Ramadan 2016: 40 Days to Spiritual Relief, Renewal, and Rewards
BySound Vision Team

“O you who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God” (Qur’an 2:183).
What is the life of a believer but trying to remain conscious of God – always?
The struggle is real, as people often say in jest nowadays. But it is indeed real and raw. Distractions abound, whether it is the phone we may ignore our own children for, the endless flow of updates pouring through it, or the latest episode of our favorite show.
Since last Ramadan, the added struggle for Muslims has been the uptick in Islamophobia. Islamophobic words by certain presidential hopefuls in the United States have been followed up with more acts of hate, violence, and vandalism against Muslims than ever before. Whether it is bullying in schools, threats against Masjids, or getting verbally or physically attacked by random strangers, the struggle is most definitely real. Today, only 17% of our American neighbors like us.
This is why Ramadan is such a blessing. No matter what kind of year we have had since the last one, personally or collectively, it is a time for reflection - a time for thanking Allah and turning to Him to heal our hearts. While this year is definitely one in which the latter may seem more applicable, we must also be ready to thank Him for so much good, whether it is relief from personal challenges, or for our fellow Americans who have stood up for Islam and Muslims despite the ongoing hate.
However, this Ramadan, reflection will not be enough. Action is needed. Not just the action of extra prayers, charity, and individual good deeds. But the action of truly reaching out as never before. Reaching out to neighbors, as one of our new articles this week proposes; reaching out to our own family members by enhancing Ramadan for them; reaching out to co-workers and classmates. In other words, expanding Ramadan beyond our hurting hearts so we can heal.
We are in need of love, care, and mercy. As we seek that from our Beloved Lord this month, let us also extend that to others this Ramadan.
This is why, this Ramadan in particular, is a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors . Let's make this Ramadan a priority to share our culture and ourselves with neighbors.
May Allah make Ramadan 1437/2016 the best ever. May it be a source of healing, blessing, joy, and relief for all of us, no matter what pain, sadness, or difficulty we are facing. May Allah bring us ease this Ramadan, as He promises, “And, behold, with every hardship comes ease. Verily, with every hardship comes ease!” (Qur’an 94: 5 and 6).
Peace