Ramadan Strengthens Muslim Social Cohesion

Unlike other philosophies and ideologies of the world, Islam celebrates differences in race, ethnicity, language, and geographical boundaries. While others speak of the superiority of their race, divide people according to the caste system, or isolate themselves with terms such as "God's Chosen People," Islam teaches that it is a universal religion, and Muslims are one Ummah (nation), created by the One and Only God.

Philosophically speaking, in Islam, we believe that all of us belong to one family. For this reason, the white, black, brown, Asian, European, Eskimo, and other native peoples living all over the world originate from the same God, and we shall all return to Him. According to the verse below, the differences we find among ourselves are not meant for us to despise one another, but rather to recognize the Power, Might, and Glory of God:

"O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Surah Al-Hujurāt 49:13)

The beautiful thing about Islam is that it places the rich and the poor, Arabs and non-Arabs, on equal footing.

The only qualifying criterion for anyone who aspires to be in the good book of their Lord and attain His nearness is piety. Unlike other concepts of God, Allah is unbiased and non-racist.

With such standards, the king and the peasant, the haves and the have-nots alike, have an equal opportunity to climb the ladder of spirituality.

Below is the famous Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which states that Allah looks at the heart and deeds of an individual, not at their appearance:

"Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds." (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Going by the aforementioned standards and principles of Islam, we can confidently say that Islam is the most democratic religion in the world. The renowned poetess of India, famously known as the "Nightingale of India," Sarojini Naidu, once highlighted how democracy prevails in the religion of Islam:

"It (Islam) was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for, in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: 'God Alone is Great.' I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother."

As members of one Ummah, regardless of which part of the world Muslims reside in, there exists a special bond among them.

When one segment of the Ummah suffers from war, natural calamity, foreign invasion, or any violation of human rights, Muslims living in other parts of the world also feel and share in their predicaments.

To alleviate the suffering of oppressed, displaced, or misfortune-stricken Muslims, the Muslim world responds by providing food, monetary aid, spreading awareness of their plight, and demanding justice.

Regardless of whether Muslim leaders in positions of power are united or not, I certainly believe that the Ummah itself is united.

What has been propagated and lobbied by the Western mainstream media, portraying Islam as a backward and terrorist religion, is no longer believed by the world.

Thanks to alternative media and social media, the true message of Islam, as presented in the Qur'an and demonstrated in the good behaviour of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is now reaching people.

The Ummah's Unity during Ramadhan

It is a common sight, especially during Ramadhan, to witness large congregational gatherings when they are summoned to prayer. In addition to the five daily prayers, the Tarāwīḥ prayer also attracts sizeable crowds.

This scene becomes even more evident in cosmopolitan cities, with the presence of international communities from diverse countries and backgrounds.

Iftar (Breaking of the Fast)

In homes, invitations are extended to relatives, friends, and neighbours to attend the Iftar gathering. In most instances, families bring their own contributions for the Iftar, making the occasion more joyous and meaningful.

Besides sharing food, these gatherings often include moments of reflection and conversations on positive family matters, as well as discussions about the condition of the Muslim Ummah in other parts of the world.

At the community hall level, Iftar gatherings are much grander than those held at home.

Normally, local leaders and well-to-do individuals from the business community come forward to sponsor such large gatherings.

Before the breaking of the fast, leaders take the opportunity to brief attendees on ways to improve communal ties among people living in the locality.

Such events during Ramadhan foster a common understanding and strengthen the cohesiveness of individuals within the larger Ummah.

The scenario at mosques in cosmopolitan cities is truly a pleasure to witness. People from diverse ethnic backgrounds gather to break their fast together. Besides the food prepared by the mosque committee, participants from different backgrounds often bring along their traditional dishes to share with others. After Iftar, they perform their prayers in congregation.

It is nice to see young Muslim volunteers actively involved in organizing programs at the mosque and community levels, giving Ramadhan goodies to economically disadvantaged individuals and families, such as providing food for Iftar and Suhur.

These acts of service reflect the same spirit of unity and compassion that becomes even more evident when Muslims from different countries come together during Iftar and prayers. Meeting fellow Muslims from around the world evokes a sense of amazement at the harmony, tolerance, and mutual acceptance shared among them.

In my observation, the Muslim communal spirit demonstrated during Ramadhan often attracts non-Muslims to take a closer look at Islam as portrayed in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Although they may not convert to Islam, some choose to fast for a few days during Ramadhan, following the same practices observed by Muslims, to understand its philosophical, spiritual, and biological underpinnings.

The views expressed are those of Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak from the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM, and do not necessarily reflect the views of IslamiCity.