Everyone loves a behind-the-scenes account. An opportunity to get an insight and deeper understanding of something or someone. That’s why we’re bringing to you ‘The Ramadhan Chronicles’ – the accounts of two sisters at HHUGS who experienced their first Ramadhan with us.
Although it may feel like we’re living our lives on fast-forward in Ramadhan, the month gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect. Even with less sleep and juggling responsibilities, we’re somehow still connected.
Let’s kick things off with Karen, our Operations Director. Karen entered Ramadhan without specific personal goals, allowing her journey to unfold naturally.
“I didn’t enter Ramadan with a specific goal, but goals did fall into place as Ramadan went by. I really wanted to achieve what was required for HHUGS and its beneficiaries this Ramadhan.”
Amidst the demands of work and her commitment to HHUGS, she found a drive to reach her fundraising target and create bonds within the community.
“Having worked in the charity sector for so many years, prior to joining HHUGS, I was never this heavily involved with fundraising, though it was still hectic. It was also my first year actively fundraising, it was tough but Alhamdulillah I reached my target.
“I feel that working for a charity, it is expected that Ramadhan is all hands-on deck, (depending on the role). I felt this Ramadhan I was more connected with the community due to the fundraising aspect. I also built good relationships with our fundraisers but also building relationships with mosques.”
As a revert to Islam, Karen’s experience of Ramadhan has become easier over the years, and she cherished the opportunity to share Ramadhan with her non-Muslim nieces.
“I always feel Ramadhan gets easier as the years go by. When becoming Muslim, fasting was really challenging; over the years, this has become easier and easier.”
She also had the opportunity to break her fast with others, an experience she cherished. “One of the special moments in Ramadan was when I was at Holloway Masjid to do the collection for the day. The imam and his wife were so friendly and welcoming.
“It was the first time in 13 years I had broken fast in a masjid. When the imam realised I was there the whole day and leaving after Magrib, he brought me iftar even though there was no iftar planned for sisters. It made me realise how special our community was.”
For Karen, Ramadhan served as a reminder to pause, reflect, and hope to continue good habits post-Ramadhan.
Our Fundraising and Volunteer Officer started Ramadhan with a desire to deepen her connection with the Qur’an, and implementing more sunnah in her life.
She talks about juggling different responsibilities during the blessed month, especially as it was also her first year working with HHUGS and indeed in the charity sector, during Ramadhan.
She says she was inspired by reminders shared on Fridays and talks from the Imam which kept her motivated.
“Where there were shortcomings in achieving goals, it was mostly about trying to balance different responsibilities, and keeping motivated. There’s plenty of room for improvement with that for the future, Insha’Allah.”
During the month, she discovered the blessings of experiencing Ramadhan with a Muslim charity, creating connections within the community, and contributing to a meaningful cause.
“To work for a charity in Ramadhan was a wonderful opportunity and blessing, Alhamdulillah. With HHUGS being still so unknown, this year, one of my highlights was the mosque collections that were organised as it meant communities who hadn’t heard about HHUGS or even knew there was a need for what HHUGS do, were reached out to.”
She enjoyed connecting to the fundraisers and motivating them, whilst also motivating herself.
“It was also so lovely to meet all the sisters in our Race to Jannah challenge this year, even though it was just through WhatsApp. The pep talk and encouragement to reach targets and strive for our best in Ramadhan made it a wonderful sisterhood Alhamdulillah.”
Throughout the month, she embraced moments of reflection, pausing to look inwardly at her spiritual journey and what the future holds.
“Ramadhan’s the perfect opportunity for reflection, and this year Alhamdulillah, there was a chance to look inwards and refocus my perspectives on the dunya and akhirah.”
As we bid farewell to Ramadhan, the stories of our staff serve as reminders of the transformative power of this sacred month.
We strive to keep up our Ramadhan habits and welcome them into the months that follow. Our Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator talks a little more about continuing habits post-Ramadhan.
“One emphasis my local Imam gave was to remember to send plenty of salutations to the Prophet (saw). He even gave examples of people doing thousands and encouraged us to do as many as we can with pure intentions – so InshaAllah that’s one habit that I think is good to continue post-Ramadhan..”
Ramadhan’s a time of reflection and community – that is at the core of our work. We’re a unique charity that serves those closest to us, encouraging and motivating people to raise awareness, funds, and support for marginalised families.
This is just a peep into the reality of our day-to-day work. If you are interested in joining our team, look at the vacancies we have available here.