Ramadan Reflections: Love, Service, and the Spirit of Our Community
It's simple. We need each other.
Dear Beloved Community,
I want to share a reflection that has deeply resonated with me. It begins with a story about Abdur Rahman bin Auf who heard the Prophet Muhammad impart a profound message upon entering Medina: "Love one another with the spirit of Allah amongst you." This directive, so simple yet profound, underscores the essence of our faithlove guided by the divine spirit.
Recently, I was confronted with a question that gave me pause: "Is Love Halal?" This inquiry reveals much about the Muslim psyche, often so enmeshed in the intricacies of Shariah that the natural human emotion of love becomes a matter for juristic analysis. It's a telling reflection of how we, as a community, sometimes navigate our faith. Love is not just halal; it is foundational to our existence and the way we interact with the world around us.
The Arabic word for love, 'hubb' (), is akin to a seed needing nurturing to grow. This Ramadan, let's nurture this seed with acts of kindness and service, allowing our love for Allah to flourish through our compassion towards others. 'Khidma' (service), rooted in humility and selflessness, is our pathway to embodying the love we are commanded to share amongst ourselves.
The etiquette of service, or the adab of 'khidma', emphasizes sincerity and humility, expecting nothing in return. Inspired by the Prophet's own life, where service was intertwined with every aspect of his being, we too are reminded to serve with excellence (Ihsan).
Reflecting on the question of love being halal has reminded me of the importance of love and service not only as acts of faith but as inherent qualities that define us. Let's take these seeds of 'hubb' and 'khidma', plant them in the fertile soil of our community, and watch as they grow into a garden of compassion and unity.
This Ramadan, I encourage you as well as myself all to ignite the spirit of love and service within our community. Let us be the embodiment of the Prophet's words, loving one another with the spirit of Allah amongst us, and let that love be the driving force behind our acts of kindness and service.
May our efforts be blessed, and may we all grow closer to Allah and each other during this blessed month.
With love and service,
Khalis Rashaad