By Abdus-Salaam Musa,
Upon reflection of Ramadan 1441(2020) and the upcoming Ramadan 1442 (2021), Lunar Calendar, I remember that it was a different atmospheric vibe for me. I was not able to go out and visit my brothers and sisters and break-fast with them. I was not able to make congregational prayers out of some fear and concern for my health. I do not have the luxury of having a wife and children in my house to share this momentous time of bonding within the family unit. Some days were sad for me being in isolation and not having any family living with me. However, I knew that there were blessings in this time for me. Otherwise, Allah would not have placed me in this position.
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. One should be studying more Qur’an, learning about their religion. It is not just the time for abstaining from food, drink, and lower desires. We are Allah’s (God’s) special creation on earth. He has made humankind the vicegerents of the earth. We should always be striving to “go vertical,” getting closer to Him. Understanding that we have a mission on this earth not just for ourselves, but for all of humanity. Some of us grow to understand our mission while here on earth. Most of us do not learn the lesson. We get caught up in the dunya (worldly life). Never realizing that we should be leaving this world in a better condition than we found it.
This year Ramadan starts on April 13. I wonder now how my plans will have to be altered for Ramadan, since I’ve had an operation. My diet for the next two weeks will be liquid and the following four weeks will be puree. By then, Ramadan will be over, so I must concentrate on my spiritual evolution. What will be the best way to get closer to my Lord?
My goal is not just to become a good Muslim, but a Mumin (Believer). I will memorize two or three surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an. I will be reading more about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and moving closer to our Creator by learning the methodology he gave our Prophet. If Allah allows me to make it to see this Ramadan it could be my last one. Coming to this realization I must make the most out of understanding what it means to follow the path of Islam.
Abdus-Salaam Musa, is a native NewYorker who works as a supervisor, training individuals to become clinical chaplains. He is known for working in the interfaith community and has traveled to different countries doing interfaith work. Dr. Musa holds a Doctorate Degree in ministry focusing on pastoral counseling from an Islamic perspective. He is the President of the South East Queens Muslim Collective Inc. and president of the Islamic Indigenous Compassionate Care Inc. in New York City. He co-founded the first Islamic women's shelter in Queens, now known as the ICNA Relief Transitional Housing Unit.