Holy fasting is a path to compassion, cooperation
Ramadan is a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims, and in Memphis, it’s also a time of interfaith collaboration and celebration.
Muslims have contributed to the well-being of Memphis, both through their service and their efforts to build bridges between communities.
For example, by providing low-cost health care to the uninsured, the Memphis Muslim Medical Clinic has worked to alleviate the health care disparities that plague our city.
By offering aid to local refugees, the Muslim community has helped those who have been displaced when they are at their most vulnerable, helping them adjust to their new home.
Other notable endeavors include food pantries and city clean-ups, in addition to many other projects, all of which share the common thread of service.
In addition to giving back, the Muslim community has strived to partner with other faiths to spread a commitment to service and a spirit of compassion.
The Muslim community has built a lasting relationship with MIFA, an interfaith service organization that celebrates its 50th Jubilee anniversary in 2018, through participation in its Mealson-Wheels events.
The Memphis Islamic Center and our neighbor, Heartsong Church, have developed a strong friendship, sharing spring picnics, Thanksgiving dinners, and blood donation drives.
Perhaps the most notable interfaith effort in our community is the Annual Memphis Interfaith Dinner, which will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 3.
This dinner falls during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and is an opportunity for the Memphis community to join Muslims as we break our daily fast.
In essence, there are hardly differences among the Abrahamic faiths. Our faith in the Creator brings us together. More so, His instructions to do good.
All faiths include those who are disadvantaged or deprived, many who are the “have-nots”, some by choice, others, fait accompli. And all faiths are indeed blessed with the innocence and straightforwardness of the rightly guided.
For every good deed that we execute, the overt result or outcome is never overlooked by the Creator. He sees fit to add value, either in our lifetime and based on certain caveats, several times over, as He pleases.
Ramadan, or fasting, offers to Muslims that very opportunity to enrich by deciding to abstain, or refrain, or not to indulge, to liken ourselves with the have-nots/cannots.
Muslims are bent on recommending Ramadan to others as a continuous practice to cultivate as another oneness with the less advantaged. The return of enrichment from the Creator is inevitable.
The Annual Interfaith Dinner serves as a platform to spread positivity and understanding as well as to build meaningful relationships among people of different faiths and cultures.
Najmun Noor is a member of Memphis Interfaith.