Lessons from Islam

I have often heard it said to stay away from the belly of the beast. I never realized how close that beast was to me. It actually is my own belly.

In the beginning of July, I with tips for making your travels this summer a richer experience. In it, I briefly mentioned my trip to Turkey. My recent trip to Turkey was my first experience in a predominately Muslim country. I mentioned how I was moved by the spirituality I experienced on that trip. My return was just three weeks before the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan.

I felt called to join my Muslim friends and observe the fast. I have had experience before with different types of religious fasts, so I was not expecting anything difficult.

I was concerned about the heat this summer and the inability to drink water but I also knew that the fast was not about hurting myself but about healing myself. If it were too difficult, I would drink. I prepared myself and knew that although I was allowed to eat before sunrise, my personal internal clock was not going to allow for a 4:30 a.m. breakfast. I knew my only meal would be at sunset. I also knew that I would have to have water available so that I could adequately hydrate myself from the current day and consume enough water for the next morning. The schedule was set and I was ready.

My thoughts went back to my first morning in Turkey when the call to prayer rang out at 4:30 a.m. I instinctively arose and said prayers for all my loved ones, family, friends, and those in need. However, that first morning, something else happened. I am not actually sure what it was, but I knew that God's word would be revealed to all of us, as we are ready. This fast would be preparing myself for this revelation. In fact, it was during the month of Ramadan that the Koran was revealed.

I also recalled that Turkey is a country that reflects thousands of years of the development of humanity. From caves that went six stories down underground, to ancient statues of gods, to ancient amphitheaters and majestic palaces and mosques, to modern skyscrapers, one could just feel the journey of humanity. With all this wonder decorating its landscape, the Turkish people still focused on hospitality. How are we treating our neighbors and guests? There is a genuine concern for the other and an embracing of all. I took this inspired viewpoint into my Ramadan fasting experience.

My concern was not for myself but for others. I did not feel pressured by any religious dogma. I felt a sense of support and camaraderie. My heart also went out to those who are currently suffering from the drought in Somolia. I knew at sunset I would not only be able to drink and eat but actually feast if I wanted to, but they did not know when their next meal would be arriving. It was a sobering thought.

The Turkish community living and fasting on Long Island also made this connection and collected and sent thousands of dollars in assistance. The Turkish Cultural Center of Long Island even opened their doors and hosted many dinners to share their breaking of the fast. They worked all day during their fast cooking and preparing meals for others. You might be thinking that this all sounds wonderful, so where is that beast she was talking about? Ah, the beast shows it's ugly head when you least expect it. While all around me there was this solemn devotion, my everyday experience did not reflect it. My home and work life does not have any Islamic people in it. All around me, people were eating and drinking and enjoying their summer. I felt like a stranger in my own environment.

I found myself feeling unsupported and judgmental. With every growl of my stomach, I felt a growl in my heart. I could not understand the insensitivity. Yet, what were they being insensitive of? They didn't have a frame of reference for my experience. I was the one bringing something new into their lives and I was upset with them. Well, it is important to me to grow from my experiences. It is my experience that my real growth comes when I turn to a Higher Power for direction before I make an assumption. So I increased my prayer and meditation. Then I remembered that Muslims pray five times a day. I was relating to this wisdom more deeply. My increased connection to my personal interpretation of the Divine brought insight and peace.

Not only did my physical hunger subside, my emotional emptiness was filled. A truth was revealed to me, that God will do for me what I cannot do for myself, if I let Him. Letting Him meant really turning to Him above all other concerns, even eating! This Ramadan I was fed in a profound way. I was brought closer to the God of my understanding and taught to make that a priority. I was reminded that everyone has their own way of deepening their faith. I also learned that reaching out with kindness and generosity will fulfill me more than any mere morsel.

Most of all I experienced that God is my true source and subsistence and when I live this belief, all is well in my world. My sincerest wishes to all our Muslim neighbors for a blessed 'Id-al-Fitr, the last breaking of the fast of this tremendous month! Peace and blessings be upon you.