Week Ending Sunday March 24th – to be completed
On Sunday 17th March I took part in a special Inter-Faith Event in Croydon Islamic Centre.
We were invited to join the local Muslim Community in breaking the fast. This meal is called Iftar and comes each evening in the month of Ramadan, when families and communities gather together to celebrate after a day of Fasting during daylight hours.
Palestine Solidarity - The Marches are for Love and Oneness. They are calling for Peace and a just solution for everyone.
I was invited to this Ramadan Iftar Event by Rizwan who I met at a Palestine Solidarity March a few weeks earlier. Make no mistake, these marches are all about love, concern, compassion and oneness. They are full of people from all different communities, religions and walks of life, all ages, all professions, all coming together in solidarity with Palestine to call for Peace, for a Cease Fire an end to the genocide in Gaza. The energy and atmosphere is very positive. Some criticise the chant 'From the River to the Sea Palestine shall be Free' saying it implies that Israel should be 'wiped off the map.' It does not. It calls for Palestinians and Israelis - for everyone who lives in this part of the world, to be free. No more division. No more apartheid, justice and freedom for all who live there, whatever way it is administered - be it a two state or one state solution.
Reducing Stress
My work is all about reducing stress and one of the most stressful things is to feel helpless in the face of suffering and injustice. When it comes to Israel and Gaza, our government is walking in the footsteps of the USA. Both of our counties are supporting Israel - and so complicit in the genocide. I feel that if I look the other way, if I do not keep up to date with what is happening and 'speak out' by joining others who are distressed by what is happening in these marches, then I myself am just as complicit. The following is how I chose to respond, in a recent March. I think this is where I met Rizwan.
Mona Hamoda
My poster is inspired by the Artist Mona Hamoda. I was preparing this poster for the Palestine Solidarity Peace March on the day before Mother's Day. I chose for my poster her haunting image of a son holding his dying mother. I feel a deep sense of concern for the artist Mona who inspired me, and pray that she survives each night.
To Ignore Suffering is not an option. We are all Part of Each other.
Many Palestinians speak about the importance of humanising Palestinians, because they tend to be stereotyped or even denied their Palestinian identity. Mona is one of many individuals in Gaza and beyond, who has really touched my heart in a personal way. 32 thousand - 32,000 people have been killed - so far - and thousands more are dead and buried under the rubble. God alone knows how many are injured. Each one is a unique child of God, infinitely precious, with gifts which our world needs. Now they are also dying of starvation - man made famine - deliberate genocide. I simply can not stay silent. I must do what I can to raise awareness, to call those in power to account, to strengthen the powers of love and oneness kindness and compassion in this world. Taking part in Marches like this, is just one small action I can take to raise awareness and I believe that if enough people protest for long enough, we really can influence the politicians to stop this terrible war. Of course I still care about the Ukrainians suffering under attack from the Russian army. Of course I still care about the Somalians who are starving, the Afghans who are starving - and all the other people suffering from war or famine around the world - but in the case of Gaza, the blood is on my hands. My government knows that Israel is committing war crimes. They must be called to account.
Protest and Politics
People tell me that in business and on the website, we should be politically neutral but I believe that to ignore suffering is not a neutral act. It makes us less human, It takes us away from the oneness and love which lie at the heart of every religion and bring us closer to whatever it is that we call Goodness, Truth, Righteousness, 'God ' or 'The Divine.'
Business People also say that we must have fundamental values and principles which our company reflects. In Ultimate Stress Solutions our principles are Love for All - to develop a real sense of oneness, The infinite value of every single person. This - and the reality / Importance of the spiritual aspect of life - is what led me to train as a Religious Education Teacher.
Growing up in the Quaker Church, with parents who met in Germany, working with refugees and displaced people, gave me a strong 'social conscience' and sense of empathy. I have been serious about peace and justice, about the oneness of our planet and all who 'sail on her' all my life, so this is bound to be the root value to be found in my Company.
Caring about people suffering stress and depression after the Covid Lockdowns motivated me to create my Mindfulness-Joy Silk-Painting Workshops. Caring about the Ukrainians when the Russians invaded - and appreciating how the numbers of refugees are at an all time high - inspired me to make my workshops free and to set up my company - Ultimate Stress solutions - as a Community Interest Company. Caring about the suffering of Israelis on 7th October - and the people of Gaza as Israel responded with an obscene level of violence (and absolutely no recognition or understanding of the reason for that attack) has given me a heightened feeling of oneness with Muslims and especially for Palestinians.
What is happening in Gaza is unthinkable. I have to join the Marches. If someone views that as 'political' and doesn't want to works with me as a result, that is their problem not mine. We can't 'sit on. the fence' in the face of a genocide. We have to be true to our principles.
So what is Ramadan all about?
In Islam there are 'five pillars' or central practises which Muslims are asked to adopt. One of these is about discipline and oneness. It falls in the month of Ramadan, which celebrates the month when the Angel first visited Mohammed, as he was meditating and praying in a cave outside Mecca. This was the very first revelation. Muslims are asked to fast during daylight hours - and focus on their spiritual life during this month. The outer fasting is the easiest part. The inner focus - reflecting on their life and how it meets up to their ideal. I love the way that when you study the teachings of any religion you find the same command to love one another, to show compassion and kindness. In Islam, almost every verse or sura of the Quran begins with the Bismillah, 'In the name of the Merciful, the Compassionate.' The Golden Rule in Christianity is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Christians are called to Love one another as God loves us. Indeed God IS Love - and we are called to become perfect in love, just as God is perfect in Love. In a similar way Buddhism teaches 'right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, loving kindness and compassion' while the concept of Ahimsa or harmlessness is central to Hindu teachings. the most serious part (according to many of my Muslim friends.)
Looking on Internet, to find as clearly as possible what Judaism has to say about Love and Compassion I found this -
Commandments of Kindness - Judaism
Jewish law includes within it a blueprint for a just and ethical society, where no one takes from another or harms another or takes advantage of another, but everyone gives to one another and helps one another and protects one another. Again, these are not merely high ideals; the means for fulfilling these ideals are spelled out in the 613 commandments.
Everyone knows that the Ten Commandments command us not to murder. The full scope of Jewish law goes much farther in requiring us to protect our fellow man. We are commanded not to leave a condition that may cause harm, to construct our homes in ways that will prevent people from being harmed, and to help a person whose life is in danger, so long as it does not put our own lives in danger. These commandments regarding the preservation of life are so important in Judaism that they override all of the ritual observances that people think are the most important part of Judaism. Almost any commandment may be violated to save a life.
We are commanded to help those in need, both in physical need and financial need. The Torah commands us to help a neighbor with his burden, and help load or unload his beast. See Treatment of Animals. We are required to give money to the poor and needy, and not to turn them away empty handed. See Tzedakah: Charity.
Jewish law forbids us from cheating another or taking advantage of another. Jewish law regarding business ethics and practices is extensive. It regulates conduct between a businessman and his customer (for example, not to use false weights and measures, not to do wrong in buying and selling, not to charge interest) and between a business man and his employee (to pay wages promptly, to allow a worker in the field to eat the produce he is harvesting, and not to take produce other than what you can eat from the employer while harvesting).
Entire books have been written on the subject of Jewish laws against wronging another person in speech. We are commanded not to tell lies about a person, nor even uncomplimentary things that are true. We are commanded to speak the truth, to fulfill our promises, and not to deceive others. See Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra.
Contrary to what many people think, most of these laws regarding treatment of others apply not only to our treatment of our fellow Jews, but also to our treatment of gentiles, and in many cases even to our treatment of animals. In fact, some of the laws instituted by the sages even extend kind treatment to inanimate objects. The bread on the Shabbat table is covered during the blessing over the wine, so that it's "feelings" are not hurt by having the wine take precedence over it. Of course, we do not believe that bread actually has feelings, but this practice helps to instill an enormous sensitivity to others. If we can show concern for a loaf of bread, how can we fail to show concern for our fellow man?
I want to cover my head and cry. I have met so many Jews on the Palestine Solidarity Marches who have assured me that Judaism has strong teachings on Love and Compassion, that what Jesus said on the matter was rooted in Jewish scripture - and that these laws are about treating everyone with compassion, not just other Jews. Of course any scripture contains diverse passages which when quoted out of context can justify almost anything. Extremists from all religions are prone to do this. But how can those in Israel, intent on wiping out the Palestinians, ignore all this body of teaching?
Enough. Let me get back to the Blog about Sunday 17th and the lovely InterFaith Iftar meal I attended.
If you would like to know more about Iftar and Ramadan, looking on Internet I found a good outline (from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.) I will quote this in full at the bottom of this blog.
The Croydon Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Event
The following photo is the banner above the Speakers Table at the Croydon Iftar Interfaith Event.
The Speakers were all excellent and inspiring - Zahra Kanani, Kazim Ukka, PC Callum Karn and Julie Siddiqui.
A recurring theme was the increase in both antisemitism and islamophobia - and how the war in Gaza is about human rights, justice and freedom, opposing occupation, colonialisation, apartheid and genocide. It has nothing to do with hating Jews - and I am always moved by the large number of Jews who take part in the Marches.
After the presentations we had prayers and then the Iftar Meal. I was delighted to find I was sitting with Julie Siddiqui. We found that we share much in common and have kept in contact.
A bit about Hijab
The Hijab - or scarf - which many Muslims wear is not compulsory, but is a symbol of faith, modesty, privacy, purity and humility, it is a symbol which means a lot to many Muslim women, so they are proud to wear it. The style, colour and how much of the body you cover, tends to be a personal decision, influenced mainly by region and culture, and is not specified.
As a Religious Education Teacher I was very interested to know about outer symbols of religion and faith. One interpretation I learned is that in the time of Mohammed, there were wealthy people who tended to dress in an elaborate way, showing off. Others who were poor, could only wear simple clothes. The Hijab was a way to stress our equality in the eyes of Allah (or God.) Another important aspect was safety. At that time in Arabia, women could be at risk from unwanted male attention. The Hijab was a visual sign to keep such men away. It was a form of protection. There is a lot about this on Wikki if you would like to know more.
This is a photo of Julie Siddiqui
A bit from wiki on Hijab -(Many Muslim women) wear the hijab find that it allows them to retain their modesty, morals and freedom of choice. They choose to cover because they believe it is liberating and allows them to avoid harassment.
Many people (both Muslim and non-Muslim) are against the wearing of the hijab and argue that the hijab causes issues with gender relations, works to silence and repress women both physically and metaphorically, and have many other problems with the practise. This difference in opinions has generated a plethora of discussion on the subject, both emotional and academic, which continues today.
How does what we wear affect us?
What we wear affects how we feel emotionally. I know this personally because I choose to wear saris. When I wear a sari I feel beautiful, dignified, empowered, strong and confident. My mother once questioned whether it is restrictive. My husband pointed out that it didn't restrict Indra Gandhi or hold her back from being prime minister of India (at that time.) I agree. I am a very active person. I can run and play football climb trees or hills - in a sari. I only wear trousers if I need to for a dirty job or running an actual race. A lot or of people say it looks nice too - and I agree. When anyone tells me I look nice, I give the credit to my sari. I've been wearing them so long that I don't feel 'like me' in Western clothes. I find many Muslim women who wear a Hijab feel similarly about this.
In my view, what we wear just like what we believe needs to be a matter of personal choice and not dictated by government.
The hall was divided by a screen. This is the side where the men sat. We ladies were on the other side.
Julie mentioned that she was giving a Thought For the Day - I thought it was the following week, but eventually found a recording of it online. It was due to expire so I recorded it on my phone and put it on my YouTube so I can share it.
I also found an interesting conversation on 'Good Morning Britain (television) when she (as a Muslim) and Dr Lindsay Simmonds (who is a Jewish spokeswoman) talked about the war in Gaza in a way which I think many people will find insightful.
So what is Ramadan all about?
About Ramadan 2024
Working alongside Student Support Services and GradSupport, the Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life supports students who need accommodations to participate fully in both their religious tradition and academic and community life of MIT.
(MIT is Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
MIT is a wonderfully diverse place, and students may observe a wide variety of religious holidays and practices. A partial list is available from the Registrar’s Office at https://registrar.mit.edu/calendar/religious-holidays.
Here we want to highlight one group of students who will especially benefit from the community’s awareness in Spring 2024: Muslim students who observe Ramadan. In this article, Muslim Chaplain Nada El-Alami shares some tips for supporting students during this holy month.
Ramadan
Every year, Muslims fast each day of Ramadan from dawn until dusk, for the duration of the month. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon-sightings or lack thereof. Some Muslims strictly follow calculations, while others strictly follow moon-sightings, and some follow a combination of both. What Muslims choose to follow can depend on their religious convictions, where they have lived in the world, and what their families practice. The day after the end of Ramadan (Wednesday, April 10, 2024) is a religious holiday called Eid-al-Fitr.
For each day of Ramadan, fasting consists of abstaining from eating or drinking, including water, while the sun is out. Once the sun has set, Muslims eat dinner, a meal called “iftar” in Arabic. Iftar is generally a community-focused meal, where family members and friends come together for the blessed occasion. Afterwards, eating and drinking during the night is allowed until dawn of the next day.
During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to pray extra nightly prayers and participate in other religious practices throughout the day and night, when possible. They will often wake up for or stay up until “suhur”, a pre-dawn meal.
While Muslims are expected to meet their daily schedule obligations for school and work, some accommodations are needed to be able to be successful while fully engaged in the various aspects of Ramadan. Students may reach out to faculty to request religious accommodations during Ramadan. We encourage them to have this conversation before the month begins. Accommodations could include moving the time of an exam and/or allowing more time so they can schedule it around suhur, iftar, prayer, etc. Some students may prefer to take an exam earlier in the day when they feel more energized, while others would rather take it at night.
We encourage groups and friends to have a conversation before Ramadan begins as well and talk about how Ramadan may change participation and energy levels. Consider changing events during the day to avoid food-centric events and high energy activities. Whenever possible, provide a quiet space and allow short breaks for prayer. While some students may want to preserve their energy during the fast, others may push themselves and increase their activity level. Each student is different in their ability to observe the fast and will make choices accordingly.
Students should also have accommodations on Eid-al-Fitr (Wednesday, April 10, 2024). This is a time for celebration after a month long of fasting. Students should be excused from their regular schedules on that day, including taking any exams and attending class.
Finally here is a video about what's happening in Gaza now - as I write on 1st of April.
Enter your text here...