In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which has sparked mass chaos and confusion in the United States, many may be searching for guidance and hope.
Most if not all of us are social distancing, which, of course, we should be doing. But social distancing does not mean to 100% disconnect from people, as that can spark loneliness and feelings of depression.
Not only should you stay connected to other people such as your friends and family, but you should also stay connected to God. We must strengthen ourselves spiritually now more than ever, whether that be by praying, fasting, meditating, etcetera.
“We need to be quarantined for awhile to let God work on us,” the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said in an interview with Felisha Monet of Miami’s WEDR 99 JAMZ radio show on July 29, 2015.
According to dictionary.com, a quarantine is a “strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease”, and it is a “period of 40 days of detention or isolation imposed upon ships, persons, animals, or plants on arrival at a port or place, when suspected of carrying some infectious or contagious disease.”
How many of us are diseased spiritually?
In the scriptures, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He quarantined himself to grow stronger spiritually, which made him be able to resist the temptations of the devil.
Surah (chapter) 2 Ayat (verse) 183 of the Holy Qur’an says: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.”
Fasting is one way to close the spiritual distance between self and God. It is even more essential in the time of a global pandemic such as what we are seeing today. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught the Muslims of the Nation of Islam to eat one meal a day. It is not only healthier for the body, but it strengthens the will of the individual, preparing for a cleaner mind that is able to focus on God and self. You can learn more by reading the book “How to Eat to Live.”
Muslims around the world are observing the month of Ramadan: a month of fasting, prayer and reading the Holy Qur’an. It is a month where we strive to grow closer to Allah. We invite you to also observe the month to the best of your ability.
In this time of global disease, let us be found moving away towards spiritual isolation, and let us make cognizant choices to lessen the distance between us and God.
