Another Ramadaan in pandemic: Reflecting on what we have experienced

WE are about to enter our second Ramadaan in an unpredictable and indefinite world-wide lockdown, still in the continuous grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ramadaan is indeed a month of fasting and special worship; but beyond that, it is also a period for spiritual revitalisation, developing self-discipline, heightening moral consciousness and for increased philanthropy. It is a special month on the Muslim calendar that provides an ideal opportunity for reflection and contemplation; for patient perseverance in what we must endure and gratitude for what we have.

We need to review our lives and our deeds. But such self-assessment requires honesty, sincerity, humility; appreciating our successes, acknowledging our shortcomings and a genuine desire to improve ourselves. We could start our reflection by realising that we are all in this together; united in our shared experience as victims of a non-discriminating virus, united in our common objective of surviving this devastating pandemic and united in our hope of overcoming this unprecedented challenge.

Have we given a thought to what we should seriously be thinking about?

Apart from feeling afraid and unsure, anxious and uncertain, have we thought of being more realistic regarding our goals in life? Have we thought about being more sensible in our perspectives and more pragmatic in our relationships? Have we thought about pursuing avenues of greater understanding, tolerance and compassion?

Have we thought about re-examining our priorities in life, reassessing our concept of success, and re-evaluating our paths to happiness? Have we thought about what we took for granted; freedom to move around, being able to visit family and friends, going to pray in congregation, attending classes at institutions, spectating sports in a stadium … we have to be grateful for these seemingly little things as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever is not thankful for the little things will not be grateful for greater things.” At a time like this, we have to be especially grateful for the little things so that we may appreciate the big things; otherwise we may not value anything and end up learning nothing from our pandemic experience.

Having survived the first and second waves of the pandemic, we must learn from what has passed so that there could be a positive dimension even to the difficult experiences we have had. Learning from trials and tribulation is how we grow. Learning from our experience also entails acknowledging our physical requirements without overlooking the reality of our spiritual needs, so that we could find the confidence in ourselves to holistically embrace a life that we may have lacked before.

Who would have thought that when such a major crises occurs, it would become an opportunity to realise that in times of sickness we can heal; in times of fear we can be brave; in times of uncertainty we can create reassurance; and in times of physical isolation from people we can deepen our spiritual connection with the divine? We entreat the Almighty to provide avenues of healing for those affected and we implore His mercy for those who have passed on. We pray that this crisis will end, that lives and livelihoods will be spared and that we emerge from this as better human beings, committed to creating a better world for all.

Wishing everyone a blessed Ramadaan.

Shaykh Sa’dullah Khan has pursued studies in the fields of Law, Journalism and Islamic Studies and has presented papers at numerous international conferences worldwide. Former editor of Muslims Views, he is the author of Dimensions of the Qur’an, has appeared on SABC, NBC, History Channel, IIS, ITV, IRNA, Turkish ATV and has been an inspiring religious leader and a motivational speaker for the past 25 years. He is currently the CEO of Islamia College in Lansdowne.