The process of coping with lockdown has strengthened my faith. The Muslim community globally has done a great job of creating online resources and seminars to give our community hope and keep us all connected during this time. The Yaqeen institute, Bayyinah Institute, Cambridge Muslim College, Mufti Menk, and many more are offering a unique service by reaching out to the young and old. We have been spoilt for choice in Ramadan about whom we should listen to; these daily reminders and talks give us strength and hope and ease the stress and anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Throughout the lockdown, we are engaging in daily family supplications via zoom led by my nephew. Our family connection has thus become stronger during these strange times. Reciting supplications together is comforting and a source of peace.
With only a few days left in Ramadan, we are doing our best not to waste these precious moments by trying to taste the sweetness of faith during the night prayer. I can say that nothing compares with being in isolation with God. We have kept our spirits high by reminding ourselves this is the plan of God, and we are content with His will. Alhamdulilah (praise be to God).
I have kept my spirits high by raising money for Islamic Relief in Ramadan for the orphans and widows who had to flee from Syria to Lebanon. I pledged to raise £5000. Witnessing their plight makes me grateful. For some children, the emotional trauma of losing a parent is just the beginning. I wanted to help and show them they are not on their own. I wanted to help bring hope to the orphans and widows.
So I reached out to all my family and friends via WhatsApp and Facebook, and mashaAllah, I got a beautiful response. Within two weeks, I reached my target of £5000 Alhamdulilah. To date, We have raised £7616. I surpassed my original target with Allah’s help, alhamdulillah. The generosity of people is truly inspiring. Everyone I reached out to has been extremely supportive and responded immediately to the call, giving what they could. As I drove round to collect the donations for those who could not donate online, I thought to myself, 'this is my way of keeping busy, my social action in making a difference to the lives of others in lockdown this Ramadan.' I felt like I was playing my part and being of service to others. The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, ‘Allah will be at the assistance of His slave so long as such a person is at the assistance of his brother.’
It is one of the principles of our faith to help our fellow human beings. When we do this, we experience blessings in our own lives, Alhamdulilah. We are all in need of Allah’s assistance and protection. Next time someone comes knocking at your door, do not turn them away. Strengthen your faith by being of assistance and service to others. You will begin to feel the barakah (blessings) and God’s Grace.
May Allah SWT accept all of our worship, charity, and good deeds in this blessed month. Let us all maximize our worship and action in these last few days. Ameen.
