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Ramadan Reflections

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A must-have intimate journal to guide you through Ramadan and deepen your individual connection to Allah for the year ahead.

With inspiring reflections, practical exercises, powerful quotes and drawing from the spiritual wisdom of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah, it offers an invitation to...

Let your heart ponder through stillness and reflection on insightful words that stir the soul.

Immerse yourself in du'a and use this opportunity to speak to your Lord in supplication.

Journal about spiritual themes and subjects, encouraging you to turn inwards and pen personal revelations for you.

A journey within a journey. A space for transformation. This journal is a path with and for The Most Merciful.

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2023

141 people are currently reading
605 people want to read

About the author

Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

7 books161 followers

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5 stars
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31 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
2 reviews
March 2, 2023
Rich.

This is the word that comes to mind when I think about Aliyah Umm Raiyaan's Ramadan Reflections. With her earnest, and at many times vulnerable, voice at the centre it's intertwined with the classical wisdom of old as well as the wisdom of recent. She's written it in such an intimate way that you almost think she's penning down your own thoughts. SubhanAllah. It's this layering of voice and experience that makes this a timeless piece- that of course I pray continues to earn her ajr until the end of time.

My heart warms at how she persistently guides me, and all readers, to look within and fix what is found there, thus encouraging us all to transform ourselves from the inside out and return our souls to Allah in the best state possible. Her chapters call us to traverse the stations that a slave must go through on this journey back to our Lord which places the emphasis on what matters most. This is so welcome in an age where so much emphasis is placed on the external at the expense of the internal.

The richness of this book nourishes the soul with what it truly needs and I pray that anyone who reads it finishes it feeling completely fulfilled.
3 reviews
Want to read
March 2, 2023
This book is a real soul searching journey which will likely leave the reader reflecting and making changes within. Full of real life wisdoms that allow you to step inside the words.
It struck a deep cord in me as I am sure it will do for many others, calling to the soul and heart.
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89 reviews58 followers
April 11, 2023
This guided journal is divided into three parts which focus on the past, the present and the future respectively. There is a chapter with its own topic for each day of Ramadan with some prompts/questions at the end for the reader to write their own reflections and thoughts.

This book is written with such compassion and encouragement, I’ve really found it such a beneficial read throughout Ramadan so far. It’s full of beautiful and incredibly meaningful reminders, including verses from the Qur’an, Hadith and sayings from some of companions of the Prophet (saws) as well as quotes from the likes of Ibn al-Qayyim.

There were also often very personal anecdotes shared by the author which were really meaningful and they helped me connect even more to the book and the message of each chapter.

I think this is a book I will return to, not only during Ramadan but at any time of the year when I consciously want to reconnect to Allah and worship more meaningfully.

Thank you to @aliyah_ummraiyaan and her publisher at @penguinukbooks for sending me a review copy.

May this book be a means of many Muslims benefiting and reconnecting to Allah and may Allah reward the author with an abundance of good in this life and the next, Ameen.
Profile Image for hannah ☾⋆.
121 reviews28 followers
March 29, 2025
this book felt like my best friend, my guide during this Holy month of Ramadan. i felt deeply moved by Aaliyah’s stories and experiences of her as a revert, of challenges she faced but also giving some much needed reminders and healing. i loved reading one chapter each day and the feeling of coming back to her words were like a warm hug! i loved how she touched on different themes and aspects each day that are fundamental to us as muslims. i’m sad i didn’t get a physical copy though so i read it digitally. i sincerely hope you guys pick this up if you haven’t for next Ramadan Inshaa Allah. 🤍✨
Profile Image for Robert Johnson.
304 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ A Simple and Meaningful Ramadan Companion

Ramadan often calls for books that are easy to return to each day, something that fits naturally into the rhythm of the month. Ramadan Reflections by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan does exactly that. Structured into thirty short chapters, it offers a reflection for each day, making it a practical and consistent companion throughout Ramadan. The format works well, especially for readers who want something manageable but still meaningful. It is the kind of book you can pick up daily without feeling overwhelmed.

What I appreciated most was how the reflections connect Islamic teachings with real life. The author brings in moments from Islamic history and ties them to personal experiences, which makes the lessons feel relatable rather than distant. The writing is simple and easy to follow, but still carries a clear message about reconnecting with Allah, building consistency in worship, and taking time for self-reflection. The inclusion of a journaling element is also a nice touch, even though I read it as an ebook and did not use that feature myself.

At times, I did find myself wanting more depth. Some of the reflections felt a bit too brief, and I would have liked the author to go further in developing certain ideas. Still, the simplicity is also part of what makes the book effective during Ramadan. It encourages daily engagement without becoming heavy. Overall, I found this to be a meaningful read that I would return to in future Ramadans. It works especially well for Muslims looking for short, consistent reminders throughout the month.
Profile Image for Mimi Semambo.
2 reviews
March 2, 2023
I have had the privilege of being amongst the few early readers ofAaliyah Umm Raiyaan's Ramadan Reflections book.

I don't think my words will do it justice, but what I will say is this is an interactive companion for guided reflection during the blessed months of Ramadan and beyond.

Aaliyah draws upon her own life experiences and examples of how to navigate the challenges of life by offering a range of supplications and positive affirmations.

My experience with the book is that it offers motivation, solace, and guidance through the teachings of Islam. It would benefit most ages and both genders.

On completion, I was overwhelmed with sadness as I did not want the journey I embarked on with myself to end. This is a book I will certainly be revisiting and would highly recommend as a gift to oneself and any other beloved person.

#Ramadan #ummRaiyhan #worldbookday #reflection #spiritual
3 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2023
Ramadan Reflections
Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

Breathtakingly Profound

I was first approached to be an early reader of Ramadan Reflections by the author, Aliyah Umm Raiyaan, in late January 2023… Needless to say, being quite a bibliophile and bookworm, I jumped at the opportunity, and here I am - not even 6 weeks later - writing a review of this breathtakingly beautiful book. In fact, I hesitate to use the word book, for this is quite different to anything I have read before. It is interactive but without AI technology. It is guiding, but not controlling or patronising. It is reflective, but most certainly not narcissistic. It can be read in huge, indulgent chunks, whilst snuggled in your comfiest chair with a cuddly blanket and favourite hot drink or can be dipped into sporadically when brief reading opportunities present themselves. One of my favourite reading times is whilst sitting in my car waiting for my children to come out from school.

A very comforting part of Ramadan Reflections came quite early on regarding LOVE, particularly the love for oneself. Not the egotistical, self-obsessed, proud version so commonly plastered all over social media nowadays. But the private kind, a connection between oneself and the Lord, one that promotes knowing one’s value and self-worth, all written in the most humbling words. I challenge you to not feel moved!

Although tempted to, I will not drop in any ‘spoilers’ from Ramadan Reflections because it will be interpreted uniquely by each reader, and each time the reader returns to it I am confident they will find different guidance and comfort from it. Although the title ‘Ramadan Reflections’ indicates the excellent benefit of the book during the Blessed Month, it is without a doubt a book which will be of benefit all year round, whether it is re-read in full, or simply dipped into for emaan boosting inspiration.

Finally, I wish to thank Aliyah Umm Raiyaan for sharing her words with us. Each time I have picked up Ramadan Reflections, I have felt like a close companion was in conversation with me. May it be a means for her to enter Jannah al Ferdouse where she will have the best of companions, Ameen.
Profile Image for Shifa Safadi.
Author 10 books125 followers
March 22, 2023
This just might be my favorite nonfiction book this year!

Genre: Adult Nonfiction
Author: Aliyah Umm Raiyaan
Publisher: Penguin UK in the UK and Sourcebooks in the US

I will be the first to admit that I am def more inclined towards reading fiction and that I usually have a hard time finishing nonfiction books. But truly this book is diffferent!!!

This gorgeous book is divided into 30 parts, each part for one day of Ramadan- and each being made of an author reflection, Islamic inspiration, a duaa, quotes from scholars, and then a few pages to jot down your own reflections. The three parts are the past, present, and future- and each chapter covers a deen related topic that covers an issue within these times.

I liked how the book didn’t have too much journaling in it tbh, bc I usually don’t like to journal (lol surprising I know as a writer- but I prefer typing to pencil writing). This book was the perfect amount of text and journaling balanced- and it was written in such an impactful way that I found myself really soaking in each chapter and pausing and enjoying the journaling process at the end!

The book truly is healing and spiritual- I found myself crying and reflecting often- and the slowing down and really reflecting on powerful parts of our deen was so warming to my heart and so powerful in inspiring me to feel spiritual.

A def must have for every Muslimah- this book is truly life changing❤️
Profile Image for Safia.
119 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2023
Since getting this book I've read through it twice- it came to me at a time where I was working through some things and I really valued the experience.
It's well written and will speak to everyone in some way- each chapter has a theme and the writing style- part memoir, part advice- is really well balanced. It felt like having a conversation with a trusted friend.
Each chapter builds on what the previous one has given you to think about, and it's all delivered in a perfect mix of personal anecdotes, heartfelt advice and religious information without ever feeling preachy or self-important. This tone is something that I think is often lacking in spiritual or self-help style books even where they've been written by long standing experts, and so it felt really special and unique in that sense.
Having had the experience of the second read through, I feel confident in saying that this will easily become the kind of book people will choose to dip in and out of many times and read over again, as there will always be some lesson or comfort to take from it.
If you are someone who would like to keep a journal but are not sure where to start, the prompts in this book would be an excellent starting point, they're very introspective and reflective, and could apply to anyone at any stage in life. I really felt that the way the chapters are constructed with the journal prompts at the end guides you towards thinking about your own experiences/ideas in ways you might not have previously considered. While the book is based around the structure of Ramadhan (30 days split into 3 parts), it could easily be used year round.
Profile Image for Chai.
50 reviews
March 20, 2026
This book brought so much peace to my heart, kept me company during this beautiful month, every day when I picked it to read a chapter, felt like I would sit and talk to someone and discuss the topic, the journalling part was so brillant, I already loved journalling, but having to do it daily regarding an Islamic topic and letting things out was so practical. There were many reminders in this book, words and sentences I will carry with me for the rest of the year, and new things I learned, Islamic Quotes I have never read before. Jazaki Allahu khaira, Aliyah, for writing this book and The Power Of Du'a.
Profile Image for Nour Cauveren.
2 reviews
April 21, 2023
Rarely have I come across a book that has so deeply and profoundly touched my life. If you have been crying out to your Lord, asking Him to guide you then I invite you to continue reading. Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal has literally changed my life. I felt broken and cried out to Allah seeking His guidance when He answered my dua in the most beautiful way by guiding me to this book. The book’s central message is Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah). Aliyah Umm Raiyaan has a way of drawing your heart back to Allah with her words. And you feel that it is your Lord calling you back to Him, through the ink on the paper. The words leap up at you and grab hold of your heart. That heart that has been aching, feeling stuck and desperate for healing begins to pour out its sorrows to Allah, but this pouring out is different. Because all the chapters end with a dua invitation and guided journal questions, you are given tools to help you see your problems from a different perspective and where you once saw nothing but misery you now see the blessings of your Lord.

I was going through a very difficult test when Allah answered my dua by guiding me to this book. And I have experienced a transformation, healing and empowerment that I know is coming from my Lord. My dua for this book is that it becomes a saddaqah jariyah (continuous charity) for our beloved sister Aliyah Umm Raiyaan until the day of Judgement. Other than Allah’s Book, the Quran, I have never been so deeply and profoundly impacted by a books message. My heart not only turned back to Allah but went running back to Allah full of joy and praises for my Lord. I love sister Aliyah Umm Raiyaan for writing this book and sharing the message with the ummah.

Honestly, I am at a loss of words my heart is filled with so much that I find it difficult to articulate. Buy this boo is an investment in your relationship with Allah. Gift this book to others because it will be saddaqah for you InshaaAllah. Start a book club that works its way through this book annually. The growth will be AMAZING inshaaAllah. This is one of those books that is published once in a lifetime. The prose is simply the heart speaking. It is Aliyah’s heart speaking to your heart. My heart feels lighter and closer to my Rabb than I ever felt before. I want everyone in the ummah to experience the Barakah that Allah has put into this book, inshaaAllah.

To describe in one word how this book has made my heart feel: LOVED
I feel deeply loved by my Creator for giving me the rizq of Aliyah’s words. I feel she is me. Her struggle, my struggle, her pain, my pain and that is because she has allowed herself to be vulnerable. Ya Rabb allow this book to impact BILLIONS of lives until the Day of Judgement and raise the ranks of Aliyah Umm Raiyaan to the highest level of Paradise ameen
2 reviews
March 2, 2023
Universal.
*This book is for you!*

The author has written in such an uplifting style covering the full gamut of human emotion. Here, you will find truth, empathy, joy, sadness and love.
This book is about being human and being tested- happens to us all.
So this book with its beautiful references to duas, Quranic verses and personal stories, takes a look at that universal journey traversed by Muslims and non- Muslims.
It is for you, whatever your physical, spiritual or emotional state to reflect during Ramadan and beyond!
Profile Image for Liya Syazwani.
2 reviews
May 1, 2023
Bismillaah. This book has honestly helped me emotionally and most importantly, spiritually as it opened my eyes to view life in a different light. I truly enjoyed reading every chapter each day throughout the month of Ramadhan, and it became a routine for me to do a self-reflection after reading them with the prompts Aliyah came up with. To add, the heartfelt du'as written at the end of each chapter instills hope, love and faith that made readers feel re-newed, re-energized, and definitely enlightened - while striving to seek for self-betterment through the lens of an akhirah-focused future. I also love how she compartmentalized the chapters in the first 10 days of Ramadhan, mid-Ramadhan and the last 10-days of Ramadhan, focusing on the different aspects one needs to prioritize and noted down the ways one can reconnect with God.

In summary, this book is truly the epitome of self-help, healing and spiritual boost in book form that every Muslim needs, whether one is in a broken state or not. Truly inspiring, enlightening and definitely, empowering for the deprived souls who are in need of a little nudge to reconnect back to the One who is in control.

This already made it to one of my top favourite books that I will re-visit time and time again, especially during Ramadhan. Thank you Aliyah, for every word, thought and du'a that you poured with all your heart and soul. May Allah bless all your efforts, and I look forward to read your upcoming books inshaAllah. A very much needed reminder and words for forgetful souls like me, and I would rate it 10 stars if I could!
2 reviews
March 2, 2023
The introduction alone stirs the heart and soothes it. The words are comforting which is just as they should be when you settle down to read a good book. And Ramadan Reflections was definitely a good book!
Each chapter speaks to you and makes you reflect upon your own situation. You are then invited to think differently; take yourself from where you are now to where you’d like to be. The second chapter does this effortlessly. When you read this book it invites you to lovingly change for the better for your life in this world and the next.
If you are a stranger to the title in the third chapter or are emotionally guarded she will challenge you to feel. Make sure you read Ramadan Reflections where you have few distractions. The Quranic ayahs, ahadith, and duas are beautiful and need to be savoured.
All aspects of faith are touched upon and are relatable & relevant for whatever situation you may have gone through or are are going through. It’s worth ordering Ramadan Reflections in time for Ramadan to help you focus and re-evaluate your faith and life priorities. But even outside of Ramadan this book will serve you well bi’idnillah. Ramadan Reflections is not just a ‘must have’ on your bookshelf but one that you can refer back to again and again.
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324 reviews70 followers
March 15, 2023
If I could give this book 10 stars I would.

It is a wonderful book, and not just for Ramadan.

I feel like the lessons and gentle nudges can be used year round but especially in Ramadan, they will be really helpful to focus worship.

Aaliyah writes like a wiser older sister who’s earnest and wants the best for you and for you to come to Islam
In whatever state you’re in.

I was privileged in that Aaliyah contacted me to ask me to review this book and I am honoured to do so.

This is the kind of book that I think would benefit any Muslim in whatever state they are in Ramadan as I think we all need some guidance during this important month and especially for people who might not be able to fast the whole month or at all, this book would be great to keep a connection to Ramadan.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Asma ❀.
212 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2023
~3.5/5

What a journey this book was! It was well-written and encouraging. Sometimes difficult and uncomfortable to read as it comples you to look at the aspect of your life you don't wanna think about it
However, all 30 chapters are not of the same quality. Some are extremely well-written and beneficial, others were so abstract and rushed. If I had to rate it, the third part was the best followed by the 1st part and finally the 2nd Part.
Profile Image for berkan berghahn.
120 reviews
March 7, 2026
i somehow can’t make a rhyme out of this author writing. i tried both books and i wasn’t too happy with them. maybe i just need to revisit them in a better time frame, as i looove the idea behind kt
Profile Image for Claneessa.
175 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2026
This book was the perfect read for Ramadan. A spiritual journey in which you reflect on different topics such as regrets, hope, living in the present and much much more. Every chapter allowed me to think deeply and I loved being able to journal as I was reading the book.
Literally the best companion you can get for this month!
Profile Image for Valerie.
83 reviews
April 2, 2025
Excellent guide to Ramadan (my 2nd time observing Ramadan) with each chapter focusing on a different topic. I really enjoyed reading this little book....very helpful and inspiring!
Profile Image for Lani E..
229 reviews
March 30, 2025
Thank you so much for making this my most meaningful Ramadhan yet 💜 May all blessings bestowed upon you multiply, dear author 🤲🏼
49 reviews
Read
March 29, 2025
Didn't reflect on paper as much as I wanted, but the book gave me more clarity and many insights, Alhamdullillaah.
Profile Image for Sali Reads.
249 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2025
This book guided me through this years Ramadan with new ways to view our Deen. Thank you Aliyah for writing this book.
8 reviews
March 19, 2025
Aliyah Umm Raiyaan's writing is like sitting with a wise friend or older sister who only wants the best for you and is willing to pull from her years of hardship to provide you with much needed perspective. I read this book and engaged with it's activities in 2023, particularly enjoyed the reflective activities at the end of the chapters
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204 reviews94 followers
June 5, 2024
Masha Allah. I love and LOVE this book. It has helped me reflect a lot about the different aspects of my faith. Thank you @aliyah_ummraiyaan for sending me a copy of your book. May Allah bless you with so much more. I implore everyone to read this book. I personally find it very beneficial even if it is not read during the month of Ramadan. Very intimate, reflective, and sincere. I find so many beautiful reminders that genuinely moved my heart.

At the end of each chapter, Aliyah provides the space for us to write & reflect. She outlines some guiding questions that get you thinking about your experience. I personally make the best use of these pages to reflect on the topic and the experiences I have with my life and spirituality. I loved every chapter of the book because they are all so relatable not just to me—but also to everyone who’d like to read the book. Aliyah explores the topics of healing & taking lessons from the past; journeying to Allah with presence; and planning and moving into an akhirah-focused future in a way that is very open-hearted and broad. She approaches the topics with respect, openness, and kindness, that I feel like everyone would enjoy regardless of where they are in life and their faith.
Profile Image for Claire.
133 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2023
3.5 stars.

I bought this book after having seen so many amazing reviews, maybe so many set me up to be disappointed.

The author writes a few times that she had a month to write this book and I felt like many of the chapters showed that. Some chapters were wonderful with lots to reflect on and discuss. Other chapters felt rushed and lacking in substance. I was left with the feeling that they had to be written to deadline but she needed more time.

The book is a great idea, and could have been so much more had the publisher given more time for it to be written.
1 review
September 28, 2024
Aliyah Umm Raiyaan has a distinctive and potent style of communication. This book is largely about moving reflection and introspection. You will feel at home and like the book is speaking to your soul. Even though this book is titled Ramadan Reflections, you can still read it at any time. For those who feel that their relationship with Allah has deteriorated, this book is ideal.
There is a lot to discover and absorb. This book is appropriate for readers of all backgrounds.
This is an essential read, and I am happy I came across it.
Sister Aliyah, I hope Allah rewards all of your hard work.
Profile Image for Khadijah Hayley.
113 reviews
May 13, 2024
This book truly kept me company during Ramadan. I was able to take account of my life and mind as well as develop fresh habits moving forward.

The tone of the writing was perfect for its purpose. It felt like a friend sitting me down, sharing her stories and helping me through my problems.

A beautiful book that I will reread again and again when I need a friend.
Profile Image for Niena Aniesza.
207 reviews8 followers
Read
April 4, 2024
Every year, Ramadan comes and goes, and we don’t know when our last Ramadan will be. Reflecting on Ramadan helps us reassess the direction of our lives—whether we’re on the right path or not.
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31 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2025
I pray to be able to open and read this book every Ramadan.

اللهم بلغنا رمضان
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews