Ramadan Reflections: An essential journal to guide you through Ramadan

When publishing giants Penguin Books approached Aliyah Umm Raiyaan last year to write a book about Ramadan she immediately said yes. After a gruelling month of non-stop writing, she presented her first draft of Ramadan Reflections.

Her book, described as a 30-day guided journal, is packed full of inspiring reflections, practical exercises and powerful quotes, drawn from the spiritual wisdom of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

“Penguin approached me to write a book for them about Ramadan,” Aliyah explained to The New Arab. “Initially, they just wanted a book on reflections and asked me to create an outline. So, I asked myself: ‘What do I want the reader to get out of it?’”

"As a guided journal, the book takes the reader through a personal and intimate journey from the past, present and future. There are some deep spiritual reflections in there, allowing readers to heal and become more present"

In fact, it was her 18-year-old daughter who suggested Aliyah turn the book into a journal format, giving it a more human element.

Taking inspiration from her own life and journey into Islam Aliyah explained: “I wanted them to develop an awareness of themselves by the end of the book.

“As a guided journal, the book takes the reader through a personal and intimate journey from the past, present and future. There are some deep spiritual reflections in there, allowing readers to heal and become more present.”

The journal, spilt into thirty chapters, allows the reader to explore various spiritual themes and subjects. And, although the premise of the journal is to spiritually cleanse yourself in Ramadan, Aliyah notes that the book can be used throughout the year.

The writing process was something Aliyah admits she struggled with. As a home-schooling mum and founder of Solace UK, a charity that helps women who have converted to Islam, there was little time to write a book, let alone within a month.

“I had just one month to write the first draft” she explains. “It was an incredibly intense time and I’m not sure how I managed it!

“I had to put a lot of things on hold that month and physically take myself out of the house every day to write. Some days I would get just one hour in a coffee shop, and other days I’d be writing from fajr (sunrise) to 1 am.”

Despite an intensive month-long deadline, Aliyah credits her support system for making it work. “I’m fortunate to have a supportive family,” she says. “And of course, I made so much dua for help.”

The hard work and intense writing schedule paid off.

Ramadan Reflections reached bestseller status on Amazon’s Religious Books category and has received rave reviews from readers and influencers.  

Looking back on a hectic year Aliyah hopes to enjoy some downtime now. “It has been non-stop since July so I’m doing all the things I didn’t have the time for, like walking and reading and just being with my family. I’m taking my own advice.”

Sami Rahman is a freelance lifestyle writer based in London. 

Follow her on Twitter: @bysamirahman