As Muslims get ready to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan on April 24th, 2020 (fasting from dawn to dusk) the rest of the world will continue to navigate a pandemic of unprecedented proportions. In this new world, people have retreated into their homes and instituted laws of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19. But what does this “new normal” mean for Muslims who would often gather at mosques, cook food for others and break their fast with friends and family?
Ramadhan is still Ramadhan:
The philosophy of Ramadhan and fasting have not changed; the practice of abstinence of food and other desires will continue to instill self discipline, self control and thus purification of the self. Specifically, please note the following:
- Physical Well Being – research in the study of intermittent fasting shows that time restricted eating helps improve ones cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and other health related issues.
- Personal Growth:Ramadhan provides a wonderful platform for continued self- development and discipline; through the abstinence of food, water, and other addictions, this stress will allow one to see improvements in their self-confidence as they face obstacles and challenges that may have once been seen as impossible to overcome.
- Strong and Positive Relationships: providing food for the less fortunate, inviting others to break fast with you and volunteering for the benefit of others are strongly encouraged – these practices help build our social skills like gratitude, kindness, empathy, and communication which will help in further developing our positive interactions with others. It’s important to note that building these skills are the best ways to build emotional well-being. When we feel socially connected, we also tend to just feel better, have more positive emotions, and are able to cope better with challenges.
Impact of COVID-19:
There is no doubt on the impact that COVID-19 has had around the globe: people are getting seriously ill and dying, schools are closing, the healthcare system is overloaded, employees are losing their livelihoods,, companies are facing bankruptcy, and countries have had to spend billions on bailouts and medical aid. This is in addition to the added stress and anxiety that comes with the uncertainty this “new world” brings, and that many Muslims will be welcoming Ramadhan to. But like any difficult situation, there is always a positive perspective we can choose to view our current situation. The “tried and tested” SWOT analysis shows us that that every situation always has threats as well as opportunities. So given that Ramadhan is upon us, how can we make the most of this opportunity in these uncertain times.
More time: In a busy world where our “to do” tasks are never ending; time is often seen as the most valuable thing we have. In normal circumstances our days and weeks would be spent stuck in traffic as we commute to school/work and attending various social commitments including going to different restaurants and birthday parties just to name a few. Suddenly, all of that is cancelled or closed, giving us significant amounts of extra time. So, as we approach this Ramadhan, reflect on the fact that time spent commuting to mosques and attending social gatherings can now be replaced with what? Therefore, take the time that you now have, by first re-arranging how you would normally spend your time in Ramadhan.
Reflection: In normal circumstances, Ramadhan always provides a wonderful opportunity for some self-reflection. As discussed above, Ramadhan teaches us that in times of dedication, we can overcome obstacles and realize our full potential. Therefore, with some “newfound” time, take the extra measures to detail an action plan on what we want to do, how we will do it and WHY we want to do it. Think about some habits you have been eager to change, but never did it due to a variety of excuses including “I don’t have TIME!”
Seriously ponder over the fact that since you cannot go to restaurants twice a week, commute 2 hours per day, hang out with your friends or go to a party every weekend, reflect on whether you really want to continue doing so after the crisis. The virus forces you to make changes to your daily life that you might actually want to keep after the crisis.
Ramadhan is simply providing you with the platform to engage in deep reflection, but the COVOD-19 crisis has armed you with extra time to draw up a detailed action plan on your goals and objectives.
Develop a new routine: Every year, at the time of Ramadhan, Muslims are required to adapt their daily schedules and “flex” their routines. Breakfast is consumed as early as 2:30am (time before sunrise) in some parts of the globe and the breaking of the fast after 9pm (sunset). This alone teaches us that we are able to adapt to a “new reality” and the issues surrounding COVID-19 only add to this. Let us now re-think the adapted routines we once had, come the time of Ramadhan. An easy example would be our diet. During the days of Ramadhan, some would now eat only 1-2 meals per day, but would not necessarily care as to what they would be consuming. Much to their surprise, even though they did not eat as often, they did not lose any weight and in some cases actually gained weight in the month. Since we won’t be invited to social gatherings with delicious but unhealthy foods this year, can we decide to develop a new routine with better and healthier food choices?
Reconnect and help: One of the reasons why many look forward to the arrival of Ramadhan is it provides a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with others – talking to them, listening to them and providing services to them are ways in which we enrich our own lives and increase our own levels of happiness. However, as physical distancing measures are enforced it is important to realize that this does not mean social isolation. We need to continue to harness technology and take back social elements of our lives in order to preserve not only our own mental wellbeing, but that of others.
These are just some humble thoughts on how can still take advantage of the beautiful month of Ramadhan in these unprecedented times and continue to be engaged and fulfilled! Therefore, I will be providing our community with multiple articles each week on how they can make this a Ramadhan to remember! Topics to be covered will include Ramadhan Resolutions, Nutrition, Mental Well Being, Fitness, Sleeping in Ramadhan and so much more.
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Be well and Ramadhan Mubarak
Coach Mumdoo
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