By Imam-Malik Abdullahi Kaga
As Muslims, we are well aware of the significance and sanctity of the holy month of Ramadhan. We fast, offer tarawih prayers, and engage in acts of charity to get closer to Allah and purify our souls. However, amid our spiritual endeavors, we often dismiss the tireless and unwavering efforts of our female kith during this month. In most cases, our mothers and sisters, who work tirelessly to ensure that our homes are running smoothly and we have the essential resources to meet our spiritual obligations, received a modicum of accolades, and some even barely get them. let us pay tribute to these unsung heroes and acknowledge their contributions to making Ramadhan a blessed month.
First and foremost, our mothers play a vital role in ensuring that our homes are running smoothly during Ramadhan. They get up early in the morning (before dawn) to prepare ‘suhoor’ before the fast begins, ensuring that each member of the family has the necessary energy to fast throughout the day. In this hot weather, they spend long hours in the kitchen, cooking delicious meals that everyone looks forward to when breaking their fast, despite the fatigue and exhaustion that may come with fasting. Our mothers’ selflessness and dedication to their families are remarkable, and they deserve our utmost gratitude.
Moreover, our siblings, particularly our sisters, also make significant contributions during Ramadhan. They may not play the traditional roles of men, such as leading congregational prayers, but they ensure that the family is engaged in spiritual activities throughout the month. Our sisters also contribute to helping our mothers prepare food and drinks to break our fast. Thus, they play a crucial role in our spiritual outgrowth, and their hard work should be acknowledged.
In addition to these contributions, our female family members also take on various other responsibilities during Ramadhan. Our sisters may help with household chores or even take care of young children to provide their mothers with much-needed rest. They may also prepare food for those who do not have the means to cook for themselves or volunteer at the mosque to assist in any way possible. We must recognize that their efforts make a significant difference in the lives of those around them and lead by example in giving back to our neighborhoods.
In conclusion, our female family members are truly the unsung heroes of Ramadhan. They work tirelessly to ensure that our homes are running smoothly, we have the resources we need to observe the month, and we engage in spiritual activities to the best of our abilities. We must show our gratitude and appreciation for all that they do, especially during this holy month. We must understand that without their support, our Ramadhan experiences would not be as fulfilling and meaningful. Let us take a moment to thank our mothers, sisters, and female relatives and strive to follow in their footsteps of service and kindness.
May Allah grant them the highest of his Jannah, and may Allah bless our sisters and give them rightful and pious spouses.
