It’s been more than 10 years since we’ve been using these stainless steel food trays when attending community iftars.
Imagine the impact of a whole masjid making this small change!
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”
– Sunan Ibn Mājah
May Allah accept this as a small, consistent deed. Ameen 🤲🏽
Would you mind if your masjid started using reusable plates for Ramadan iftars?
Let’s talk about what’s missing from your Ramadan prep.
Most Ramadan prep lectures include tips on:
– recommendations for getting the heart ready for this blessed month
– how to deepen the spiritual elements of the fast
– writing down your Ramadan goals and the duas you want to make
– connecting to and reading the entire Quran
– how to automate your sadaqah
– nutritious food for your fasts
– etiquettes of the masjid
– fitness while fasting
These reminders are important but incomplete. People of ihsan pay attention to the whole picture. The inner world and the outer world.
Here is what is missing from your Ramadan prep:
We also need Ramadan reminders to connect to Allah through the companion book to the Quran: the Book of Nature.
While the Quran points to the natural world in over 700 ayat, living in a modern, consumerist culture often disconnects us from nature. The Quran reminds us of Allah’s signs in nature. For decades, nature has been giving us clear indications that we need to pay it more attention. Ramadan is an excellent time to reconnect and recalibrate with the natural world and join in with its continuous harmonious dhikr of Allah.
An easy way to connect to the Book of Nature is to start Ramadan by sighting the hilal. Pay more attention to the cycles of the sun that indicate the times of the prayers. Take the earbuds out of your ear and listen to the chatter of the birds reminding us to pray fajr. Break your fast while watching a Ramadan sunset.
Reconnect with Allah through His magnificent signs in nature. Recharge your capacity to experience Allah’s majesty through the natural world.
I take these two to every iftar.
Here are the basic, simple tools of a Green Ramadan: a reusable water bottle and a stainless steel spork.
Whether I can fix my own plate at an iftar or I’m given a pre-packaged iftar meal, I never need a single-use water bottle or throw-away cutlery.
I usually just carry the reusable water bottle or put it in a backpack. The spork, I can just stash in my purse. It has a cover with a small carabiner attached.
Traveling or staying local, Sip & Stick are my two faithful companions.
(Truth be told, I usually take these two wherever I go all year round.)