Tolerance Levels, Ramadan and COVID-19
The first half of Ramadan is almost over, and so are tolerance levels. As we are nearing the end of this holy month, people’s nerves are on edge. What with the lock down having lasted for around two months, and going without food or drink from dawn to dusk, there is a lot of frustration.
But does this frustration justify killing an innocent child for ‘playing too loudly’?
Does it explain murdering a young woman for serving cold food for Sehri (the meal taken before dawn)?
Ramadan is considered to be the holiest of months in a Muslim’s calendar. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. (And no, they cannot even drink water!).
But the month isn’t only about food and drink. As a fasting Muslim, you can’t indulge in worldly pleasures, from lust to smoking a cigarette. Doing so will render the fast void and the Muslim will have to make up for that broken fast. Besides avoiding such physical needs, a fasting Muslim cannot use abusive language or be rude towards others. It is expected from him/her to be at his/her best behavior at all times.
That is, s/he has to maintain a great deal of tolerance throughout the day.
There is a need to revisit our values. If not as Muslims, perhaps we can revisit them as human beings.
It is terrible enough to be indoors at all times during Ramadan. The COVID-19 has kept us inside our houses. Instead of lashing out at those around them, Muslims can make good use of the time at hand. Options include studying the Quran closely, making up for any possible missed prayers, and even trying out new recipes for Sehri and Iftar.
But most importantly, we need to realign our values and principles. And work on our tolerance.
Afsah Khalid Hashmi is researcher. Currently, doing Masters in Economics from Institute of Business Administration, (IBA) Karachi. She is freelance writer and blogger for social, and economic affairs.
