The holy month of Ramadhan has arrived once more and over 1 million Muslims within the UK will be fasting from sunrise until sunset. It is one of those times of the year when families forget about their petty differences as they are drawn closer together by this bond, this bond of fasting and praying and ultimately feeling a sense of unity because they share the same belief.Many people will say that this month is a time of self reflection and spiritual enlightenment. I agree but only to a certain extent. Generally, Islam does not encourage any notions of self. This “me, myself and I” culture is something from other cultures that has penetrated Islam.
Throughout this month everyone is so busy. An average day would be to go to work from 9 to 5, come home open your fast, pray, eat and by the time you have finished its 9.30, time to get to the mosque for Taraweeh prayer. This would finish by 11pm and once you get home it’s time for bed, ready to do the whole thing again. This can last for 30 days!
If this was the routine of the Muslims for the whole month then does this not seem to be very individualistic? After all there are more Muslims in the world than your family, or your community, even your country. Throughout the world there are around 1.6 billion Muslims, all of whom hold the same values and beliefs as the British Muslims do.
This is a time to think about them. Think about those in Africa who are forced to fast every month of the year as they have no means of working in order to provide for their families, or those in the Middle East who cannot sleep out of fear. Fear that a tank or a “death squad” will break down the door and kill everyone in sight simply because the army men were “bored”.
Do we think about them? Or are we too caught up in our own little worlds. The Prophet (saw) said that the Ummah is like one body; when one part is hurting the whole body hurts. Now is the time to revive the Sunnah. This month should aid all Muslims to realise that something needs to change. It is time to speak out against the evil and the tyranny we see in the Muslim world.
In Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Sa`id (radhiallahu `anhu) that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "Whoever sees something evil should change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot do even that, then in his heart. That is the weakest degree of faith."
Ramadhan is known as the month of mercy. This is because Allah (swt) locks up the Shaytaan and showers His mercy upon us. But does this stop the evil that goes on around the world? Do the likes of America and Israel show mercy on the Palestinians during Ramadhan? Of course not! This is the month that we should open our eyes and take a good look around. Muslims will only overcome this torture through unity. Through the understanding that we are all linked by the belief in Allah and His Messenger.
