Ramadan Reflections: Best Wishes for a Blessed Eid al-Fitr from the MLJ Editorial Board

By Editorial Board of the Muslim Legal Journal

As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, the Muslim Legal Journal’s Editorial Board would like to wish our community a blessed Eid Al-Fitr. In celebration of Eid and in hope of carrying forward the spirit of Ramadan, please find below some Ramadan reflections and Eid well wishes from the members of our editorial board.

Keeping the Ramadan Momentum Alive

As we bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadan, it is natural for many of us to reflect on our deeds and experiences during this sacred time. For some, Ramadan may have been a month of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and increased connection with Allah. However, others might feel a sense of guilt or regret for not having made the most of this special month, particularly those juggling the demands of full-time studies or work.

If you find yourself feeling disheartened by the thought that you may not have made the most of Ramadan, it is essential to remember that Allah, the All-Merciful and All-Forgiving, loves and cares for each one of us. He understands our individual circumstances, and His boundless compassion extends far beyond the month of Ramadan. One of the key lessons we can take from Ramadan is that we should not allow guilt to overwhelm or depress us. Instead, let it be a source of motivation for self-improvement and a renewed commitment to our spiritual growth. Allah says in the Quran (39:53), "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’”

As we transition back into our daily routines, let us carry the spirit of Ramadan with us by maintaining a strong connection with Allah. Our relationship with Him does not end with the sighting of the Eid moon; it is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth, learning, and self-reflection. Hold firmly to your prayers, the remembrance of Allah, and your recitation of the Quran and remember that Allah's infinite Love and Mercy are not restricted to Ramadan but are available to us today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our existence.

May Allah guide us, accept our efforts, and grant us His mercy and blessings, both in this life and the hereafter. Eid Mubarak!!

- Hamid Bazaraa, Muslim Legal Journal Copy Editor and 1L at the University of Wisconsin Law School

Embracing Life’s Fleeting Nature

A common observation that I have heard from many Muslims that I spoke with about this year’s Ramadan is how quickly the month has come and gone. It is true that Ramadan passes us by quickly every year, however, at least for me, this one seemed to be especially swift.

I believe it is important for us to also consider how, like Ramadan, our time in this dunya is fleeting. Our days, weeks, semesters, and years are passing us by, and before we know it we are entering the next big phases of our lives. Having made this observation, I welcome Eid al-Fitr with the hope of continuing to fully dedicate myself to worship just as we do during the holy month. Whether that be by completing all of the daily sunnah prayers, doing more dhikr, or reading the Quran more often, I aim to not pick my foot up off the gas pedal as we often do once Ramadan ends.

We truly never know whether we will get to experience another Ramadan or when our time on this earth will conclude. For this reason, I encourage everyone to live every day as if it is their last. Rather than maintaining the mindset that you can always begin worshiping and getting closer to your Rab tomorrow, start today because you never know if tomorrow will come.

- Sherry Assi, Muslim Legal Journal Copy Editor and 1L at Boston College Law School

Finding Balance and Purpose

Observing Ramadan necessarily means reevaluating our priorities and closely guarding our time to maximize every beneficial second of this blessed month-- we defer obligations at work, personal time, even necessities like food and drink to make time for spiritual sustenance. In that, Ramadan acts almost as a vacation from the chaos of daily life as we reorient ourselves to what really matters. This Ramadan, I also tried to fast from wasting time and cut out TV, fiction books, Pinterest, etc.-- things I thought I was pretty good at limiting anyway, but I've realized how much more I was suddenly able to accomplish when I reallocated that time to ibadah. Instead of spending 10 minutes between meetings or an hour before bed scrolling mindlessly, I could spend it reading a page or two of Quran or on dhikr-- and, SubhanAllah, it brought a lot of barakah in my time. And, Alhumdulillah, I didn't feel like I was missing out; I still felt happy and was perhaps even more fulfilled and purposeful than otherwise. I don't think I'll drop books or TV from my life forever after Ramadan, but I hope InshaAllah that I will be more intentional about spending my time on them and that I'll remember how much more barakah and sakinah I can have when I guard my time and more priorities more carefully. I pray that you all are able to maintain the beneficial habits and priorities that served you this past month even after Ramadan closes, and I wish everyone a blessed and joyful Eid.

- Hafsa S. Mansoor, Muslim Legal Journal Managing Editor and S.D.N.Y. Judicial Law Clerk

Practicing Gratitude

As individuals in the legal field, we can become consumed by our goals and to-do lists, often overlooking the importance of acknowledging where we are and expressing gratitude. One of my main goals this Ramadan was to be more intentional about practicing gratitude. As I transition out of Ramadan, my aim is to sustain and elevate my efforts to express gratitude in my daily life.

Surah Al-Luqman emphasizes the significance of gratitude, stating that “be grateful to Allah, for whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good…” (31:12). Moreover, research shows that regularly expressing gratitude can improve one’s physical and mental well-being and reduce the desire for materialistic gains.

As Ramadan concludes, and we reflect on the past month’s efforts to practice gratitude, it is crucial to incorporate these habits into our daily lives. For me, this means being mindful of my language, replacing complaints with verbal expressions of gratitude for my blessings, and taking time each day to reflect on what I am thankful for, perhaps even writing it down. Ultimately, practicing gratitude is an act of worship and it is something we can do every day to honor Allah (swt) and express appreciation for His blessings while simultaneously improving our wellbeing.

As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, may we remain cognizant of the lessons we learned throughout the holy month and continue to practice them throughout the year, inshAllah!

- Sanaa Ghanim, Muslim Legal Journal Editor-in-Chief and 3L at SMU’s Dedman School of Law

Eid for All

Happy Eid - please remember that there are so many people who do not get to celebrate the holidays with friends or family. They might be reverts or working away from home. The month of Ramadan and especially Eid parties can feel so lonely. Try to include someone into your circle, it will bring them so much joy.

- Sarah El Ebiary, Muslim Legal Journal Editor-at-Large, IP Lawyer, and Founder of the Vegetarian/Vegan Society of Egypt

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May Allah accept and reward all our efforts this Ramadan. Eid Mubarak!