‘Ramadan brings the light when Eskom takes it away’
Waking up early for Suhoor can be challenging for some, add waking up in the dark with no power – that is an even bigger challenge. A candlelit Suhoor or Iftar is NOT romantic, Eskom!
Because we understand this challenge, we have put together a few tips to help you navigate through load shedding during Ramadan:
- Download a Quran app – You will never have to worry about holding up a light to complete your late night recitation. Just make sure your phone is charged.
- Invest in a Flask – No hot water at Suhoor or Iftar? No problem. Invest in a thermos flask, boil your water and store it before bed or Iftar.
- Be prepared – Put up load shedding schedules on the fridge or post on family group chats so that everyone is up to date and there aren’t any surprises.
- Gas Saves the Day – Gas stoves are the way to go. Even a single gas plate will do – at the very least; you will still be able to fry those samosas.
- Iftar Parties – Ramadan is a good time to share and spend time with friends and families. So how about sharing your blessings and planning around load shedding schedules.
- Stay Calm – Try not to lose your cool. Load shedding at prep times can be incredibly frustrating. It is important to remember that you are fasting and should try to stay levelheaded – this too shall pass.
- Generator – If your budget allows, invest in a portable generator. Ensure you have enough fuel to run it during the power outages.
- Keep the supplies frozen – Do not open the fridge and freezer repeatedly to ensure your supplies are kept frozen and fresh for meal times!
- Turn to Allah – In any circumstance that life may bring we should turn to Allah, give charity, and increase our remembrance of Him. An all comprehensive dua for ease from difficulty is as follows:
Dua for Ease in Difficulties
،اللَّهُمَّ لَا سَهْلَ إِلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلًا وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلًا
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahla, wa anta taj-alul hazna izaa shi’ta sahla
“O Allah, there is nothing made easy except what you make easy, and You make the difficulty easy, if You wish.” ~ Ibn Hibban in his Sahih #327 and Ibn As-Sunni #351
Another dua is:
للَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَI
Allah humma inni As Aluka Al Afiya
“O Allah, I ask you for Afiyah.”
And also remember when we are met with any calamity this dua should be recited:
إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un (Do Allah we belong and to Him we return)”
These words affirm that every situation is from Allah and that we are pleased with His decisions.
Imran Al Qasir (R.A.) says, ‘Nabi’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) lantern went out so he recited ‘inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’. Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) exclaimed, ‘This is only a lantern!’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Anything that causes discomfort to a believer is a calamity.’ [al Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud]
While some will find ease in using gas stoves to prepare warm meals, others may be tested with a cold meal. Whatever your situation may be, prepare your heart for the blessed month of Ramadan – even though it may be in the dark!