‘Ramadhan in isolation’
Dear Friends
Ramadhan begins in much of the world today Thursday 23 April.
We have asked Saira Rafiq, President of the St Andrews Muslim Students Association (STAMSA) to share her reflections on the fast this year.
She writes as follows:
Ramadhan is the month in which able-bodied, healthy Muslims fast from the beginning of dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and water. They are encouraged to stay away from bad deeds and to increase in good deeds.
It’s a time in which we feel and empathise with those less fortunate than us by abstaining from our basic needs. It’s a spiritual month, during which the Muslim holy book, the Quran was revealed, and after breaking fast there is a night-time prayer at the mosque where everyone gathers for a special Ramadhan prayer every night. It’s long and sometimes tiring, but nothing beats the feeling of a spiritual high, standing amongst people united with the aim to please the creator, together.
During Ramadhan, Muslims feel great community spirit from sharing food with our neighbours, increasing in charitable behaviour, to families coming together to breakfast at sunset. There’s an air in Ramadhan that you can’t quite get any other time! It’s during this time, as students we usually miss the gatherings and our families the most.
The Chaplaincy has become a home to many faith-based societies, and during Ramadhan it’s even more so a home for many Muslim students away from home. This year we won’t be able to break fast together, pray together or prepare for fasting in the early mornings, in fact most of us will be adapting to a different kind of Ramadhan. One without congregational prayers at night, feeding our neighbours or family dinners at sunset.
This Ramadhan maybe lonelier than usual, and for many us of food has become a comfort during these difficult times. The discipline required for fasting might be tougher than usual too, but in every situation is a chance for growth.
For Ramadhan to fall during such times, is to push us to focus on the spiritual benefits of fasting, being isolated in our own homes, gives rise to a new opportunity for us through solitude, to grow closer to Allah (God) in a more private, intimate setting at home.
“Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” [Quran, Chapter 2 Verse 183]
Notes from your Chaplaincy…
Compline Tonight at 9pm – This evening’s service of Compline will be held at 9pm and is led by Professor Reverend Ian Bradley. Please click on the zoom link to access the service tonight.
Donald MacEwan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Compline Online
Time: Apr 23, 2020 09:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91313297666?pwd=M3l3bkgzSFZMbWZvNDZmTlVwTkZGdz09
Meeting ID: 913 1329 7666
Password: 6weGv3
Pastoral Care – All are welcome at the Chaplaincy and we are here to support any member of staff or student, regardless of religion, creed, denomination or philosophy of life. Please remember that our Honorary Chaplains along with Donald and myself are here to listen and care for you. We are available for a phone conversation or a team meeting so just email us direct or contact the Chaplaincy [email protected].
Keep well, blessings
Samantha