Today I sat down to break fast. After the evening prayer to call, I took a long sip of water from my bottle not wanting to stop.
My husband acknowledged my sacrifice and made a few comments. Without thinking, I said ‘what we have is a blessing and now more than ever we shouldn’t take it for granted.’
There has been a lot of medical advice about whether or not to fast with COVID-19 in the air. But just like any other hot summer day, I vowed to fast until I couldn’t.
Muslims fast to give sacrifice and to be cognizant of what we have that others don’t. It’s a time to not just refrain from food or water but to also refrain from negative activities, thoughts and comments. And putting religion aside, it is critical now more than ever to do this.
Loss of Accessibility
It’s hard to believe I’ve been home for six weeks. The last time I stayed home ‘this long’ was when I took maternity leave. Nonetheless, not even six weeks ago, I could jump in the car and head to Starbucks for a drink or grab something from the market to keep Ghonia happy. During Ramadan, we do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk and the concept of ‘just going to grab a bite to eat’ is diminished. Children, by the way, are exempt until they hit the age of puberty. Pregnant/Nursing women or those are sick or on travel are also exempt.
What I’ve learned is that we have plenty. I was scolded by my three year old for not having playdo in the house. I didn’t give in to her screams or tears. I didn’t order something on amazon nor did I run out.
Rather I looked at what we had and decided to make it at home. It became a fun experiment and she enjoyed it even more, knowing that she picked the color and kneaded it with mama.
Loss of Interaction
As an extrovert, I was in denial for the first couple of weeks of quarantine. I was so focused on tasks to keep our worksite going, I didn’t have time to lull in what was happening. But now things are quieter. And Ramadan couldn’t have come at a better time.
I fill my day with prayers or extra interaction with my daughter, Ghonia. I try to think before I speak (which is still quite hard for me) and I focus on the important aspects of our life.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s not just the physical fast. You become an embodiment of sacrifice and humility. You learn to disengage in certain activities or even conversations. I go as far as not watching certain shows or movies during the hours of my fast.
The lack of interaction is a false statement. You learn to interact within and with your faith that keeps your strong.
Loss of Resources
I teared up today while doing the dishes. In a time of this pandemic, millions have lost their jobs and their ability to care for themselves or their families.
There may be shortages of items on the shelves at the market for those who can go but what about the shortages in the bank account? How are so many getting through this time?
When someone asks me how I’m doing, I say that I’m blessed. Blessed that we’re all healthy and together. Blessed that we can still put food on the table. Blessed that we can all sit around at the table and cherish these moments.
My fast was easy today. It was easy due to the simple thought that others fast like this every day. Not because they choose to but because they have no other means to.
That is one huge part of Ramadan and I think this year it hit me hard more than past years. At first, I thought I’d struggle since I haven’t fasted in four years (2016 I was pregnant, 2017 I was nursing and 2018-2019 I had unforeseen health challenges.)
It is a do no harm fast and with all the angst in the world right now, I feel it’d be more harm if I didn’t fast.
We will come out of COVID a stronger human race but we will come out hopefully not forgetting the simple things that matter most. Our family. Our homes. Our resources.
This year is will go down in history and the way you shape your thoughts will help you get through it. Any spiritual sacrifice helps one connect to the more important things.
Listen to your inner voice. Look around you and realize the world isn’t unicorns and rainbows right now. Rather, how can you project yourself to get us closer to the pot of gold.
