Fostering an Environment
Have you ever wondered why it’s easy for Muslims to fast in Ramadan, yet extremely difficult to fast during any other month of the year? Or have you ever wondered why it’s easy to pray Taraweeh in Ramadan, yet almost impossible to get up after Isha any other time of the year? Well the main reason why this happens, is the fact that deeds actually do become easier in Ramadan. Why? Well, one of the reasons is simple, it’s because everyone else around us is doing it. The mere sight of seeing people around us excel in good deeds, motivates us and indirectly encourages us to do better. The mere thought that there are 1.8 Billion others fasting alongside me today, makes fasting easier. The sight of that young boy, that elderly man amidst hundreds of others in the Masjid going strong in Taraweeh, is giving you a major dose of motivation to continue. The sight of everyone around you pacing through the Quran, is giving your brain indications to keep going. It’s the بركة of the جماعة. The blessing of the congregation. And it’s a concept that has long been understood when it comes to why Ramadan is so empowering. It’s a month that brings Muslims together from around the world, all competing together to attain the Love and Mercy and the forgiveness of Allah. Yet as beautiful as this unique concept is, in 2020 or 1441 AH, this concept is no more. Well, simply put, we are all locked in our homes, away from the Masajids and away from the blessed gatherings of our fellow Muslims. Yet as sad as this feels, we can’t let it bring us down. Yes, we were hit hard by losing this profound blessing, but we have to minimise our losses. And the best way we can do this, is by replicating this جماعة in our home and recreating an environment of motivation. Gather your family and do your good deeds together. Pray together, read the Quran together, perform your Athkaar and learn about your faith together. Compete amongst one another to perform the most deeds as Allah states in the Quran:فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ “So all race to [all that is] good” Quran 5:48
سَابِقُوا إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ “Race towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise” Quran 57:21Race amongst one another and compete to really drive that motivational spirit amongst your family. Yes, it’s going to be hard without the masses of Muslims surrounding you at the Masjid, but we can’t give up. We must improvise and make the most out of the situation. Maybe its a reminder about all the Ramadan’s that we took for granted. So be sure to keep up a positive attitude and be sure to plant the seeds of motivation to all those around you. And know with certainty that Allah swt wants to see how we respond and push ourselves in worship in these circumstances. We ask Allah swt to accept from us all.