And Then There Was Forgiveness

Salaam Minara Family,

How are you all?

Happy seventh day of Ramadan 🌙⭐.

Feels surreal that a week’s gone by and we’re entering our second.

Today we’re reflecting on forgiveness, but before we do, consider this your little five a day check in [not the kind that keeps the doctor away 👩🏽‍⚕️]

This Ramadan [check out our Instagram], Minara is encouraging commitment to our five fardh salah a day.

It’s so so easy to feel deflated and defeated especially when Ramadan might feel like we just aren’t doing enough.

But remember, Ramadan came just at the right time for you, when your soul needed it the most.

This looks different for everyone, and that is ^{_{absolutely ok.}}

Yes we minimised that cause we want you to read it again and again! Magnifying glass if need be! 🔎

No two pathways are the same.

Your friend’s commitment might look like reading Tahajjud every night of Ramadan and yours looks like reading your five a day.

Whatever it is - Allah sees your efforts just as much as He sees theirs so please don’t compare.

Your path is truly your own.

Keep walking - your ‘Tahajjud’ awaits you 🛣️.

Pssst: comment ‘Prayer’ under any of Minara’s recent posts to take our free prayer quiz to help you find where you stand. And please share with family and friends who you know want to develop and cultivate their prayer journey this Ramadan!

Last week we explored mercy in relation to the first ‘ashara of Ramadan.

Today we’re sharing a little somethin’ somethin’ about forgiveness as we slowly but surely approach the second ‘ashara of Ramadan in sha Allah 🩵

Today, Minara is setting a teeny tiny challenge [for the team first and then our community] to implore Allah today with His Magnificent name of at-Tawwab. Meaning?

The One Who accepts all that return to Him.

Tawba [repentance] is for everyone because we all need to return.

Repentance is not limited to the hideous and the heinous acts one might commit.

Repentance is for everyone.

You, in your heart of hearts, know where you might have slipped up, and it sits in your conscience, taking up space.

That space is Allah willing you to return to Him.

Repentance is for everyone.

Maybe you haven't slipped at all subhan Allah; you just want to get a little bit closer to Him.

That little bit of want? That's from Allah, too, guiding you to return to Him.

At-Tawwab doesn't stand in isolation from Allah's other names. No - in fact, we can only understand tawba by understanding Allah's Mercy.

When He wills and guides you to make tawba and return, it is because He is the Most-Merciful.

Whatever it is that causes you to return to Him, a friend, something you read, a verse of the Qur'an, a lecture you attended, or a story you heard - whatever it is - you heard it because Allah intended it to find you so that you repent and He may in turn accept.

This hadith is so so moving - it just makes us want to break down and weep! This hadith speaks to the sinner in you and me, to each and every one of us who sometimes doesn't feel so worthy.

If the above hadith isn't a personal invitation to just return to him, we don't know what is.

Wrapped with a beautiful bow of acceptance, hope and new beginnings.

May we all enter the realm of tawwabeen, those who consistently repent.

[Without breaking a sweat]…

Ramadan is the perfect time for a spiritual detox - time to cleanse the soul, re-focus, and, of course, work on that whole forgiveness thing. We know, we know - it isn’t always to forgive, especially when your cousin ate the last samosa at iftar. But fear not, we’re giving you five ways you can exercise forgiveness this Ramadan without breaking a single sweat [pun definitely intended].

1. Let It Go - Even the Samosa Incident

That cousin of yours? Yeah, the one who swears they didn’t know it was the last samosa. It’s okay. Let it go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to forget, but you do have to let go of that simmering grudge. Every time you feel your stomach rumbling, think about letting go instead of letting the anger simmer. Remember: Allah loves the ones who forgive - plus, you’ll get your samosa karma back 😜.

2. Forgive Yourself for That Last-Minute Suhoor Panic

We’ve all been there: you’re half-asleep, fumbling with cereal boxes, and the clock strikes the dreaded 4:00 AM. Did you eat a bit too much? Did you sneak in a chocolate bar, thinking "Who’s watching?" Forgive yourself. Ramadan is about self-discipline, not self-judgment. Be gentle with yourself - Allah's mercy is much bigger than a chocolate bar 🍫.

3. Send That Text to Your Unanswered WhatsApp

You know that friend you haven’t spoken to in months? Ramadan’s the time to hit send on that text that says, “Hey, I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I hope you're doing okay!” That’s it. No drama. No essay-long explanation of why you haven’t talked. Sometimes forgiveness just means reconnecting with people and sending out a little peace via Wi-Fi 🛜.

4. Forgive the Latecomers to Iftar

Let’s face it: some people’s concept of time is loose - especially when it comes to iftar. The clock strikes six, you’re about to dive into the dates, and then… BAM, someone strolls in 15 minutes late, and all you can think is, “You could’ve at least let me finish my first date, friend.” But here’s the trick: forgive them. Smile, share the food, and remember: there’s more than enough barakah in the food - and in your heart 💖.

5. Forgive the Mirror for That Pre-Dawn Face

We all have moments when we gaze into the mirror post-suhoor, and the face staring back at us looks a little… well, like we just ran a marathon. But forgiveness starts with loving yourself - even when your eyes are halfway closed and your hair looks like it's been styled by a windstorm. It's a forgiving attitude that makes Ramadan a peaceful one.

Ramadan isn’t just about fasting; it’s about purifying the heart, and nothing purifies the heart like forgiveness. So this month, let’s make a deal: no grudges, no passive-aggressive behavior, and no holding on to past mistakes. Whether it’s the samosa thief or the latecomer, forgive, laugh, and move forward. Your soul (and stomach) will thank you 🪞.

Jokes aside friends, find forgiveness wherever you can in your day.

We’ve been reading the acclaimed Ramadan Reflections by Aliyah Umm Raiyyan and honestly, it feels like the brain chemistry is being altered.

Aliyah Umm Raiyyan really encourages conversing with Allah ‘Azza wa 'Jal as openly and honestly as possible and calling on His names to do this. She shares du’a invitations at the end of each chapter of Ramadan Reflections to facilitate and inspire this.

In this same spirit, we are sharing a little du’a from our heart for you to share from your heart with your Creator.

Du’a Invitation [inspired by Aliyah Umm Raiyyan] 

Blessed Ramadan y’all -

🌙

The Minara Team