Just remember that there is a lot that can be done when you cannot pray and fast. All you have to do is make an effort to stay connected with Allah ta’ala and insha’Allah, He will help you. You just need to make the intention.

The last ten nights are here, and as the doors of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are wide open, we’re preparing to take a break from our regular posting activities at IGIC. Our advice to everyone is to do the same – to spend time away from the internet, and to give as much time as possible to the worship of Allah. Make i’tikaaf if possible, for all ten nights or as many as you can. Pour your heart and soul into the coming days, into your du’aa and prayer and hope in Allah. The last ten nights are here, and Laylat al-Qadr could be any night, including tonight.

With the last ten days coming up, naturally, some of our sisters won’t be able to pray or fast. A lot of us face this realization with sadness and disappointment… but it’s important to remember that this is what Allah chose for us. It doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the spirituality of these days, and it doesn’t mean we have to miss out on Laylat al-Qadr. In fact, we should be motivated by the fact that we can’t pray or fast and put in an extra effort to worship Allah in other ways. With a sincere heart, we can, bi’ithnAllah, reach the ranks of those who are fasting and praying. So read up, and on’t miss out on the rewards and blessings of this month:

Some years ago, I was sitting with a friend of mine and she started telling me about her struggles with hijab after becoming Muslim. She had grown up Christian and accepted Islam while she was in college. “For me, hijab was the hardest thing,” she said. “I just didn’t want to wear it. So I made every excuse I could. ‘It’s too hot.’ ‘I can’t breathe’.” She shook her head, remembering. “But the funny thing is, I didn’t realize I didn’t want to cover.”