The world has experienced change in very rapid and unexpected way. The auspicious month of Ramadan has been a very trying time for many Muslims whilst at the same time there have great lessons and much to be grateful for.

As South Africans we found out we are stronger than we thought we were, that we could unite and stand shoulder to shoulder as we helped each other and that we were going to get through this together, stronger and looking forward to changing the country for better as move toward ending the lockdown.

The year has been tremendous for me as I learnt about my own strengths and abilities. A year that has been life changing.

My decision to cancel my wedding and break off the relationship was empowering and liberating.

My choice to cancel my wedding was the biggest decision yet, not an easy one, but I was glad I had done it and more so that my family did not question my decision but accepted it graciously.

The pandemic has opened our hearts and minds becoming more empathetic as we discover the importance of preserving life, helping those who are less fortunate and appreciating the time we have with our families.

Abruptly, the rat race came to end and left us with many uncertainties, but we see more of us starting to take care of our health, eat healthier and even become more creative in how we managed the household chores.

Many of us are re-evaluating how we live our lives, how we spend and how we learn and many, many more things that we once did not have time for.

The most valuable lesson I have learnt is that I need to be steadfast in learning about Islam, cultivating tawakkul and accepting that qadr is an important part of Deen.

Happiness is not a person; people live and pass on. 

Happiness is not a possession as after a while you get tired of looking at the same thing.

Happiness is in contentment in knowing that what is meant to be will find its way to you.

Happiness is sitting on the prayer mat and telling your Creator about your day, when you stand up you feel that sense of comfort. 

Happiness is reciting the Quran and realizing that Allah has chosen to guide you.

There have been fun moments that have brought us much joy and of course, memories, like when Nana tried to escape or Dads imagined heart attack.

In all that we had gone through during this restrictive lockdown, we have learnt patience and how much we loved and cared for each other.

Alhamdulillah! We had come this far and except for the cabin fever we suffer every few days, we have realised that it was a blessing in disguise for us all.

May Allah be with you. Be safe.

Have a Joyous Eid.

Sofia.