A reflection on Ramadan 2022

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that presents the opportunity for Muslims to reflect and affirm their relationship with God.

The first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago during the month of Ramadan. In the second chapter the believer is reminded, “It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. (Qur’an 2:185)

Additionally, the Qur’an reminds the Muslim that they are on path that is similar to those of other faiths. “Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God” (Qur’an 2:183). Guidance, mindfulness of God and distinguishing between right and wrong are matters of faith that are sacrosanct for those who are God-conscious.

This year, the month of Ramadan had the world witnessing events that tested the human spirit. Man’s inhumanity to man was prominent before the month started and it appears that the atrocities will continue as we end our fast May 1. It is apparent that we, as people of faith, must commit ourselves to be the change for the good that we want to see in the world.

First, we must be mindful of where we place God in our lives. Be mindful that God is one in His Lordship, without any partners, and we must acknowledge that His mercy outweighs His wrath. If God were to hold us accountable for the wrong that we do there would not be a single soul left on the earth. That is one sign of His unbridled mercy toward His creation.

As Muslims gathered in the evenings for communal prayers and the breaking of the fast, we also made sincere efforts to read our holy book, the Qur’an, every day. The Qur’an guides the reader to observe the signs in creation that demonstrate the power as well as the mercy that is from God. We are constantly urged to remember that not a cloud appears in the sky nor does a plant bear fruit without His will.

Secondly, as we come to the end of this blessed time, the struggle remains to hold onto the peace and tranquility we experienced. Standing in prayer late into the night and fasting on days that were fourteen hours long without even a sip of water required an inner strength that only comes from devotion to one’s faith. We maintained our daily routines and we were sustained by the promise of a great reward that only God can bestow on those who were consistent in their duty to Him.

In retrospect, fasting is more than just abstaining from food and water during the day. It is an act of worship that brings together the spiritual and physical realm; making God and His word the foundation upon which we build a structure that upholds the dignity of creation. Guidance that directs the course of a believer’s life through all trials and tribulations are what matters in faith.