Dear sis, she said, "Share a bite of this homemade biscuit"
I thanked her and politely said no
She insisted!
I mean, really insisted!
I smiled thinking she might be excused from her fasting days
And reminded her that our monthly cycle was on a whole different path
"I am fasting" today, I said
Her eyes looked at me as though she was scrutinizing every word I uttered
You mean you FAST in America?
Shocked and confused
At how a fellow Muslim could ask such a thing
My mind started asking questions
Do we abandon Allah's word based on our geographically locations
And only adhere to it when we are in our native lands
I asked her, beloved don't you fast?
Her mouth speeded through reasons why she could not fast
Classes
Work
Long stressful days
Not enough sleep due to homework assignment
The usual, she said, you understand, don't you?
I shook my head and said No I don't understand
At how you could choose to be blind
And deprive your soul from repenting during this Holy Month
Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and water
But rather it is a month you reconnect with your Lord
And appreciate all the blessings and mercy He was bestowed upon you
It is a month of forgiveness
A month for self evaluation
A month to exercise self discipline
A month to respect others
A month for Fasting
And, if you can't do that
At least do not mock those souls who restrain themselves only to please their Lord.
-Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
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