activism

Fasting to Flourishing with Activism

Fasting to flourishing with activism

Mohammed-Khaku Mohammed Khaku (Allentown, USA) is the past president of Al Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown. He is a Social and criminal justice writer and regularly writes for a number of international publications

M

y greeting for Eid Mubarak! Eid, like every other special occasion, should be celebrated, and cherished. In this article, I will discuss how to prepare to flourish after fasting with political activism.

As Ramadan comes to an end against the backdrop of the genocide in the holy land of Al Quds there is a lot of work in our communities that needs to be done to restore social justice, and environmental justice, empower our youth, eliminate corruption, nepotism, and have transparency at our national organization. Yes, the month of Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to do that because it brings the community together and allows us to have these bigger conversations.

The devastating genocide especially the children of Gaza have become a symbol of humanity uniting for a better world as well as exposing the hypocrisy of the US and Europeans. Muslim ummah worldwide are amazed by the unshakable faith and resilience of the Palestinian people. The children of Gaza have set an example of how as a community of believers, to achieve collective liberation and unity of the Muslim Ummah.

It has been a big challenge for community leaders to grapple with how to observe Ramadan’s Iftars, sports nights, and celebrations of Eid in these unfamiliar times. During the 23 years that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad united the Muslim communities, raised the status of women, restored social justice, and purified the land of false idol worship.

Political activism is encouraged in Islam with numerous verses, narrations, and literature. Muslims have a duty to always stand on the side of the oppressed and speak truth to the power. Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Imam Khomeini all encourage activism to bring about change or revolution. Christianity and Islam in its essence, both transcend in the belief of liberation of humanity from slavery, poverty, ignorance, and oppression.

Zionist Israel’s war on Gaza enters its sixth month, Muslims are struggling to make sense of the level of death, destruction and displacement that has befallen Gaza, Ramadan has inspired many Islamic scholars and the Muslim community to channel its spiritual power for change. Sure, Ramadan is a time of spirituality, self-discipline, and compassion but also a month of action and focus on social justice and activism.

If Scholars Don’t Speak Truth to Power, Who Will?

Standing up for Gaza -Syed Mohammed Baqer Al Qawini

https://youtu.be/i2RBmRBTl1c?si=4ZH6fiXI4waeSQo_

Good Job Syed!

The responsibility upon our scholars to speak Truth to power has never been greater. Muslim scholars are supposed to be the inheritors of Prophets. They provide the moral compass for the Muslim community at large. It is absolutely within their responsibility to be aware of current events and speak against oppression. Otherwise, we cannot claim to be the best of nations.

We are near the end of Ramadan, not knowing we will be alive next year and soon we will celebrate the Eid and the “night of Eid” is the reward from graduating from the University of Ramadan, however we often spent our time shopping, cooking, and sleeping instead of praying for acceptance our of deeds and forgiveness. Eid is a divine reward. It is a blessing and a gift given to believers who have spent a month working for this moment. But this year, considering the war and starvation taking place in Gaza, the organizers of the Islamic Centers should scale down the festivities.

Flourishing in the context of fasting and spirituality encompasses a profound state of well-being that extends beyond mere physical health. Fasting contributes to spiritual flourishing in different Abrahamic faiths. In summary, fasting serves as a pathway to spiritual growth, self-awareness, and connecting (getting closer) with the divine power – Almighty Allah. Sure, while fasting may involve physical sacrifice, it aims to nourish the soul and deepen one’s connection to the supreme power. Fasting to Flourishing in the context of political activism encompasses more than mere survival; it embodies the pursuit of a thriving and empowered existence.

Political activism means to move individuals from poverty to flourishing or emancipation of marginalized communities which could include minimum wages, mental health, housing issues, evictions, homeless, and environmental stewardship – protect our planet for future generations. In summary, fasting to flourishing in political activism involves not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering social justice with meaningful engagement with elected officials and the month of Ramadan is the best source of activism.

When something is flourishing, it thrives, prospers, and achieves its full potential. Just like a garden with vibrant, blooming flowers. So, whether it’s an olive farm or date farms in the occupied holy land of Al Quds. Flourishing represents a state of prosperity which can only be achieved by activism. Just look at the Zionist community, for over 75 years, they have controlled the halls of power because of political activism.

Ramadan has been a month of Jihad (Akbar) and activism during the Prophet’s time. Yet in today’s environment it has become one full of rituals, and an inactiveness paradox.

“O Allah! Should this group [of Muslims] be defeated today, You will no longer be worshipped.”

According to the narration, this was the prayer recited by the Prophet Muhammad on the 17th night of Ramadan and this supplication was being made in the valley of Badr, on the eve of the battle of Badr, the most important battle ever to be fought by the Muslims. Completely outnumbered from thousand to 313, and by a much-better-equipped arm. Prophet Muhammad and the Muslims did all they could physically do and made supplication – the weapon of Muslims. Out of His infinite mercy, Allah granted them victory against the odds. The Battle of Badr played a significant role in separating truth from falsehood and was a turning point for the Muslim Ummah.

Today, Gaza is in rubble and the embarrassing silence of Arab countries on the Gaza conflict is cause for concern and Arab states are not concerned about the Palestinians and their fate. Many Muslims say this is a blessed month. We should be in the mosque reflecting, contemplating, and making supplications for victory for Gaza, It is sad that Saudi rulers neither allow any rallies, demonstration nor any supplication for the oppressed Palestinians This has become: an excuse for inaction and egoism rather than stand up to oppression by Boycotting, Sanction, Diversification (BDS)

What happened to the Golden Age of Al-Andalus, where Muslims ruled for more than seven hundred years. Today, the Muslim world is in complete turmoil. Numerous Muslim lands are occupied, and genocide continues unabated. Attending demonstrations like Al Quds Day is the responsibility of all Muslims in the West. Please attend the Al Quds and Re-built Al Baqi rally.

More from this writer:

 

https://communityonfriday.net/confronting-the-yazids-of-our-time-faith-and-affirmation
https://communityonfriday.net/what-is-hope-2
https://communityonfriday.net/a-childs-conversation-with-heaven-appreciating-mothers

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