could truly recognise the Nafs (egoistic self) we grapple with. This is the challenge one needs to confront and overcome. It’s a journey from the Nafs that commands evil (Ammara-bi-su) to the Nafs that is at peace (Mutmainnah). Join us as we embark on this climb together. Ramadan 1446H was not just a month but a training ground and a gift. It showed me what life could look like when it revolves around the One who created it. May Allah ﷻ allow us to carry these moments with us, and continue growing closer to Him, even after the crescent moon of Syawal appears.