Page 11 - Pakistan Link - June 25, 2021

OPINION JUNE 25, 2021 – PAKISTAN LINK – P11

12 Things You Can Do to Lose 2021 Post-Ramadan Blues

n By Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen hearts heavy. cation for a few days or weeks helps give us
11. Travel. Sometimes a change in lo-
R amadan 2021 has ended with a bang, munity has returned to a limited, in-person a fresh perspective we need to refocus and
3. If you miss the Masjid: If your com-
and for some of us, now a whimper.

get back on track. Try these Muslim-flavored
Juma Salah, then go. If you are not able to

This year after being in virtual iso-
with COVID-19 restrictions).
lation for more than a year due to COVID-19, do that, tune in to the virtual version. If your summer vacation spots (maintaining safety
community does not offer a virtual Khutba,

most communities had a relaxed, socially dis- tune in to Imam Malik Mujahid on Muslim 12. Watch Muslim Network TV: Mus-
tant Eid-ul-Fitr Salah. Some of us may have Network TV for a virtual Khutba every Friday. lim Network TV will keep you and your fam-

even had an opportunity to socialize with oth- 4. Up your Qur’an quotient: Read five ily involved and informed with daily program-

er Muslims giving us a semblance of returning more minutes of Qur’an than you normally ming. The news and television shows cover
to community life. would in Ramadan, or memorize five more topics of concern, interest, or simply entertain.

During Ramadan, we collectively experi- Surahs. Listen to Qur’anic recitation in the Tuning in to a daily Muslim news or television
ence so much of the same things! Although morning or on the way to work. Practice with show keeps you busy and linked to the Mus-
our fast was individual, it was simultaneously your family. Whatever you choose, the pur- lim community. Who isn’t happy looking at
shared by the community of Muslims world- pose is to increase your daily exposure to the a classic episode of Adam’s World or enjoying
wide. When we did Taraweeh prayers at home Qur’an. the entertainment on Art to Heart?
or socially distant at the Masjid, we could 5. Miss the community spirit? Commit https://w w w.s o un d v i sio n.co m/
see or knew that other Muslims were doing to attending a community event at least once a article/12-things-you-can-do-to-lose-

the same. Even as we viewed online virtual month until next Ramadan. This can include 2021-post-ramadan-blues?eType=EmailBla
khutbahs and Qur’anic commentary from the fundraisers, sporting events, lecture series, stContent&eId=51a1d758-cec7-4ec5-ba63-
Imam, we rejoiced at noting the number of Halaqas (Islamic study circles), and classes. If 18fa9a9be856

other “attendees” in the session. The activities your community is still virtual, tune in to on-
of Ramadan surely connected and heightened line events. FATF FROM P9

our love for each other and this way of life as 6. Visit other communities: Don’t be stan was found deficient in acting against or-
Muslims. afraid to travel to another Masjid or Islamic necting with other Muslims personally at least ganizations allegedly linked to terror groups

So naturally, when Ramadan ended this Center or tune in to the events of a different once a month. Many Muslims, especially our listed by the UN Security Council, prosecut-
year, the feeling of loss was amplified because Masjid in your area that are virtual. This not seniors and immunocompromised brothers ing and convicting banned individuals and

many of us may have to return to an isolated only widens your circle of acquaintances, but and sisters are still confined to their homes tackling smuggling of narcotics and precious

existence again, due to COVID-19 restric- it also helps build rapport of Muslims in our due to COVID-19 restrictions, lack of vacci- stones.
tions. individual cities. nations or personal preference. Isolation leads

This year, try to carry over the happiness 7. Fast outside of Ramadan. This may to depression and a sense of non-connected- RELUCTANCE FROM P1

of Ramadan through to next year. Consider be fasting now during the first six days of ness. We can call, set up virtual meetings, or istration believes that our problems in Af-

some of these suggestions: Shawwal, fasting on Mondays and/or Thurs- even meet in person with these individuals ghanistan are behind us,” he wrote.

1. Set post-Ramadan goals: The aim days, or just keeping voluntary fasts. Read this and brighten their and our own day. If circum- The Republican lawmaker who also in-

should be to achieve them by next Ramadan. article on times throughout the year that Mus- stances are favorable, hosting a lunch, dinner fluenced the Trump administration’s Afghan
It can be anything from curbing food waste, lims may fast outside of Ramadan. or even tea with fellow Muslims, neighbors, policies warned that the Biden administra-
to memorizing five new Surahs, to control- 8. Commit to reading Islamic books or friends, and classmates or coworkers can be tion’s “decision to withdraw all forces and not

ling backbiting better. Choose something you articles until next Ramadan. The goal is to read beneficial to all. stay engaged with Pakistan is a major disaster

made a conscious effort to adopt or drop in one per month until Ramadan comes again. If 10. Choose a Hajj-worthy physical chal- in the making, even worse than the blunder in

Ramadan your work and home life schedule don’t per- lenge. You may or may not be going for Hajj Iraq.”
2. Increase your Salah: Now that you mit that kind of commitment, read articles this year. Regardless, the journey of a lifetime President Biden’s reluctance to engage
have participated in Salatul-Taraweeh during right here on Sound Vision. Keep up to date requires preparation of the spirit and the body. with Pakistani leaders was highlighted in an

the month, you are more aware of the benefits on Islamic thoughts. One way to help achieve Pick a physical activity that can get you ready interview the prime minister gave to an Amer-
of late night prayer. Prayer connects us with this goal is to set a time and a timer every day when Allah’s invitation arrives. It can range ican television channel earlier this week when
our Lord, Who showers His Mercy upon us to read at least 15 minutes of the books so you from simply walking 15 minutes a day if you the interviewer asked him if he had spoken to

– thus giving us relief. These nighttime Salah maintain consistency and reach your goal. currently get no exercise, to jogging more Mr Biden since he took office. “No, I have not,”

can shield us from those things that make our 9. Commit to reaching out and con- miles than your usual daily workout. RELUCTANCE, P28

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