vegetables. Sweet and sour sauces of all sorts. Clattering
cutleryamongst an array of voices...
This is all too familiar for a Muslim family who busythemselves
preparing for 'Iftar' - the dinner that marks the breaking of a
religious fast.
During the holy month ofRamadan, millions of Muslims from around the
globe will undergo a physical and mental abstinence known as fasting.
From the time dawn breaks in the morning, until the time the sun sets
at night, Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking, partaking in
sexual activity, speaking or acting in an obscene manner, or indulging
themind and heart in things other than the remembrance of Allah. In
other words, for a periodof 30 days, Muslims will focus on devoting
themselves to steady prayer and self-control.
Muslims Rise to the Challenge
This period of self-denial requires an incredible force of will power,
and yet millions of Muslims worldwide will rise to the challenge. The
most addicted of smokers will give up their habits in order to comply
with the rules of fasting. Those like myself, with a strong
relationship to all things chocolate, will ignore theglistening
shimmer of a glazed doughnut and wait patiently for sundown to indulge
in sugary sweets. Even those with the occasionaloutburst of road rage
will simply grit their teeth and mutter the words '"Please watch
outMr. cut-me-off" rather than the usual 'friendly' greeting.
Why Only in Ramadan?
This determination to better one's self as a Muslim and humanitarianis
so strong that one cannot help but feel proud at the accomplishment.
For 30 days I can experience thejoys of belonging to a community who
pray, fast and break fast in unison. I can sympathise with those who
are less fortunate than myself by suffering as they suffer. I can act
on this sympathy by fulfilling my duty and paying a donation to the
poor, providing a meal for people in need and physically making a
contribution to assist others.
And so I begin to wonder: why should suchaccomplishments prevail only
in Ramadan? Why can't it be 'Ramadan' all year round so to speak? As I
sit by my colleague, who nervously bends a paper clip in the hope of
quashing his nicotine craving, I realise that as the holiest month in
the Islamic calendar, ignoring the obligations of Ramadan would cost
more than the puff of a cigarette.
Determining Priorities
The spiritual blessings received during Ramadan are so great that even
those most distant from their faith will surrender to God. Living in a
city as diverse as Sydney, some will often be influenced by a culture
not of their own. It may be choosing to livea lifestyle which is
contradictory to the Islamic ideal. It may be the preoccupation with
achieving a 'status' of importance in order to obtain respect and gain
avoice within the wider community. It may even be as simple as
changing the radio dial in one's mind - from highly focused on your
duties asa good Muslim, to preoccupied with surviving a hectic day at
work and home. Whatever the choice, it is up to the individual to
determine his or her priority in life, and fulfill it with only the
fear of judgment by a higher power.
Unfortunately for some, keeping up appearances in front of fellow
Muslimsin order to live by a different set of standardsseems to be the
solution. Always looking over theirshoulder, always worrying about
getting caught in an act of indiscretion. This façade seems to provide
a superficial sense of 'freedom' and yet, as a Muslim, the only
consequences they should fear are those which come from God. Perhaps a
sense of duty isintensified during Ramadan, for there is no other
explanation for why this façade comes to a halt only during this time
of the year.
Attaining Humility All Year Round
Those who focus on attaining that level of humility all year round
should be applauded for their strength of character and
responsibility. For choosing to live without being ashamed of their
identity as an Australian-Muslim. For being more concerned about how
God perceives them rather than bow to external pressures from society.
And most of all, for setting an example to all those channel surfers
who display an outstanding force of will power and yet do not go the
extra mile unless asked to do so.
It is this which highlights the true beauty of Ramadan - its ability
to unite a community and people, and to encourage an attitude of peace
and generosity. If excelling as a faithful believer and good
humanitarian for 30 daysreaps such rewards, then it would only be a
disservice to ourselves to keep such behaviour dormant for another 335
days of the year. So as I pass by the bakery and look at that
doughnut, I learn that simplicity is thekey to a good life - I can
have my cake and eat it too.
Shaden Mohamed is in her 20's. Of Egyptian background, she was born
and bred in Sydney where she attained a degree in Media &
Communications. As an accomplished writer, Shaden has a passion for
educating and informing others in her community on the beauty of her
culture. "My dream is to inspire people with my writing because
Ibelieve that literature is the mostbeautiful form of expression."
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