A time of ‘inner mindfulness’ that’s good for all of us
I started Ramadan this year with the sense of anticipation and excitement, but then it all fell apart.
Islamophobia raised its ugly head again, paradoxically right around the time, March 15, that is designated as the international day to fight Islamophobia.
Ramadan is time to fast and pray, recharge my soul and sharpen my inner Taqwa. The verse in the Quran that mandates fasting in the month of Ramadan tells us the rationale is to attain Taqwa.” “O those who believe, We have made fasting mandatory for you, as it was for those (nations, people) before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”
The word Taqwa is often translated as becoming God-conscious or God fearing but I understand it as developing an inner mindfulness that differentiates right from wrong. Nature has given us the capacity to discern good from evil. Taqwa is to nurture and grow this natural propensity for good, and fasting is a tool that helps attain this goal.
The hospital system where I work, Advocate Health, at its site in Oak Lawn and elsewhere, had a large display of a moon in the lobby with Ramadan greetings on an accompanying banner. This is the first time the system recognized the Muslim community that works there and uses their services. It was a small gesture, but a welcome sign of inclusivity and an indication that Muslims are finally visible.
By and large, hospitals in the U.S. stand out as oases of pluralism, compassion and care, where faith, gender or political affiliation is invisible. Those who want to get close to God might consider volunteering or working in hospital systems sometime rather than, or in addition to, going to their preferred house of worship.
This year, the fortuitous overlap of Lent with Ramadan brings home the point that the goal of Lent is the same as that of Ramadan. Those who observe Lent are to give up something they desire for 40 days, and there are some dietary restrictions as well. The intent is to become a better person.
I read a beautiful quote about Lent that applies to Ramadan as well. “In the quiet of Lent” said the quote “the soul listens to the whisper of God.”
I was happy Muslims were not the only group that was practicing self-discipline and abstinence in this month. They had company in Catholics and other Christians. Both were practicing abstinence. In fact, this desire to be good and do good, applies to all faiths and traditions, including those who don’t care to follow any tradition.
Then came the bewildering attack on Iran and with it a sharp increase in Islamophobia. A sitting Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama posted a picture of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and called Muslims the enemy “inside the gates.” Republican Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles stated Muslims don’t belong in our country and added “if they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, a Texas Republican, called for “No more Muslims immigrating to America.”
None in the Republican leadership reprimanded these blatantly racist remarks. When asked directly, Speaker Mike Johnson fudged and said he would have used different language. He then brought up the canard of a movement to impose Sharia Law in the US. There is “a lot of energy in the country, and a lot of popular sentiment that the demand to impose Sharia law in America is a serious problem” he said.
Who and how Sharia Law is being imposed in the U.S. completely mystifies me. Johnson did not elaborate. Dog whistles serve their purpose they are not supposed to be rational
There is a clear blue state vs. red state divide in America. The politicians spewing out racist statements are from Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and other red states. The symbols of inclusiveness, tentative as they might be, are from the blue states. It is a tale of two countries.
I am hoping for an attitude change in our country. If we set an example as a nation that practices and promotes pluralism we can speak to the world with moral authority. We would be a nation that is loved and respected and not feared looked at with contempt as a nation that cannot control hate speech, flouts international law and normative behavior and gets away with it because of its military and economic clout.
And yes, a little less Islamophobia and other forms of racism in our country would be nice. Happy Eid. Happy Easter.
• Javeed Akhter is a physician and freelance writer from Oak Brook.