KUCHING: For first-time parents, the arrival of a child brings a profound shift in perspective, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
What was once a season of personal reflection and structured routine has transformed into a selfless balancing act between spiritual devotion and parental responsibility.
While the physical demands have increased, the emotional rewards are equally significant.
Sharifah Anisah Wan Jamaluddin and Wan Aizat Firdaus share their unique experiences navigating this new chapter of life.
For Sharifah Anisah, 29, this year’s Ramadan is a departure from the quiet, predictable routines of the past. The presence of her newborn has necessitated a more practical approach to the holy month.
“If previously, sahur and breaking of fast could be planned neatly, now priority is given to the baby’s needs,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
“Food preparation is kept simple and breaking of fast often starts only after ensuring the child is comfortable. It is physically more challenging but much more meaningful emotionally and spiritually.”
She noted that the biggest hurdle is reconciling a baby’s unpredictable sleep schedule with late-night prayers. Time usually reserved for Qiamullail or reciting the Al-Quran often overlaps with nursing sessions.
In navigating these new demands, she underscores that the partnership between her and her husband has become more vital than ever.
“Cooperation between husband and wife plays a vital role in ensuring the daily routine runs smoothly throughout Ramadan. Responsibilities must be divided flexibly, with a deep mutual understanding of each other’s situation.
“Emotional support and small gestures of help in daily chores have a massive impact on reducing the stress and exhaustion of fasting while parenting.
“Lack of sleep is a reality, especially for breastfeeding mothers. However, we have learned to see that every effort in caring for our child is also a form of ibadah (worship) with great rewards.
“Every time I hear the Azan Maghrib or offer a prayer, the gratitude is stronger because those prayers are now also for the well-being of the child Allah has entrusted to us. This Ramadan is not just about personal practice but about the responsibility of nurturing the next generation.”
Her advice to other new parents is to maintain realistic expectations.
“Don’t compare your Ramadan today with the ones before. Rest when you can and remember that raising a child is a noble form of worship in the eyes of God.”
For Wan Aizat, 28, a civil servant married for two years, parenthood has required a complete overhaul of his daily schedule.
“Before having a child, I usually slept at 10pm and woke for sahur at 5am. Now, I have to be on standby every two hours to prepare milk.
“The lack of sleep is definitely felt but it’s a sacrifice we make gladly.”
To manage the demands of work and home, Wan and his wife have implemented a ‘shift’ system. While he works from 8am to 5pm, his wife cares for the baby. Upon returning home, Wan takes over parenting duties so his wife can focus on preparing the evening meal.
“Even for prayers, we take turns because someone must always be watching the baby.”
Wan also highlighted unexpected challenges such as the need for absolute silence in the kitchen.
“The noise of cooking for sahur can easily startle the baby, causing them to wake up and get fussy, which then disrupts our sleep schedule further.”
Despite the fatigue and the faster depletion of energy during the fasting day, Wan Aizat finds deep meaning in his new role.
“There is a sudden urge to be the best role model for my child through my worship. Even though the baby is still small, we can show them the way we practice our faith. I feel incredibly grateful for the health and sustenance to grow our family.”
Offering a word of advice to other new fathers, he recommended aligning their rest periods with the baby’s sleep patterns.
“When the baby sleeps, you must sleep too to ensure you get enough rest to function during the fasting month.”
