Palmer Events Center
Ramadan in Quarantine
RECEIVED Wed., May 20, 2020
Dear Editor,
I distinctly remember the first day I went to an Austin mosque for iftar (breaking of the fast) dinner during Ramadan. I could literally feel the presence of angels, and my heart witnessed that there is no better place I would rather be. Since then, every Ramadan I look forward to the same pure feeling that revives my faith.
Sadly, this year because of the pandemic, I am stuck at home and will miss the Ramadan activities. I surely miss talking to my friends at the dinner table, enjoying delicious food. Their laughter echoes in my mind every night when I am breaking fast with my family. There is a sense of longing for the life we took for granted. So, to suffice, we have turned our homes into mosques. We perform congregational prayers with our family, and we celebrate this opportunity as we have food on the table, and we are all in good health. My heart aches for those who are sick and fighting for their lives, or others who are struggling to make ends meet. This month I dedicate my prayers for all humanity that may God take away this pain from us so we can go back to our lives. And I also pray that once we get through this time safely, we remember these days of trial as a lesson to live in gratitude and love for fellow humans.
I distinctly remember the first day I went to an Austin mosque for iftar (breaking of the fast) dinner during Ramadan. I could literally feel the presence of angels, and my heart witnessed that there is no better place I would rather be. Since then, every Ramadan I look forward to the same pure feeling that revives my faith.
Sadly, this year because of the pandemic, I am stuck at home and will miss the Ramadan activities. I surely miss talking to my friends at the dinner table, enjoying delicious food. Their laughter echoes in my mind every night when I am breaking fast with my family. There is a sense of longing for the life we took for granted. So, to suffice, we have turned our homes into mosques. We perform congregational prayers with our family, and we celebrate this opportunity as we have food on the table, and we are all in good health. My heart aches for those who are sick and fighting for their lives, or others who are struggling to make ends meet. This month I dedicate my prayers for all humanity that may God take away this pain from us so we can go back to our lives. And I also pray that once we get through this time safely, we remember these days of trial as a lesson to live in gratitude and love for fellow humans.
Ateya Qureshi