Ramadan under quarantine is a weird phenomenon. My very
physical perception of community has challenged me to think about alternative
ways to connect with people and most importantly with God. The swift arrival of
this month and all its effects on my mind, body, and spirit always have a deep
and lasting impact on me. This particular Ramadan is bittersweet. I came into
this month seeking healing. Healing from grief, anxiety, and helplessness. The
lack of physical gatherings has made me sad, but I am reminded of a concept that
the Persian poet Rumi and so many other Muslim Saints of the past have told
us-- Circle the Kaaba (in Mecca) of your heart.
While our places of worship and pilgrimage have closed. The
true House of God is held within the very heart that sits in your chest. We
need not travel far and wide to reach this abode. Whether your heart is broken
and shattered, God still dwells there. This Ramadan has forced me to realize
that all of the physical things we hold dear truly mean nothing, it is the
faith behind these things that breath life to them. The purpose of Ramadan is
to reach a state of God Consciousness so that you carry out all acts with the
intention of devotion to God.
This life is a constant uphill climb. It really is a
spiritual journey. It is characterized by constant trial and error as we try to figure out new
ways to grow. Reaching another Ramadan has been a blessing. May we all benefit
from it. May We all get a chance to circle around the Kaaba of our hearts. May
we heal this month in body, mind and spirit. May we come out of Ramadan having
been illuminated.
Shaiful Alam '21
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