Ramadan 1445 started tonight with the first taraweeh prayer. For those of us in grief about the prolonged and barbaric violence against the Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank, it could not come soon enough. Our preparations – physical and logistical, emotional, spiritual – were hurried so we could finally come to this beautiful month of peace. I want to sink into my prayer mat and not get up. I want to listen to the Quran only- I just tried watching the Oscars, and got turned off with the glitz and glamour, although it was touching to see red pins that some actors wore in support of a permanent ceasefire.
But we must not let our grief stop our joy of Ramadan. We get to focus inward, and reduce activities to focus on reflection and prayers. We get the opportunity to be more grateful for all bounties we have. We have the ability to abstain and refrain from our automatic habits and privileges – there is something very purifying about not following our natural desires and habits. Ramadan means fasting not just from food and drink but from all bad habits, as our shaikh reminded us on Friday. It is an opportunity to change oneself, to reflect and re-examine our habits that we want to change, and to embrace new habits that make us better humans. And if health or other challenges are present, we can feed the poor instead.
First, last and forever, we focus on the Creator, whom we choose to call Allah, God or many other names. Our Creator gives us everything from the womb to the tomb, and beyond. We are in deep gratitude for all the bounties and blessings and when we are tested, we accept with patience. Whether we are faced with big traumas or small ones, we know we will grow and develop our human capacity; we are also reminded of life’s transience which increases our appreciation and gratitude.
Second is our relationships to others. Faith instructs us to be kind and generous to all- not just other people but all inhabitants of the Planet; our behavior is also a form of ibadat (worship). This is all that we leave behind as our legacy and memory, not our possessions. As a seeker we are asked to practice kindness, love, equal respect, compassion, sensitivity and care towards others. When we hit bumps in the road, such a conflict or tension, we must learn from it and use it as an opportunity for self-improvement and raising the relationship to a higher more beautiful level.
Third is the final and most difficult part of self-improvement and the inner jihad- detachment from our egos and its complaints, attachments and arrogance and we realize our own insignificance. As the ego is contained within our soul, this type of detachment helps us transcend trivial matters and focus on the potential of being a nobler human. We let go of petty complaints and negative thoughts and emotions as we are imbued with gratitude- just for being alive at this moment in time, as horrible as world events may seem. Every test expands our heart.
It is a very private journey and this is where Ramadan intentions help us accelerate our journey. As I set my intentions this year, I pray for God’s help to become a better human, and for all of humanity to practice values of compassion, mercy and justice. So I wish my Muslim friends Happy Ramadan, and may our fasting, extra prayers and rituals elevate us and lift us up to achieve our duas and intentions for us and those in distress and under occupation and oppression.
Be First to Comment