This year has been tough. I came back from maternity leave, started a new role at work, and turned 40. It seemed like in some ways my life had changed completely, and in others it was completely stagnant. If mid-life crises are a thing, I definitely had one in 2019. I have struggled all year with feeling ok, eating ok and generally being ok. In November, I felt like I needed something drastic to overhaul my life, and so I decided to start with my diet. Continue reading

When we think of fasting, the first thing that comes to mind for most Muslims is Ramadan. After all, this is a time when most Muslims are fasting if they are able to. Families and friends are more likely to come together for iftaar in the evening. People are generally nicer and more people are thinking about charity and joy and reward. Overall, there is a general feeling of community and closeness to Allah (swt).

But fasting doesn’t need to be limited to one month a year, nor does it need to be a chore for women who have been busy growing and nurturing small humans. Many Muslims see fasting only as an obligation or having some sort of negative connotation. I have told by well meaning Muslims that that we fast simply because Allah (swt) has commanded or because fasting helps you to “appreciate” what you have. But Allah’s (swt) wisdom and mercy are infinite. As science has caught up with our deen, studies have shown that fasting can be an amazing way to reset. Continue reading