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Available for over a year

As we all make adjustments at this time, most major religions have quite rightly tried to change how their communities take part in worship. The fear of contagion and our heightened vulnerabilities has forced many of us rethink what exactly is important to us in our lives and in our faith. For Muslims, today marks the beginning of the month of fasting, Ramadan. A month which for many is both joyous and difficult even in normal times, will this year present unique challenges. The main principles of the month, abstention from food and drink from dawn to dusk, increased worship, and prayer and the intention to do better and live better - these things will continue to guide. But the current lockdown will create a different rhythm to the day - there won’t be any communal iftars or evening meals with wider families, neighbours and friends. There won’t be any daily gatherings for the longer night-time prayers as mosques remain shut. Indeed, when so much of normal life has been suspended, many who would normally fast, may not feel they are able to cope this year because of the extra anxiety. Our current upheaval and the unravelling of so many norms and expectations, is causing many to rethink the world order. Whereas some call for more global connectivity and cooperation, others see greater value in self efficiency. These questions around the world economy, trade and culture, also give us an opportunity to rethink the purpose of religious ritual itself. Because it’s been said for some time, that in many Muslim majority countries especially, Ramadan too is slowly transforming from a religious ritual to a holiday marked by relative consumption; that consumerism means this most sacred month is increasingly being promoted as a product. Maybe relative isolation and less activity will help guide the faithful back to what’s really important - prayer for forgiveness, self- reflection, gratitude and betterment of character. The chance to stretch our imagination, to appreciate the worth of all human life, to carry out greater acts of kindness and charity, to see and feed the hungry even more, to be there for those who are struggling, frightened and vulnerable. These are the real blessings of the month. As the poet Rumi wrote, `If you wish mercy, show mercy to the weak.’ Religious ritual shouldn’t be functional, an external marker of difference and hierarchy. All ritual should engage people’s internal life and challenge them to think more deeply about what their faith requires from them. This year faith demands much greater hope and compassion. And for me the ethical principles of Ramadan shouldn’t just be confined to 30 days but be the basis for the whole of life.