Keeping Ramadhan’s Community Spirit Alive
Ramadhan is a time of gathering. There are gatherings at home, in the mosque, in the grocery store, and online. We’re all coming together to eat, pray, play, and hope. It’s a time when communities unite, plates are shared and arms are embraced. We’re more unified than ever, and oh, it’s a beautiful feeling.
This Ramadhan, more than most we’ve leaned on each other to pray for the horrors taking place in Palestine. We stand together, side by side, and call out to Him. Even though it doesn’t dampen the sorrow, the feeling of being united helps us carry it together and raise awareness.
Even in homes where loneliness lingers, Ramadhan is a time when we make an extra effort to check in, share, and connect. You did that for our families again this year. You can read the impact you had here.
The collective spirit throughout the month provides a sense of belonging for people from all walks of life.
We don’t have to say goodbye
But as the crescent moon stands high in the sky, announcing the end of Ramadhan, we reminisce on how the month has left us. But the departure of Ramadhan does not mean an end to the values it instills. Rather, it serves as a transition into a time where the community spirit cultivated during Ramadhan can continue to flourish.
As Ramadhan ends, the celebration of Eid continues our communal journey. We gather for prayers, feasts, and festivities and rejoice in the completion of Ramadhan. But the essence of Eid goes beyond the joyous occasion, it serves as a reminder of gratitude and gathering.
The transition from Ramadhan to Shawwal is where it gets tricky. But if we continue to do it right, it can be a means of a new normal for us. Although we may not reach the pinnacle high of Ramadhan, we can aim to not fall back into the habits we shared before Ramadhan.
We can strive to reduce isolation, stay connected, and come together as a Ummah, as we do in the month.
Life does get in the way, and we’re busy humans. But what Ramadhan teaches us is that if there’s a will, there’s a way. We make an extra effort in the month, so we know we’re capable. Reflect on what you were doing in Ramadhan to be more involved with people, to connect, and to be present.
We’re going to share with you: 5 habits you can continue from Ramadhan that allow you to be more involved with others, and gain more rewards.
1. Communal prayers
An example of this could be communal prayers. Being more regular at the mosque provides a sense of belonging and spiritual connection that is amplified during Ramadan. The mosques are there for you all year around to embrace and welcome you.
The Prophet (saw) said: , “The prayer offered in congregation is twenty-five times more superior (in reward) to the prayer offered alone in one’s house. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
2. Study groups
Study groups are also great ways to get an eman boost and help you stay connected. Being more regular at study groups, or lectures will give you an eman boost and help you stay connected to other people. Find out what’s going on in your local mosque or community.
The Prophet (saw) said: “When a group of people assemble for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them (with their wings), (Allah’s) mercy envelops them, Sakinah, or tranquility descends upon them, and Allah makes a mention of them before those who are near Him.” (Sahih Muslim
3. Fast the 6 + Host a HHUGS Iftar
To get a sense of Ramadhan, why not host an Iftar for HHUGS? Many people continue to fast in Shawwal for the Six of Shawwal.
The Prophet (saw)) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim)
By inviting neighbours, co-workers, loved ones, and others to share a meal, we build stronger connections and learn from each other’s cultures.
By hosting a HHUGS Iftar, you can extend a hand of compassion to families facing dark times, with minimal effort and expense. Continue the good deeds even after Ramadhan by the simple act of inviting your guests for an Iftar meal and each donating towards the only charity of its kind.
Make it fun by adding a theme, or a new culinary twist. You can also alleviate the load by making it a potluck iftar, and share fantastic flavours.
4. Continue Monthly Giving
Alongside communal prayers and iftar, looking out for others beyond Ramadhan is a great habit to pick up on. You can continue to do that by sustaining our families in Shawwal. Continue your good deeds with monthly giving!
The Prophet (saw) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), knowledge which is beneficial, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)
5. Gifting your time
In Ramadhan, you may be more open to helping out more in your local mosque or even with your friends and family. Your time is a gift you can share with others to benefit them which will bring reward for you both in this life and the hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Volunteering also helps strengthen your connection with others, and your local community. You connect with people as you get involved with helping out.
If you would like to continue to volunteer your time post-Ramadhan, and continue that feel-good feeling why not volunteer for HHUGS, and help a unique charity? Sign up here.
This Shawwal, may Allah keep our hearts connected and increase our love for each other for His Sake.