Souba | Vulnerable Storytelling

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30 for 30: Taraweeh Reflections Day 30

Eid Mubarak, beautiful people. Today marks the end of Ramadan 2024, and with it comes a wave of emotions. There's the bittersweet joy of accomplishment, the sadness of bidding farewell to this month, and the hopeful anticipation of carrying its lessons forward. I can't help but be in awe at the transformation that has taken place within me. It may not be a drastic shift, a complete 180, but it is a subtle yet undeniable change, a few inches of progress toward the person I strive to be. This is a testament to the power of small, consistent steps.

My relationship with Salah is stronger; my lack of confidence and whispers of self-doubt have quieted, replaced by a gentle assurance that I am on the right path, walking hand-in-hand with the Most Merciful. The Quran, once a distant friend, now feels closer; its verses are a source of solace and guidance. My impatient soul that rushed through life has learned the value of slowing down, savoring each moment, and appreciating the beauty of the present. My heart that once sought validation in the eyes of others now finds contentment in connection with Allah; a bond strengthened through countless prayers, whispered duas, and 30 for 30 reflections.

My hands, which once reached for fleeting pleasures, now extend themselves in service, finding joy in the act of giving, sharing, and uplifting others. My feet, which once raced towards worldly pursuits, now tread a path of purpose, guided by the light of faith and the desire to leave a positive mark in this Dunya. In summary, my deen??? – "I'm on a mad ting right now."

These reflections, initially a personal quest, have grown into a shared journey. Each entry is a stone thrown into the vast ocean of our collective consciousness, its ripples reaching hearts unknown, connecting us in ways unseen. Thank you all for riding with me, reading along, and letting me know how my humble reflections have touched you in your own journeys. These stories, these moments of vulnerability and truth, have become the markers of change, each one a testament to the transformative power of this month. So, collectively, let's all thank Ramadan for this gift.

Today, I stand taller, not in arrogance, but in the newfound confidence that comes from knowing I am a work in progress, continuously striving to better myself and serve Allah with sincerity. Ramadan may have ended, but the lessons learned, the habits formed, and the inches gained will continue to shape my life. I carry within me the unwavering spirit, the sharpened focus, the open heart, and the helping hands – tools to navigate the journey ahead with grace and resilience.

As the curtain falls on this Ramadan series, I am reminded that the end of one story is the beginning of another. With a heart full of prayers and a soul uplifted by the grace of this blessed month, I step forward, ready to embrace the chapters yet to be written, guided by the lessons learned from this month.

Eid Mubarak, my brothers and sisters. May the blessings of Ramadan stay with us throughout the year, guiding us toward a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Ameen.