Ramadan Notes Returns

As-salamu Alaykum,

Alhamdulillah, Ramadan Notes—which we kicked off last year—is back again! This time, we’ll be focusing on three key areas that, in sha’ Allah, will make this month a deeply meaningful experience.

Before diving into the series for this Ramadan, I wanted to reflect briefly on the late start of this first newsletter. Technically, it’s already the second day of Ramadan where I am located, and yet, the first newsletter is only just going out. This delay stems from the fact that I didn’t quite have the pre-Ramadan buffer that I had hoped for this year.

That said, Alhamdulillah, the first day of Ramadan was still very productive. Despite being on call, I had the chance to spend time with family, reflect on some Quranic chapters, serve the community in two different capacities, and even participate in a class that provided some valuable insights for optimizing this blessed month.

While I made several gains over the course of the day and even jumped started the morning with an extended deep focus Qur’an session, I didn’t quite hit my intended target for Qur’an recitation today, and this newsletter is also delayed. 

This is a reminder for us to pause and pressure-test the schedules we create for ourselves.

Sometimes, the best version of the moment doesn’t quite follow the script that we’ve laid out for ourselves which can make us feel disappointed until we remind ourselves that we are simply gardener’s in a world where Allah is the determiner of all outcome, not us. It’s also a reminder for us to be present in the moment and optimize for what is at hand, rather than stay locked into the plan.

Now let’s jump back to the three intentions we have in store for you this Ramadan in sha’ Allah;

1. The Other Side: Barzakh & What Comes After

This year, Sheikh Omar Suleiman’s Barzakh series with Yaqeen Institute offers an important opportunity for reflection—especially for us as healthcare professionals. Likely more than most segments of our community, we encounter death fairly often, and with the ongoing war in Gaza and countless lives lost, we are reminded of the reality of the next life. But how does Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) want us to understand this transition?

We will collectively follow this series using Yaqeen’s discussion guide to deepen our reflections and connect it to our lived experiences.

2. Going Deep with Dhikr

As busy professionals, there are many acts of worship we may struggle to maintain consistently. But Dhikr—the remembrance of Allah—is light on the tongue yet immense in impact. This Ramadan, we will slow down and engage with Dhikr more intentionally, from structured Adhkar to heartfelt moments of reflection on those opportune moments to turn to Allah in the course of our work days and life outside of work. Dhikr is one Ibadah that we can all fit in regardless of our often demanding schedules!

3. Nurturing Community Through Quran Reflections & Barakah Insights

Ramadan is not just about personal worship; it is also a great opportunity to find community and others seeking a similar path. At the SakeenahMD Community, we are building a space for collective reflection—on the Quran, on Barakah, and on what it means to thrive in Ramadan—with purpose and intentionality. I invite you to join us on this journey, and share your insights with other healthcare colleagues as we lean on each other to grow this blessed month. 

In less than 24hrs in sha’ Allah, we will come together for our first Ramadan check-in—a space to pause, reflect, and connect—as we strive for a meaningful and transformative Ramadan.

📅 Date: 2nd of Ramadan 1446 AH (Sunday, March 2, 2025)

🕥 Time: 

• 10:30 AM Central Time (CT)

• 11:30 AM Eastern Time (ET)

• 4:30 PM London Time (GMT)

• 5:30 PM Nigeria Time (WAT)

📍 Zoom Link: Click here to join

🌟 Agenda:

1️⃣ Qur’an Recitation & Reflection (5 mins) – A moment to listen, recite, and reflect on the words of Allah.

2️⃣ Check-in: Energy Management & Optimizing for Ramadan (15 mins) – A guided discussion on sustaining energy, focus, and Barakah-driven productivity.

3️⃣ The Value of Transformation (10-15 mins) – How Ramadan is our opportunity for deep personal and spiritual change.

💡 This will be a conversational and interactive session, with space for Q&A throughout!

🚀 Let’s start strong and make the most of this blessed opportunity together, in sha’ Allah! Looking forward to seeing you all there.

May Allah SWT, Al-Sami’ (the All-Hearing) enable us to discover ourselves and find Him through quiet reflection this blessed month and beyond. Amin

Sincerely,

Sulyman

P.S. If you’re seeking a space to cultivate resilience, deepen self-mastery, and thrive in your career and life—grounded in faith—join us in the SakeenahMD Community. Together, we are committed to faith-driven excellence in healthcare and beyond.