The Human Cohesion Project — 16 Apr 2022
It is full moon today, signifying that we are half-way through Ramadan. We are in the second Ashra of Ramadan, focused on developing the virtue and the experience of forgiveness, after having sought mercy (in the first Ashra), and preparing to seek refuge (in the third Ashra). The sequence of the inner process through the three parts of Ramadan is significant, and offers learning for all of us.
Till we are willing to reflect on our past and connect with the need for compassion and mercy, we cannot forgive ourselves or others. And till forgiveness happens, we are not in a position to truly seek refuge in life — to choose to belong. Even as it is Islamic, the human process here is universal.
Practitioners of Islam often refer to the second Ashra as an ideal time for charity. One of the pillars of Islam is ‘Zakat’ — the practice of giving part of one’s income to charity. I have been learning from Muslims friends and students about how Zakat is calculated (there are even online Zakat calculators and apps — talk about religion keeping up with the times!). It is fascinating to understand the guidelines around it, because it integrates social justice and equity beautifully into religion. If a community were to truly practise Islam in the way it was originally intended, it would be cohesive, just system.
Ramadan Kareem. May we rediscover what religion is really about.
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