Pre-Ramadan Reflections in the age of Corona Virus

Ramadan 1441/2020  will be the most difficult period of fasting we have ever experienced. Almost globally, the normal communal activities, such as evening prayers (Salaat At Taraweeh), meals and visits to the mosques, have been banned by government decree, meant to decrease the spread of the Corona Virus (#COVID-19).

The situation is seemingly so bad that there have been voices in the Muslim community that have suggested that the fast be abandoned this year. While this is- in my view- an extreme overreaction- the situation, in particular the  cultural or traditional aspects of the month that will have to be modified or abandoned out of necessity this year, does warrant us to take a look at what our priorities should be.

Fasting: A means to connect to the Almighty

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا کُتِبَ عَلَیۡکُمُ الصِّیَامُ کَمَا کُتِبَ عَلَی الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِکُمۡ لَعَلَّکُمۡ تَتَّقُوۡنَ

"O people of Secure commitment! Fasting is ordained on you, as it was on those before you, so that perhaps you will attain Taqwaa" ( Qur'an 2:185)


The above Quranic sentence is the core explanation of what fasting in Ramadan is about. It is about Taqwaa, that sense of reverence, awe of God. The cultural elements, such as the various foods served at dinner and mornings before dawn, presents and the like, all are certainly beneficial in their adding to the experience, however the goal is the attainment of Taqwaa.

Fasting is often called an invisible form of worship because it is one of the few actions which cannot be known precisely by anyone except the person and Allah. A person could fast, inside and outside of the month, without it being public knowledge, and conversely, break or disregard the fast in the privacy of his home.

If the primary goal is remembered, Ramadan won't be a burden this year.


The removal of distractions

The traditional observations, the details of which vary from place to place, will obviously not take place in their usual forms. Yet, there are things which will still be available which would distract us from the goals of the month. There are certain dramas, television shows/movies etc, which are released in the Muslim world during Ramadan, most of which have little or no spiritual content.

The fact that the majority of us have to work from our homes and be unable to attend dinners and communal activities can-in fact- force us to take a step back, to reexamine our priorities.

Taqwaa is developed mainly through efforts. Contemplation, prayer, reflection, study. Too many of us go through the month with all the financial, family and communal obligations- so much so that it drains us spiritually. THIS month will be different, God-willing. This month will be the time for Taqwaa to truly flourish.

There is a Hadeeth Qudsi (Sacred tradition) which summarizes this as God saying "The reward of fasting is ME". 


Actions we can do

I would suggest using Ramadan as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones via the various communication platforms now available. Take a group of numbers each day, call or message them. Warmth, care and love are all positive emotions which can be found lacking when being unable to meet for dinners or for evening prayers.

There is a fear of social isolation because of the virus. Quarantines, social distancing guidelines, even being unable to shake hands (let alone hug) are truly heartbreaking, in particular for those who are elderly. We should be cognizant of this, and reach out as much as possible.

Reach out to those you have lost touch with. Let them know you care. You don't have to say those words, just reaching out will be sufficient.

Religious actions we can do

Taraweeh prayers can still be offered, just  offer them in your home. You can still read the Qur'an. Study it in your home. If you want to hear the entire Qur'an, recited by a talented Hafiz or Qari, there are countless YOUTUBE videos and Apps which are available. Indeed, on my television, I have at least three channels saved dedicated to the Qur'an (its Tarteel and Tafseer). I would also suggest Tahajjud prayers, observed late in the evenings. (#1)

Maintain a positive attitude. Have gratitude to Allah. Be thankful to be able to experience the month.

May Allah accept our prayer, fasting, and any good actions we are able to do. May He guide us, and protect us from those things which are detrimental to our health, in particular our spiritual health.

Endnote

[1] Salaat At Tahajjud, also known as Qiyam ul Layl ("Standing in the evening") was a prayer that was offered in the late hours of the night that was observed by Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم

It is observed in precisely the same manner as Salaat At Taraweeh, leading some to conclude that it in fact the same prayer, that Taraweeh is simply another name given for Tahajjud to be observed in communal fashion during the fasting month. 

It is universally acknowledged that Tahajjud can be offered year round. Whatever one's views, both opinions recognize the value of praying at night.

Concluding the month of RAMADAN:some thoughts on the benefits of the fasting month

In beginning this article, it is necessary to share the Prophetic tradition that beautifully describes some of the benefits of Ramadan. It reads " This is a month, the first part of which brings the mercy of Allah, the middle part bringing Allah's forgiveness, the last part bringing emancipation from hellfire." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]

As this month comes to an end, we would like to share some thoughts on other benefits, or perhaps lessons is a better expression, on this blessed occasion.

[1] Gratitude.

The Qur'an speaks repeatedly of gratitude. Indeed, it is one of the real signs of a believer. From the Quranic viewpoint as well as the usage given in the Arabic language [the language of the Qur'an], Kaafir has the meaning of one who is ungrateful, who covers up the fact that he or she has been given something [in this case, by God]. Here, we wish to share just one small sentence from the Islamic scripture. "And recall the favors of God to you..." [ Q 3:82].

It is our view that the first thing to be grateful to Allah for is [A] Having access to Islam. Even if we are not good Muslims all the time, nonetheless we have access to the Qur'an, to Muhammad's example , may Allah's peace and blessings be on him. Thus, the Qur'an says " They consider it a favor to you that they have accepted Islam. Say, "Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful."[ Q 49:17, Saheeh international translation].

[B] Be grateful for all that you have. Prophet Muhammad [Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam] says to assert "praise belongs to Allah, in every situation". Knowing this is overused, nonetheless we have the famous saying about the man who complained about not having shoes, until he met a man who had no feet!

[2] Discipline:

Fasting, in a way, is an exercise in self-control. If we can do that in Ramadan, we can do that all the time. Cigarettes are a perfect example. While we do admit that among the Muslim jurists [Fuqahaa'] there are differences of opinion as to whether smoking is Halaal or Haraam, nonetheless all hands admit its overall harm. Giving it up in the fasting period can teach us to give it up totally!

[3] Laylatul Qadr

"Laylatul Qadr[ft.1] is more beneficial than a thousand months" says the Qur'an [97:3]. The religious aspect of it we are to observe, search for it during the last ten nights of Ramadan. We search for it via extra prayers, Qur'anic reading and recitation, spending the nights in remembrance and contemplation on Allah. There is also the social manifestation of Laylatul Qadr, in the sense that it can be life changing. The Laylatul Qadr can be the climax of the fasting month, in which we have decided to abandon sin, bad habits and the like [as described above when speaking on smoking], which, in turn, invites more of a Godly, spiritual presence in our lives. " The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter" Q 97:4, Saheeh international translation].

[4] Forgiveness

As cited above, forgiveness is a quality of this month, as narrated in the hadeeth literature. If we are seeking God's forgiveness in this month, expecting and hoping for his forgiveness, we can also forgive others! In addition to this, there is also the aspect of self-forgiveness. We can be hard on ourselves, whereas God does not wish that. Forgiveness can be a means to move forward, both mentally and spiritually!

There is a Prophetic supplication which teaches us to say "O Allah, make my reckoning an easy reckoning". The hadeeth goes further to say this means that we hope for no questions to be asked of us by God on the day of resurrection, but even if we omit this particular part of the narrative, there is a lesson in this Du'a! If we want God to be easy with us, we should be easy with others. Stop attacking so much, being critical and argumentative with others. Smile more, accept people where they are more, display forgiveness in action!

In this regards, we wish to conclude by sharing another Prophetic supplication, traditionally called the "leader in prayers seeking forgiveness" [Sayyid ul Istighfaar]. The entire supplication reads " O Allah, you are my Lord, none is to be worshiped except you. You created me, I am your servant and I am faithful to my covenant and promises to you as much as I can. I seek refuge with you from all the evil I have done, I acknowledge before you all the blessings you have bestowed on me, as well as my sin, so forgive me, none forgives [sins] except you." 

We would like to emphasis the line " ..I am faithful to my covenant..as much as I can." In this Du'a, the Prophet teaches us to pray to Allah acknowledging that we are not perfect, that we have weaknesses and faults. Nonetheless, we ask for Divine forgiveness.

So, seek Maghfirah from God, bestow Maghfirah on one another, and upon one's own self. 


Footnotes

[1] Laylatul Qadr is usually translated "night of power" or "destiny". We prefer the rendering "Night of decree or measure", with preference to the latter word.The overwhelming majority of Mufassireen [Qur'an commentators] give, in their explanation of Soorah Al Qadr [#97], the religious ritual aspect of Laylatul Qadr. The social manifestation of it should also be given, which we have done here in this article. It is also important to remember that Allah began the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad in the month of Ramadan, on a blessed night. The Qur'an itself served as a genesis for great social change, not only for the immediate companions of the Prophet, or even just the Arabian peninsula, rather, for all mankind. Countless benefits and blessings were bestowed when Qur'an came into the picture. And God knows best.

Blessed Ramadan

As we enter the 10th day of the blessed month, let us take advantage of it while we can. Ramadan is the month in which the revelation of the Qur'an commenced, it is, according to Hadeeth narrations, a time of forgiveness, mercy and freedom from Hell. It's a time of deep introspection, and of improving our spiritual condition.

One of its most salient features is the Laylatul Qadr. A period, which we are told, is "better than a thousand months" [Khayrum min alfi shahr]. this expression, which appears in the Qur'an 97:3, denotes a benefit from a certain period that can last a lifetime, or even more than that.


We seek this period in the last ten nights of Ramadan specifically [although many suggest other times, even outside of Ramadan], but we have to be prepared for it. Fasting, charity, good deeds, more prayers and Qur'an reading all prepare ourselves for that opportunity, to have access to spiritual forces that can give us greater faith, confidence, drive in life, and- in addition, God-willing, Paradise.


May Allah allow us to get prepared, forgive our sins, accept our repentance, fasting and acts of worship.