For a third year, I will be experiencing Ramadan
without my family. I have the Brothers and Sisters in Cayman, though,
Alhumdulillah.
Although I won't be able to have any of my Mum's cooking at sehri or iftar, or my sister's or sister-in-law's, we have arrangements here, Alhumdulillah. Yet, millions across the world don't have this comfort.
Millions across the world, whether it's Ramadan or not, go without. Often beyond the hours between dawn and sunset...often for days on end.
As Muslims, we know that Ramadan is about spiritual growth and awareness, but there are many layers to this, including an awareness of others and our responsibility to our fellow human beings, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Often, though, as individuals, we shirk that responsibility, or, generally, allow others to shoulder it for us.
There are, of course, those of us who are more involved with those around us - those of us who, even in the other 11 months of the year, shoulder the (shared) responsibilities of helping those in need (I'm not one of them, unfortunately, so these words are first for me and then for those who choose to read) - and they increase their efforts during the Blessed Month.
As I've said before, one of the beautiful gifts bestowed on mankind is the art of cooking - when you take a moment to think about it...the awareness of which herbs and plants are edible, which enhance, which mask, and so on, it's truly a wonderous gift. The variety of food, the intuitive fusion of flavours...they are a blessing many of us are able to share and indulge in.
They are, also, a blessing many of us are not able to share and indulge in, even in cities like London.
There are those who survive on scavanged stale bread. Or old and tangy rice.
Something.
Anything.
Just to keep going.
And we have a responsibility to each and every one of them - even if all one can give them is some left over roti and a smile...
So, as before, remember, 'fasting is bestowed on us...that we may attain taqwa', but this 'consciousness' is on multiple levels...so go beyond the physical.
Ramadan Mubarak
Although I won't be able to have any of my Mum's cooking at sehri or iftar, or my sister's or sister-in-law's, we have arrangements here, Alhumdulillah. Yet, millions across the world don't have this comfort.
Millions across the world, whether it's Ramadan or not, go without. Often beyond the hours between dawn and sunset...often for days on end.
As Muslims, we know that Ramadan is about spiritual growth and awareness, but there are many layers to this, including an awareness of others and our responsibility to our fellow human beings, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Often, though, as individuals, we shirk that responsibility, or, generally, allow others to shoulder it for us.
There are, of course, those of us who are more involved with those around us - those of us who, even in the other 11 months of the year, shoulder the (shared) responsibilities of helping those in need (I'm not one of them, unfortunately, so these words are first for me and then for those who choose to read) - and they increase their efforts during the Blessed Month.
As I've said before, one of the beautiful gifts bestowed on mankind is the art of cooking - when you take a moment to think about it...the awareness of which herbs and plants are edible, which enhance, which mask, and so on, it's truly a wonderous gift. The variety of food, the intuitive fusion of flavours...they are a blessing many of us are able to share and indulge in.
They are, also, a blessing many of us are not able to share and indulge in, even in cities like London.
There are those who survive on scavanged stale bread. Or old and tangy rice.
Something.
Anything.
Just to keep going.
And we have a responsibility to each and every one of them - even if all one can give them is some left over roti and a smile...
So, as before, remember, 'fasting is bestowed on us...that we may attain taqwa', but this 'consciousness' is on multiple levels...so go beyond the physical.
Ramadan Mubarak
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