4 Reasons Why I Now Prefer Summer Ramadhans

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Because the Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the moon instead of the solar one, the month of Ramadhan changes when compared to the common calendar. Years ago, I remember feeling happier when the fasting days were shorter during Ramadhan. This was when the month of Ramadhan was in the winter season. I felt like fasting was much easier because it wasn't too hot and the fasting hours were obviously shorter. I was also happy because the nights were longer, so I had lots of time to worship, sleep, and not miss Suhoor. But now, I've gone from loving winter Ramadhans to preferring Summer Ramadhans for four reasons.

1. I have more time to accomplish my Ramadhan goals throughout the day. 
The focus of Ramadhan should always be to worship and please Allah. So me preferring one season over another doesn't take away my focus from the true meaning of Ramadhan. The fact that I have more time to accomplish my goals during the day makes me love Summer Ramadhans. In the winter season, I always have harder time staying up to date with the goals that I set up; especially the ones involving reading the Qur'an. When I plan on reading few pages of the Qur'an after every Salah, I end up missing some because the days are much shorter and the times of Salah are much closer. But during the summer, the time between one Salah to another is much longer, so I'm not in a rush to accomplish my daily task.

2. I have enough time to take a nap, recharge, and keep the night for worship.
Having lots of time during the day makes it easy for me to take a nap if I need to, and focus more during the night prayer. Of course, that doesn't mean I get the red light to sleep all day; of course not. It's not like that's even possible with children. The night prayer is especially important during Ramadhan, so the night being shorter during the summer helps me put all my focus on staying up and not sleeping at all if needed.


3. I have time to make Iftar and Suhoor meals during the day without being distracted at night.
I don't know about you, but I'm usually a bit more tired once I break my fast; even if I don't eat a lot. So the last thing I want is to put the rest of my energy on cooking. Having enough time before breaking my fast helps me plan out my Ramadhan much better.

4. Feeling hungrier may result in more rewards inShaa Allah.
Let me first clarify that the reward doesn't only come from being hungry. Fasting is more than just being hungry and thirsty. In fact, a person may be very hungry while fasting and get absolutely no rewards from Allah if other aspects of the fast weren't met. Behavior, worship, charity, and especially keeping up with the Faraa'idh (the compulsory acts of worship such as praying five times a day) are especially crucial when fasting. Sadly, many people tend to only focus on feeling hungry and remembering those who do not have food. If remembering those with no food leads to better behavior and giving charity, then great, Alhamdulillah. For me, the hunger part has an additional benefit. It helps me better control my emotions; although, I am still working on it.

May Allah make it easy for all of us, and make us of those who leave Ramadhan as successful.