Ramadhan Breakthrough: Finding Light in the Darkness of Postpartum Depression

During Ramadhan 2025,

I faced postpartum depression. I felt distant from my baby, my husband, and from Allah.

One day, a sister gave me a journal from Noora Lee with the words:

'Your struggle is your ibadah.'

Those words truly helped me.

I practised mindfulness

during 3 AM feedings,

felt grateful for my baby's smile, and found comfort in listening to the Quran.

By Eid, I began to find my way forward.

To every mother who is struggling, know that your pain is real and healing is possible.

The Grief: Healing After Loss

When my mother passed away, grief consumed me. I couldn’t pray without crying, couldn’t read the Quran without feeling the weight of her absence. A friend gifted me this journal, and at first, I just stared at the blank pages. But slowly, I started writing, one sentence, then one paragraph, then pages of memories, pain, and prayers. The Emotional Healing Exercises helped me process my grief through an Islamic lens, reminding me that sadness is human, but hope is divine. The gratitude prompts seemed impossible at first, but they taught me to honour my mother’s memory by finding light even in darkness. This journal didn’t erase my pain, but it gave me a sacred space to heal.

Ramadhan Transformation: From Overwhelm to Peace

Last Ramadhan, I dreaded the long fasting days because my anxiety would spike when I couldn’t eat or drink to cope with stress. I felt guilty. How could I struggle during the holiest month? This journal changed everything. The Ramadhan-specific reflection prompts helped me reframe fasting as a spiritual reset rather than another source of stress. Each day, I’d write my intentions for suhoor and, after iftar, reflect on moments of gratitude. The duas for comfort became my anchor during difficult afternoon hours. By the end of Ramadhan, I wasn’t just surviving the month, I was experiencing the spiritual peace I’d always heard about but never felt. The ‘Letter to Self’ I wrote on Laylatul Qadr still brings tears to my eyes. If you’re struggling, please know: you’re not alone, and this journal can be the companion you need.

Emotional Healing Journey

Inspired by a friend’s advice, Adam started writing letters to himself within the journal. He found that pouring his heart out on the pages offered him freedom from judgment and a clearer understanding of his emotions. With every entry, I could see my progress, no matter how small. The prompts encouraged me to reflect, to be honest with myself, and most importantly, to be kind to myself. Now, looking back, I realise how much I’ve grown.

My Mental Health Journal

didn’t just capture my journey;

it helped me heal.