Ramadan: Talking Points & Thinking Points

 

The excitement and buildup to  Ramadan  is visible online and offline this week - Khutbas, messages, articles, guides, plans being made, schedules being adjusted - all of these are in the works as we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year.

However, around the world, our brokenness as human beings is still on display, with no end in sight: ongoing genocides in Gaza and Burma; horrific violence in Sudan; the nauseating injustice, abuse, immorality, and vulgarity of the Epstein files. Human civilization looks so naked, stripped of humanity, and instead, full of Dhulm - injustice and exploitation.

Amid such brokenness, we seek the blessings of God Almighty to enrich ourselves with Taqwa (God-consciousness) to protect ourselves and to move forward with Shukr (gratefulness to God).

You who believe, you are responsible for yourselves; if anyone else goes astray it will not harm you so long as you follow the guidance; you will all return to God, and He will make you realize what you have done. Qur’an 5:105

Thinking Points

• Ramadan is a time to step away from our normal routine and reflect on our lives. To think about our purpose and  mission,  made clear in the Qur’an: to worship God in the broadest sense of the word (Qur’an 51:56). 
• We need to approach Ramadan with the intention of building our Taqwa (God-consciousness), as this is the purpose of the blessed month (Qur’an 2:183). Renew your  intention  to do this. 
• America being the richest in its history, what can we do to learn to  share more and consume less . What can we do to reduce  wastefulness  in our country which wastes 30% of all food?
• Ramadan is a reset and a time to  assess  what is working and what is not in our relationship with Allah and everyone else after that. How are we interacting with our family members? Friends? Co-workers? Neighbors? So many important  questions to ask  during Ramadan. 
• This Ramadan comes in the 1,500th year of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Which of his  success strategies  can we adopt in our lives starting this Ramadan?
• Ramadan is a prime time for  giving and generosity ! Can we ensure to divide our Sadaqat (charity) and Zakat equally into the following five causes: relief, local Masjid/Islamic center, social services, youth development, and civic engagement?
• Despite  anti-Muslim bias  found in the media, many journalists are looking for  genuine Muslim stories . How can you showcase the beauty of diversity, unity, cuisine, and culture to the wider public? How can you humanize Islam and Muslims in a world that thrives on dehumanizing and demonizing minorities?’
• This is a federal election year. How can Ramadan be used strategically to galvanize the Muslim community to  vote  and volunteer for campaigns? How can you promote civic engagement in your community in this action-packed month?

Talking Points

• Talk to others about Ramadan : Not just your family,  friends , and  neighbors  who are not Muslim, but those who are Muslim as well. Because there are Muslims who, for whatever reason, feel far from Islam. That is how we will end up practicing the first pillar of Islam, the Shahada.
• Offering the greeting of “Ramadan Mubarak!” or “Ramadan Kareem!” via text, WhatsApp, or even a snail mail card is a reminder, and one that can help them re-connect with God during this most blessed month. 

Action Points 

• Make  time  for Ramadan. Whether that means working overtime this week so you can get the last 10 days of Ramadan off, cutting out late night socializing so you can attend Taraweeh, or deleting apps that encourage brain rot instead of closeness to Allah. 
• While you are cutting time waste, expand that to  reducing waste  in other areas, specifically food, water, and energy.
• Commit to a  simpler and greener  Ramadan.
  Set  goals . Goals give you a concrete target to aim for, and allow you to measure how far you have moved ahead as Ramadan progresses. 
• Ramadan is the month of the  Qur’an . Reconnect with Allah’s Word through reading, recital, memorization, and most importantly, reflection.  
• Reach out to the Imam of your Masjid or Islamic center and suggest some Ramadan-related topics for  Khutbas  (Friday sermons). Identify two  bad habits  to give up through this spiritual bootcamp.
• Parents should give priority to getting organized for  Ramadan , and making this blessed month special for kids, as it is an ideal time for Tarbiya (upbringing and  training ). 
• Do not forget  single  Muslims. Reach out and include them this Ramadan by breaking fast with them, attending Tawarweeh together, and connecting. 
• Similarly, if you are a  single Muslim , Ramadan may be difficult, but make the effort to stay connected to family and community. 
• Thoughtful spending. We must continue to share God’s blessing with people around the world. But as one IRS 990 form disclosed, one Muslim charity gave one-fourth of all funds raised for Gaza by an influencer to him. So, give but do your due diligence. 
• Make  Dua  (supplication) - alone, with family, and together. Include the entire Ummah which is struggling for freedom, justice, and Islam. 

Ramadan: Talking Points & Thinking Points | SoundVision.com