HELLO! It’s been a hot minute. I’ve not completely fallen off the face of the earth, but I took a break from a few things – this website included – when life got busy.

Ramadan is as good a time as any to make a comeback (probably a brief one, but I’ll try to be more consistent here) since many of you love this series so much. I’m forever in your gratitude for even reading my rambles.

Where have I been? That’s a secret I’ll never tell. XOXO (iykyk). Gosh this ramble is as chaotic as my thoughts. Back to business. Ramadan.

Reflection and Gratitude

We’re off to a good start, Alhamdulillah but I do wish South Africa had started with the rest of the world. Nevertheless, the moon is perpetually shy in these parts.

Last time I was consistent with the diaries, Ramadan was in winter. The days were short and cold and energy was plentiful. Now, however, we’ve got a longer fasting day, the weather is warmer and I’m currently trying to work through severe burnout. More about this another day.

This month is a perfect time though to recalibrate, to slow down and focus on what matters. And that’s a reminder to all of us.

Nourishing the body

I’m afraid the food might not be as exciting as it’s been in the past. I keep things extremely simple now. Simple but delicious, of course. Gosh that sounds so cocky. But it’s important to be confident in our skills, isn’t it? Who else will believe in your talents if you don’t?

So what is keeping it simple in Aneeqahland?

Suhoor and iftar delights

Suhoor is either eggs and hummus (usually try to add avo but it’s too pricy to justify buying it right now. R75 for 2? Please keep your avos, Supermarket) or chia seeds and yogurt with fruit.

Iftars vary. Mostly soup with either samoosas or mini pizzas or whatever savoury there is and that’s it. If we cook food like roast chicken and veg, we have only that and no soup or savouries.

Intentions and reflections

As much as we love talking about food, we also have to think about and action what feeds our souls during this time. Ramadan is a month of blessings and rewards, so what actions are we taking to ensure we reap these rewards? Reader, these are just questions that you can ask yourself. We hold ourselves accountable and remember we’re all on different spiritual journeys so don’t compare yours to anyone else.

I started watching Omar Suleiman’s current Ramadan series and it’s a must-watch. I’ve embedded episode 1 here, but please do watch the other episodes. We try limit screen time during this month, but we live in an age where it’s not completely possible to disconnect so if we are to watch anything, make it something beneficial.

Talk to me

What does iftar and suhoor look like in your home? What are you doing to feed your soul? How’s the first week been?

PS: I’ll add some new pics and recipes to the website soon-ish.