By Nabeelah Niaz 

Ever since I was young, I fasted the month of Ramadan. Some years I felt closer to Allah جل جلاله and others somewhat distant. I would start Ramadan with the best of intentions and then a few months later they would become a distant reality. I would feel regret and disappointment on how I let go so easily. I would try to achieve consistency in worship, but at times I would struggle. I would regularly pray for Allah جل جلاله to bring me closer to Him.

Then in 2020 the world went into lockdown, a situation we never dreamt of experiencing. Schools and colleges were closed, for many of us working from home became a reality. Everything had changed overnight and Ramadan was approaching. At the same time, I was ill and not able to do the normal daily things I took for granted. I was consistent in praying but I could no longer go down into prostration and put my head on the floor, the place I felt the closest to Allah جل جلاله. I wasn’t alone but I felt alone. Despite this, it might sound strange, but for the first time since I could remember I felt as if I had time to breathe, think and reflect.

It dawned on me that I needed to take proactive steps for things to improve. Although I had read the following verse many times, its significance finally started to make sense: Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves (Al-R’ad, 13:11).

I started to realise that although I found things difficult, it was a blessing from Allah جل جلاله and that my prayers were being answered. It dawned on me that I needed to take proactive steps for things to improve. Although I had read the following verse many times, its significance finally started to make sense:

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves (Al-R’ad, 13:11).

I needed to initiate change and take action in order to draw closer to Allah جل جلاله. It's easy to feel weighed down by the pressures and distractions that surround us. But with the complexities of daily life, there lies an opportunity for transformation and growth. Thus, my journey of self-development began. Alongside my personal progress, I felt a strong desire to make a positive impact on others, I just didn’t know how.

I always wanted to write, but never had the confidence. I’m not a scholar nor have I memorised the Qur’an, so I questioned what I could possibly add. The dreaded imposter syndrome. After several courses, I came across the 'Last Day Leader' course led by Brother Iqbal Nasim (website: iqbalnasim.com). Through his transformational course I realised that the vast majority of Muslims aren't scholars either. Sounds obvious, I know! I started to internalise that each and every one of us has unique experiences and skills to share. Ones that can serve to inspire, guide and motivate others toward a deeper connection with Allah جل جلاله and His teachings.

Fast forward to 2023, I decided to put pen to paper and write. To help others achieve their best Ramadan yet. To help others feel connected to Allah جل جلاله all year round rather than being limited to the blessed month. However, it's easier said than done. As a new writer the process can be overwhelming. Translating ideas onto paper can seem daunting. With sincere intent and supplication to Allah جل جلاله, guidance emerged as my greatest support. Whenever I encountered a roadblock, Allah جل جلاله would send me the most beautiful, remarkable individuals to aid my path. In addition to Brother Iqbal Nasim, I must shout out two sisters below:

The Muslimah Writing Academy - I enrolled in the Writing Programme led by Sister Na’ima B. Robert. The coaches' sisters Khadijah (@khadija.epicwriting) and Hend (@author.hend) readily addressed any questions and ensured we stayed committed to our writing goals. Their encouragement, coupled with the camaraderie of fellow sisters on the journey, kept motivation levels high. I eagerly anticipate the literary creations that will emerge from this programme. I pray that Allah جل جلاله grants them all ease and barakah, āmīn.

Sister Abia (@Ta-Ha Publishers) - I was making strides in my writing journey, yet obtaining a publishing contract for my draft book always seemed out of reach. The idea of reaching out to publishers with letters, uncertain of receiving a response and bracing for potential rejections, weighed heavily on my mind.

One evening I remember praying for Allah’s guidance. After the prayer I mustered the courage to reach out to a select group of individuals on a WhatsApp channel associated with ‘The Last Day Leader’ course. I contemplated doing this many times before, but then wouldn’t go through with it. Despite initial hesitation, I reasoned that there was nothing to lose; the worst-case scenario would be that nobody would reply.

Receiving that message from one of the top Islamic UK publishers moved me to tears.

After approximately five minutes of posting my message, a sister responded, revealing herself as the director at Ta-Ha Publishers. She offered to review my draft. Receiving that message from one of the top Islamic UK publishers moved me to tears. Sister Abia's unwavering support alongside her amazing team, expert advice and invaluable guidance, exceeded all expectations in bringing my book to fruition. It is exemplary sisters like her who empower fellow sisters to embrace their fullest potential.

I felt blessed that Allah جل جلاله sent me such a remarkable network of sisters and brothers and their teams to support and inspire me. Ones with whom I could openly share my progress, who truly felt like family. The journey was nothing short of beautiful, aiding my growth as a budding writer and facilitating the realisation of my vision.

Much like my story, my book ‘Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal’ guides you on a spiritual journey of positive change and steady growth. It follows the analogy of a beautiful flower. Imagine planting the seeds of spiritual growth during the month of Sha’ban, nurturing them with devotion and mindfulness throughout Ramadan, and witnessing them bloom into lasting habits and blessings in Shawwal and beyond.

Growth like habits take time, they don’t form overnight. We have to start somewhere no matter how little we think those changes are. We are not perfect and nor are we expected to be. Let's leave any thoughts of disappointment and regret behind and make a commitment to ourselves and to our Creator to make this Ramadan our best one yet. Let's embrace the power of sincere intention, knowing that every step we take towards Him is met with His boundless mercy and guidance. Let’s motivate and uplift each other during the process. I pray that Allah جل جلاله rewards our efforts and turns Ramadan, or any month, into a fresh start and an opportunity filled with immense blessings for us all, āmīn.

My book can be purchased on the Ta-Ha website as well as Amazon.