Ramadan is a time when friends and family gather to break their fast and spend some good time with each other. Howbeit, this is not the case for everyone. There are large numbers of people out there who dread the coming of this holy month not because they need to change their routine for it but it is a lonely time for them. We usually think that this may be case only for people who just entered Islam but there are those around us who may be away from their family, home or just do not have many practicing friends or family members around them. That’s the reason Iftaar in Ramadan becomes a lonely time for them.
Holy Prophet PBUH said:
Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.”
So whatever the situation is, we should always remember that fasting is something that is highly appreciated and rewarded by Allah Almighty. Here are these tips and ideas to explore in order to overcome the situation especially those who find themselves struggling with loneliness:
Attend Local Mosque
In case you are someone who does not usually attend mosque then it can be difficult to consider attending prayers or lectures there during Ramadan. You might feel self-conscious due to it. Ramadan is the best time for people to start going to mosque regularly because it is a time when everyone, even those people who may not regularly go there start visiting it as there are many people in mosque and you will not feel lonely.
Try to go for Taraweeh prayers because other than benefiting from praying in congregation, you will also meet new people. Mosque is a hub of Muslim community especially in Ramadan so go there and attend any classes they are offering in order to interact with people of different classes.
Make Sehri/Iftaar for others
Holy Prophet PBUH said:
“Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.”
Being new to any place or not knowing many Muslim people can be difficult and make you feel alone. So start introducing yourself to those who live in your neighbors or who you may have seen around. Make some meal and take it to them for Iftaar as this will help you make connection with them that last beyond Ramadan Kareem.
Volunteer Your Time
As we all know that this holy month is a time to focus on yourself and your actions. One thing many of us do in Ramadan is increase charity. You can do this by volunteering your time in local charities. Offer to work in any charity shops and try to help others. You can also offer your time to mosque to help keep it presentable and clean. Not only will this kill your loneliness but it will again open up the doors to interact with new people and earning countless rewards from Allah Almighty.