30 for 30: Taraweeh Reflections Day 11
Day eleven of Ramadan finds me contemplating the feeling of being important and significant. In a world obsessed with external validation, it's easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth by fleeting metrics: job titles, social media followers, or the size of our bank accounts. Ramadan allows us to reflect and focus on spiritual growth, which offers a powerful kryptonite to a superficial approach to life.
Moments after I got home, a profound realization washed over me. My significance and importance are not defined by external achievements or the validation of others. They are inherent in every fabric of my being as a creation of Allah.
But I would be lying if I said there aren't some external forces that can make a difference and help me feel important. Whether it's a kind word shared in passing, a helping hand extended in a moment of need, or genuine attention geared towards someone because we all need that, each act of kindness has the opportunity to be a ripple of joy, capable of inspiring change and fostering a sense of community and belonging for someone.
During this beautiful month, the layers of ego and worldly attachments are stripped away, revealing the essence of who we are: souls yearning for connection with the Divine. In this space of vulnerability and surrender, I discover my true significance. I vow to live in a way where I'm not seeking that external validation. Still, I also want to live a life that reflects the values of compassion, service, and faith so that I can be a reason for someone to feel significant.
This realization is both liberating and empowering. It frees me from the relentless pursuit of external validation. It allows me to focus on the things that truly matter:
Nurturing my relationship with Allah
Serving others
Contributing positively to the world around me
It empowers me to act with purpose and intention, knowing that my actions, however small, have meaning and significance in the grand scheme of things.
May this Ramadan be a time for all of us to unveil our inherent significance, shed the layers of self-doubt and insecurity, and embrace the truth that we are each valued and loved by Allah. May we find our purpose in serving Him and contributing to the betterment of the world. Ameen.
