Jameela’s Ramadan Journey

Jameela Nawaz is an Area Manager in our West Midlands region. Here she shares what Ramadan means to her, what her typical day is like during Ramadan, and the importance of family time during this period.

“Ramadan, for me, is a deep, spiritual journey that goes beyond abstaining from food and drink. It’s a time of fasting, prayer and reflection, a kind of chrysalis-like experience where you try to shed old habits and prepare yourself for new growth.

 It’s about reconnecting with my faith and myself, removing distractions to deepen the connection with who I am, who I want to be and how I can contribute to the world around me, with God at the heart of it all. 

It can be a struggle to balance work and life, but I’ve always had the privilege of supportive spaces, and for that, I’m grateful. 

No two days are the same during Ramadan.

One day, I feel energised and powered up to take on the world; the next, I feel drained and need to honour my body’s need for rest. There’s no shame in either. 

Ramadan has taught me to listen more closely to myself, to give myself grace when needed, and to remember that being human is more than just productivity. 

For me, it is about renewal, a time to recharge and reflect on the year so far. I set myself two goals during the month – small, yet meaningful things I can carry forward.

This year, I’m working on cultivating more self-compassion and diving deeper into the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

Jameela shares the timeline of her typical day

Pre-Dawn Meal (Sehri): My day starts before dawn with Sehri – the pre-dawn meal. This year, it means being out of bed around 4:20am. I struggle to eat at this time, so I try and focus on hydration, ensuring I drink plenty of water to sustain me throughout the day.  

Morning Prayer (Fajr): As dawn kicks in, I take a moment for my first prayer of the day. It sets a tone for the day, reminding me of the importance of stillness in a fast-paced world. I take time to reflect on my intentions and seek clarity for the day ahead. Depending on how I’m feeling, I’ll either go back to bed to recharge for a little longer or get started with work. 

Midday Prayer (Zuhr): By the time Zuhr arrives, the intensity of the day is in full swing. I’ve completed some tasks and am in the middle of others. This prayer is a reminder to pause, breathe, and refocus. I’ll step away from my desk, take a moment to clear my mind, and re-centre myself. It’s important to balance the chaos of work with spiritual nourishment. 

Afternoon Prayer (Asr): Asr is when I start to feel the weight of the day catching up with me. My energy levels begin to decrease, and I’m often quite tired. I work in a way that allows me to tackle the easier tasks at this point in the day. Asr is a reminder that time is passing quickly, and it encourages me to be efficient with my time while remaining grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way today. 

Sunset Prayer (Maghrib): I tend to finish work around two hours before Iftar. During this time, I allow myself to rest, read or reflect. Reading has become a cherished part of my routine during Ramadan. I often read aloud for my siblings, allowing us to discuss the topics we’re learning about. It’s a time of shared knowledge and bonding. I get so engrossed in reading that time seems to fly by, and before I know it, it’s time to help prepare the table for Iftar. Ramadan is the only time during the year when we all gather to eat at the same time, so it’s a special moment for us to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

Night Prayer (Isha): The final prayer of the day, Isha coincides with Tarawih prayers, special additional prayers during Ramadan. I tend to go to the mosque for Tarawih as it enhances the sense of community, and it’s always nice to reconnect with old friends. We often grab a milkshake together to end the night. However, due to work commitments and my sleep routine, I don’t attend every night. There’s value in both praying at home and in the mosque, so I decide each evening where I will pray, based on how I’m feeling and what would best support my spiritual and physical well-being. 

On weekends, I often retreat into spending time by the sea, reading or hiking – the sound of the waves, fresh ocean air and the green of the trees bring a sense of peace. Nature has always been a source of spiritual renewal for me, and during Ramadan, that connection feels more profound than ever. 

This is the general routine throughout the month for me – I blink, and suddenly, Ramadan is over. There is a certain serenity during this time. It is a month that is deeply focused on community and charity, where we strive to give back even more than usual. It’s a time for family, reflection, growth, and gratitude.”

Thank you to Jameela for sharing her story. If you’d like to find out more about Ramadan and supporting our Muslim colleagues, please click the button below.