If you intended to fast this Ramadan, but your body that’s growing a baby was too fatigued—it’s okay, Allah knows.
If you intended to read Qur’an every night before bed but your baby needs you cuddling next to them when they sleep—it’s okay, Allah knows.
If you intended to pray every sunnah salah but your children’s needs keep interrupting—it’s okay, Allah knows.
If you intended to wake up to pray Tahajjud, but you were so tired you slept through your alarm—it’s okay, Allah knows.
Your Ramadan as a mother is not going to be the same as it was before you had children. It’s not going to be the same as your friends and family who don’t have children. It will be different, but not less. What was previously long nights praying Taraweeh and Tahajjud may be replaced with long nights comforting your baby. What was previously staying up until suhoor with friends and family may be replaced by going to sleep early so that you’re rested to take care of your children in the morning. What was previously sleeping in, or taking naps during the day, may be replaced by powering through your exhaustion. What was previously a spiritual high during the month of Ramadan, may not feel as special as it once did.
But when you’re in the thick of it—remember who put you where you are right now, who wants you where you are right now. Maybe you’re wishing you were at the masjid praying Taraweeh, but Allah wants you right where you are. Allah blessed you with being a mother because He knew you were perfect for your children. It’s just a few years of little babies before they’re a bit grown and you’ll be taking them to Taraweeh with you. They’ll be waking up for suhoor with you. They’ll be your little Ramadan buddies. But for now, before you change that diaper for the tenth time today, Bismillah. Remember who you’re doing it for. Before completing what may seem like a mundane task, remember to say bismillah. Your ibadah is different, but it is not less.
