Ramadan has crept upon us one more time, a time of family, a time of reflection and a time of becoming a better Muslim. The community come together in the local mosques every night and stand in prayer to their Lord. Everyone is united, everyone has smiles upon their faces because they welcome Ramadan for happier times, for more love and care towards fellow brethren and it is the month of giving.
Somewhere in the crowd, there is a person who is lost in thought, as their memories have turned into gloom; their month of Ramadan is just like every other month. Remembering the way it once use to be, tonight she cooks Iftar for one.
There are many neglected and vulnerable sisters in our community who will be spending Ramadan alone. They are shunned as their lack of confidence has become their strength, by shutting out friends and families; a wall has been built where communication does not play a part.What could be done about this?
- Hosting an Iftar for sisters who have never met maybe one of the many great ways of breaking down any walls,
- Make the invitation really special which will show the effort and care about sisterhood,
- Network with sisters who may know sisters in need, and ask them to bring them along,
- During the Iftar, mention heavily on sisterhood for the sake of Allah, this will emphasise the sense of belonging,
- Take down the contact of the sisters who may feel too shy to approach, just to let them know you are a call/click away,
- Carry on these relationships even after Ramadan,
- Try and help out with any situations they may be facing by offering them good advice or if need be direct them to any Muslim-Domestic Violence Services or any Muslim Counselling,
Some situations are beyond our capability but we should all do our bit to the best of our abilities.
Remembering our dear sisters in our du'as is one of the small things we can do. Sisterhood is the central dominion for the security of Muslim women, especially as we live in a society where the nuclear family is much smaller which could get lonely. Keeping the ties of sisterhood is a great way of increasing Imaan, and educating each other on the teachings of our religion. It will keep the community strong and united for the generations to come.
Allah Says in the Qur'an:
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
Surah Hujirat - 49:10
So let this Ramadan be the last lonely Ramadan for a sister who is in need. Be the sister that they never had and make that difference in their life inshaAllah. We should establish sisterhood where ever we may go without passing on judgement but passing on care and comfort.
Hafeeza Kelli Yasmin is a Public Relations officer at Nour Domestic Violence
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Sun 07 Aug 2011 01:26:02 GMT-1
I felt that this was written about me. Thank God, I'm not suffering any form of abuse or neglect but I'm a convert (4 years now) but with no links to any sisters. Only one but she doesn't love in this country. My family are not supportive of the fact that I converted. We speak now but there is tension, especially when there is a focus on Islam, like now in Ramadan. Thankfully this year I'm not working and have been trying to get more knowledge. I feel like I just converted because I have no one to ask questions etc except for websites and other reading. I feel like I have neglected this wonderful faith and in a way I sometimes revert to old ways which I really despise. I have been to my local mosque but I have only ever seen 1 sister and she was not able to speak English. Insha Allah things will change as I'm going to go to another mosque where there may be more sisters.
Sun 07 Aug 2011 18:11:09 GMT-1
SOLACE has a range of services to meet the needs of revert sisters in difficulty. Our main service, the Support Scheme is one where a volunteer who has been trained in a number of counselling skills meets with a revert sister either face to face or via Skype. During these confidential sessions, the volunteer help the revert sister to explore herself, explore her surroundings and explore her options; thus enabling her to reach to a natural solution to the difficulties she may be going through.
http://www.solaceuk.org/
Mon 08 Aug 2011 15:03:37 GMT-1
Thank you so much for that information. I am going to look at the website and definitely get in touch with them. It sounds like just the sort of service I am looking for.
Thank you
Tue 09 Aug 2011 02:05:25 GMT-1
Alhamduilah i reverted too *Zara*, in 2002, at 1st it was easy 2 gain knowledge and to avoid intoxications for my body and it makes u feel so happy and refreshed. Now it just comes naturally. InshaAllah u get everything u prey and ask Allah wa tala for. Ramadan mobaric sisters, excuse my spelling