I wanted to share my experience, so my first vlogs were born! I have been overwhelmed by the responses I have received on social media to this challenge. Not just my posts, but Stephen Griggs’ posts too, as well as those we shared via @DeloitteUK. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read, watch, learn and join our #RamadanAtDeloitte conversation. What a book! Each word in Ramadan Reflections should be written in gold! A masterpiece. I couldn't stop reading it as it felt like it was written for me, I felt so sad when I finished reading it.

This is the word that comes to mind when I think about Aliyah Umm Raiyaan's Ramadan Reflections. With her earnest, and at many times vulnerable, voice at the centre it's intertwined with the classical wisdom of old as well as the wisdom of recent. She's written it in such an intimate way that you almost think she's penning down your own thoughts. SubhanAllah. It's this layering of voice and experience that makes this a timeless piece- that of course I pray continues to earn her ajr until the end of time. UK: Faith leaders condemn rise in antisemitism but not Islamophobia, call for unity between faith communities Ramadan is all about starry nights and the crescent moon, and Egypt takes the concept of lighting up the night sky a step further. The country’s people gather together to welcome the Holy Month with colourful fanous – intricate lanterns that symbolise unity and joy – decorating the streets. There is much ancient folklore about the origins of the lanterns, but a popular tale dates their use to a night during the Fatimid dynasty. It’s said locals gathered to greet the Caliphate Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah as he arrived in Cairo on the first day of Ramadan. Military officials held candles, sheltered with wooden frames against the wind, to light the dark streets.

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Fasting is between dawn and sunset, during this period Muslims are not allowed to eat nor drink. Fasting is considered to teach self-discipline and reminds us of the suffering of those less fortunate than us.

Ramadan remembers the month the Quran (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I think this is a book I will return to, not only during Ramadan but at any time of the year when I consciously want to reconnect to Allah and worship more meaningfully. Sometimes it’s not that we don’t know something, but just that we need a reminder, a little nudge to remember the good something has for us. Day 28 on Istakhara teaches us to turn to Allah in times of desperation, in times when we truly need the guidance of Al-Hādi (the One who guides) to light the way for us. I learnt how to perform Istakhara correctly and with conviction that this is the best way to resolve my conflicting mind and heart.The practice of religion in Indonesia is frequently mixed with old traditions, cultivating unique practices and rituals. Such is the pre-Ramadan tradition of nyekar. This word comes from the root word sekar, which means flowers, and the verb nyekar, meaning to spread flower petals (on a burial ground). This is an act of paying respect to departed family members. According to early Javanese beliefs, the month of Ramadan marks the start of a new life cycle and the completion of the previous one. Within each chapter, the author shares her own personal stories and experiences related to each topic. She weaves in ayahs from the Quran, Hadiths, and quotes from Islamic texts. Each chapter ends with a dua, which was my favourite part. We often make the same duas without my variation and we don’t know what else to ask for, but Aliyah has written some beautiful duas related to the messages in each chapter and they really felt meaningful and heartfelt.

Ramadan reflections is a unique compilation- partially biographical. The content is filled with a myriad of Quran references, Hadith, sources from scholars, notable authors & words of ordinary people. The book is divided in to 30 parts; a segment intended for each day of Ramadan. Each day is dedicated to a single topic to reflect & ponder upon, a space for assisted journaling & concluded with a perfectly selected, person centred, prescribed Dua. Each topic seamlessly correlating with the previous & proceeding chapter.I liked how the book didn’t have too much journaling in it tbh, bc I usually don’t like to journal (lol surprising I know as a writer- but I prefer typing to pencil writing). This book was the perfect amount of text and journaling balanced- and it was written in such an impactful way that I found myself really soaking in each chapter and pausing and enjoying the journaling process at the end! So, this is the first book I have been able to complete in a very long time. It broke boundaries of my short attention span due to the way it has been written – passionately yet succinctly. From the heart, to the point, yet leaving you wanting more. I feel absolutely honoured to have been an early-reader for Aliyah Umm Raiyaan’s Ramadan Reflections and this review comes very honestly, not just a recommendation. I usually spend the first couple of weeks of Ramadan working, and will have short breaks during the day to pray. I will also ensure that any parties to the proceedings are given sufficient breaks to enable them to participate fairly. During Ramadan, I avoid going to the lunchroom and use this time effectively to work. After work, I will rest for a few hours before the fast opening time and this enables me to catch up on sleep. I will then open my fast at around 7:45pm, it is customary to open the fast by eating a date and have some fruits, which is then followed by a meal with family and friends.