How I Began Shades of a Ramdan (S.O.A.R)
I started journaling my thoughts four years ago when annual Ramadan SMSes just weren't enough to convey my full experiences to my loved ones of this blessed month. They were words in long chat messages.
I think it was in my 2nd year, Sister Shakeerah (You know You), chatted with me and asked that I make this more widely available to bolster more people on their Ramadan journeys and experiences. I ruminated on the idea but buried it. It never really left, sis. Allahu Akbar.
Events then began to unfold. Mamana (big smile), asked that I begin a blog to gather all my scattered words on paper. The very first lines are on the pages before you. Thank you, sis.
4 years later, Sis Mutiah (Yup, You) introduced me to quite honestly, the brutal push behind this Journal, the 'Prince' (I hail Your highness), and here we are.
That's how, Now the why.
For Allah. And then for You.
To seek Allah's pleasure, with the hope that sharing my faith journey more widely than my comfort zone, will earn His Barakah, bi'ithnillah.
And for You, that my journey may inspire you to pen down your feelings and experience of the best month of the year. Pace, Plan, Perfect and Progress. The only things guiding you being the very things you exist for...Ibaadah and obedience.
So, take these pages, these words, and find one more way to SOAR and earn His pleasure.
Please spare me a prayer, that the One who owns us all is pleased with my intention, these verses and this effort.
May we have the very best Ramadan yet. Amin
May we have homes in Jannah together. Amin.
Bismillah.
Bint Ibrahim.
About The Author
Hi,
I'm bint Ibrahim
Bint Ibrahim Aisha, Slave, Muslimat, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Friend, striving for Jannah, armed with faith, words, a couple of degrees, a wavering heart, eager, yet floundering soul, a word press account, people who believe in her, you and at present, a huawei phone.
Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, a time of obedience, a moment of great control, and a period from a moment to the next.
Each person defines these 29/30 days in their way alongside increased Ibaadah and adjusted meal times - knowing it's so much more.
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous"
- Surah Baqarah Ayah 183.
Chronicling my Ramadhan, S.O.A.R. is a beautiful gift to give or receive. It gave me the opportunity to pen down my thoughts and actions every day... something I have never done! I absolutely love it.
Fadimatu Dalil
CEO, Green Molecules Ltd
After I created a checklist for myself for Ramadhan, there were other things I wanted to capture that couldn't be check listed. S.O.A.R came as the perfect journal to help me achieve this. Even though I got in on Ramadhan 4, trust me all I wanted to journal about was already scripted in my mind. The poems within S.O.A.R are not only relatable, they are soul-lifting, Masha Allah. My daughter just grabbed a copy and began journaling away too!
And yeah... the pen... even our toddler was attracted to it! He made several attempts to grab it to scribble away! Sowwie son... This is for mama. Go get your crayons and scribble boo.
Suruurah Ogunfemi
Creator, KBT Solutions
When I heard Bint Ibrahim was coming upon with her annual Ramadhan Poems in a book form, I was super excited and when I finally had a copy, intending to glance through and wait for 1st Ramadhan before taking the poems piecemeal, I could not resist the urge to keep flipping the pages. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the book. The poems never get old and I can't wait to open the pages again to start afresh even after Ramadhan. It really went a long way in being a worthy companion during that sacred month. The thought of another SOAR to move together on a daily basis this Ramadhan makes the wait more intensifying.
Ibrahim Majidadi Esq
Bint Ibrahim's words have a way of digging into the heart of the matter... forcing you to pause and ponder. May Allah accept it from her and from us, the readers, Ameen.
Mutiat Badruddeen
Award-wining Author 'Rekiya and Z'
My first impression of SOAR is that it's beautiful. Upon further perusal, I see more beauty evolving and I am struck by how appropriate it is. Just what I need... reminders that evoke thoughts and actions. Unique. A refreshingly simple tool to enhance your ibaadat yet the poems are thought provokingly poignant. I pray that the benefit of this book does not elude us both. JazaakumuLlahu khairan for a wonderful effort. Baraaka Llahu feek.
Fatima Omoyele
Founder, Fitrah School
About the shades of Ramadhan (SOAR). My reaction right now is "hmm". Subhanallah. Barakallahu Feeki ukhtii jameelah. I shed tears at some point. It really resonated with me. I can't put my words together. Indeed, it's the shade of Ramadhan. I've found my companion for the blessed month and I pray it becomes useful to me. Bi'ithni llahi
Karimah Lawal
Founder, Carey cuisine
Purple royal; keeping me in tune with the greatness of the One I serve. Free lessons on Arabic numbers got me going Masha Allah! Day 3 finally got my juices going whatever is decreed for me will never pass me by!
Adekemi Adisa
General Manager, Organisation Effectiveness and performance, MTN Nigeria
Alhamdulillah I got S.O.A.R., It's such an awesome reminder, Jazak Allahu Khairan. You have "woken up" the writer in me. I seek your permission to use some stanzas in some of my presentations (If you didn't know I'm "Oliver Twist" and will be asking for more.) My words will "scream" like my Voice. Thanks so much sis.
Rekiya Etiko
Educational Consultant
C.E.O Naia Educational Consult
Aisha in this debut work of poetry, has penned words of advice worthy of a mother of believers; as a daughter of Ibrahim, she has rendered insights befitting a daughter of the father of faiths; Shades of a Ramadan therefore, should be an integral companion of one throughout this special month-long journey through Ramadan. A must have for anyone wishing and willing to discipline the self within and beyond Ramadan.
Books From Shades of a Ramadan
Shades of a Ramadan Volume 1
This journal is more than just pages—it’s your personal companion for self-discovery, mindfulness, and spiritual growth throughout Ramadan. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, it’s the perfect addition to this blessed journey.
Shades of a Ramadan Volume 2
Transform your Ramadan with a journal that turns reflection into worship. Order today!
Shades of a Ramadan Volume 3
shades of a ramadan is a compilation of Islamic poems for journaling your journey through Ramadan.
Shades of a Ramadan - Mini SOAR
SOAR is sharing 15 poems, alongside Quran verses, hadith and colouring spaces for 6 to 10 year olds fasting Muslims to experience this blessed month of ibadah along with the family. The poems have been abridged from previous publications of SOAR to suit these young minds insha Allah.
It is hoped that these pages will help our lil’ ones truly experience the beauty of these days and encourage them to excel as they grow in love for Their Rabb and the Deen.
Shades of a Ramadan - Wonders of Allah
Shades of a Ramadan - Wonders of Allah"* is more than just a book, it's an experience that will keep your kids entertained while nurturing their faith and creativity.
Let your children explore the wonders of Allah through the eyes of their peers and discover the beauty in everyday things. It's the perfect blend of fun and learning for Ramadan.