As-salamu’alaykum,

Service

Over the course of the past 30 days of Ramadan 1445AH, by the mercy of Allah, the Most High, I have had the unique opportunity to serve you in a very small way through the #SakeenahMD Ramadan notes. 

My intention was to share some reflections as we journeyed through Ramadan together with a focus on the mindsets, values and rituals underpinned in an Islamic worldview; managing our energy, focus and routines in a way that taps into the Barakah paradigm; and finally, rekindling our connection with the Qur’an for the long haul. 

The overarching theme being to help connect our service in healthcare to a higher purpose - the worship of the Almighty - earning His pleasure in a holistic sense through our work as well as our religious rituals.

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Gratitude

Jabir reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever is not grateful for small things will not be grateful for large things. Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah Almighty.” [Source: al-Firdaws lil-Daylamī 5962]

I am immensely grateful for your support over the course of the past month. 

To all who stopped by to read the newsletter; or who sent a direct message via email, SMS, whatsApp, or LinkedIn; or  dropped in at one of the Ramadan check-in sessions; or who shared the newsletter with others; I want to say Jazakumullahu khayran (May Allah reward you all with goodness) and I look forward to continuing to serve you for the foreseeable future, in sha Allah.

Du’a & Istighfar 

In the final moments of Ramadan wherever you are across the globe, make some time to ask Allah for acceptance of your Ramadan.

I would also like to request your du’a (prayers) from you for myself and my family; for our brothers and sisters in Gaza and other places where there’s significant unrest and impossible living conditions; for the unity of the global muslim community; for the healthcare community across the globe who sacrifice day and night to help people of diverse backgrounds at some of their most vulnerable states; and lastly, for all of humanity for softening of hearts and alleviation of pain and suffering in its many different shapes and forms. 

The final moments of Ramadan is also prime time to seek forgiveness (Istighfar - you can simply say Astaghfirullah or other versions) from our creator for our shortcomings this blessed month that may get in the way of the acceptance of our deeds. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught us this practice that is enshrined even in the completion of our obligatory 5 daily prayers which shows the immense importance of this practice of seeking forgiveness at the end of any good deed. 

Towards Your Next Best Version

Ramadan often unlocks our hidden potential not only to be more mindful of Allah, the Most High, in our day-to-day lives including the hours of the healthcare grind often but also extending ourselves physically, mentally, and even emotionally to reach never before discovered peaks for ourselves. 

For many of us, the end of Ramadan signifies a return to our pre-Ramadan state with little or no traces of our immense potential beyond the first few hours of the month of Shawwal that follows.

I have a few suggestions for you in this regard;

1. Commit to one thing from Ramadan that you can hold on at least for the first week and then build forward from there

2. Find an accountability partner to support you and keep you honest on this journey beyond Ramadan

3. Pick up a book that has transformational potential and stick with it for at least a month. Here are 3 suggestions in this regard.

   1. The Productive Muslim Book: Where Faith Meets Productivity by Mohammed Faris

   2. The Barakah Effect Book by Mohammed Faris

   3. HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself 

Use this link and/or discount code for a 15% discount for the 2 books written by my friend and mentor, Mohammed Faris: DOLAPOOLANREWAJU

Please note that I do get a small commission if you do use the link or the discount code.

4. Consider one-on-one or group coaching. Dr. Atul Gawande, an endocrine surgeon, renowned writer and public health leader gave an insightful TED Talk on the transformative power of coaching. 

   I have also leveraged this unique growth tool with transformative impact on me, Alhamdulillah (All Praises to Allah, the Most High). You should give it a serious consideration too after doing your due diligence on exploring the idea and the specific coaching program for best fit for you. 

   I recently started offering this service on a very limited basis. If interested in working with me in this regard, kindly register your interest here for a group coaching opportunity with me in the near future, in sha Allah.

May Allah, the Most High, accept all of our fast and sacrifices this past month and may He enable us to continue to live by the spirits of Ramadan beyond the limited days.

May Allah alleviate the pain and suffering of the ummah across the globe and in particular in Gaza. May Allah forgive us for our sins and overlook our shortcomings this past month.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May Allah accept from you and from us.

Sincerely,

Sulyman

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