The Ramadan Community

Whist we thank Allah for allowing us to see and feel this Ramadhan, we already feel our hearts ache as we prepare for its end. Although we have the sunnah of fasting on Monday and Thursday, there is a different aura in the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, as we are aware, demands that we re-evaluate our faith and character – however it also demands that we spend time with friends, neighbours and family and those around us. This sense of community day to day in Ramadan is one that will be greatly missed. And what better way to reflect on the beauty of community than to portray it on a global scale.

Community in Ramadan is like no other time of the year. We eat together for iftaar whether that be in masjids, at home or our work place. Each taking food from their households making them in plentiful to break their fasts among fellow Muslim brothers and sisters and for those who may not have anyone to break their fasts with. We make extra and give the food to our neighbours regardless of their faith.

Ibn Abbas Reported:

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَيْسَ الْمُؤْمِنُ الَّذِي يَشْبَعُ وَجَارُهُ جَائِعٌ إِلَى جَنْبِهِ

The prophet (s.a.w) said ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side sleeps hungry’

This instills the importance of community in the heart of a Muslim throughout the month of Ramadhan and out with it, making one conscious of the state of the people around them.

We stay in the masjid and congregate for Taraweeh salah with our parents, children, neighbours listening to the beautiful recitation not only in one location but in all regions. Standing shoulder to shoulder our hearts connected as the imam recites the words of Allah.

Is there ever a time in the year where you would be walking alone at one am in the night feeling completely safe under Allah’s protection as you all leave the masjid after Taraweeh? Leaving together to our parked cars that are far away due to the parking capacity reached near the masjid, none are sparse, and we compete by going earlier each day to ensure the spot closest to the masjid.                                                                  

Supplicating day in day out. With friends, family, neighbours. The practice of supplicating before a meal, a constant reminder that Allah is our provider and reminding those around us to do the same. A tranquil moment of quiet, simply saying thank you to our Lord.

Community in Ramadan is not just in mosques, but at work, school and universities. Although I am here in Scotland fasting with those around me – I and those around me are able to empathise with millions across the world. We could fly anywhere around the world during the month of Ramadan and still find people to break our fast with. Community in Ramadan is taking small and big actions to make sure everyone around us is made to feel important. As we move past Ramadhan let us instil in ourselves a positive and active relationship with members of our family and in the communities, we are part of.

In the Qur’an Allah says:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy upon them, for Allah is Almighty and Wise.  Surah Al-Tawba 9:71

Subhan Allah we are gifted with Islam.

I write this with tears in my eyes knowing we are approaching the end of another Ramadhan with the uncertainty of ever seeing the next.

May Allah give us the opportunity to see another Ramadhan and give us the ability to implement your remembrance daily as a community throughout the year.

 

Ameen.

 

Sadiyah Bukhari is studying optomotery student in Glasgow, and dabbles in photography in her spare time.