
4 minute read
Looking After Yourself
By: Shabnam Lakhani, Calgary Alberta
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Our world has changed significantly since the beginning of 2020. A virus that seemed so distant and inconsequential, has affected all of us negatively, some with very personal losses. It has shown that we have very little control, and our anxiety has increased due to our constant access to 24-hour news on our smart devices. All this can really bring our mood down and can decrease our hope. But we have to remember, as narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet (saw) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." (Sahih Bukhari)
Alhamdulillah, with our faith in Allah and knowing what we can do, we have the tools to keep our anxiety and depression to a minimum. The holy month of Ramadan has also given us the opportunity to take stock of our lives and to improve what we can, both physically and spiritually. Now, we have an opportunity to implement the good habits we have developed this Ramadan and apply it to the rest of the year, In’Sha’Allah.
Here we present three easy steps we can implement to improve our mental and physical health.
1.Social Media Distancing
Getting news updates constantly on our phone has given us all mental fatigue. We need to stay informed about the changing situation of our new normal, but it is imperative that we limit this onslaught of information. We should also be careful that the information that we do get is from reliable sources. As mentioned in Surah Huj’raat, a Surah all about social etiquette, “... if news comes to you, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.” (49:6). There is so much content out there and even if we don’t access it ourselves, our family and friends may share content that may not necessarily be accurate, but increases anxiety levels nonetheless. We should always be mindful when we are sharing information, and try our utmost to find out if it is factually correct first before passing it on.
There is much good out there in regards to online access to improve our spiritual health. There are Quran, Tafsir and Hadith classes. While these classes are beneficial, we can sometimes end up binging or watching lectures faster than we can absorb the material. We can limit our device time to focus on the lectures that are most valuable and will help us strengthen our Iman. If we schedule when we are on our digital devices, we will have more control over what we do.
2. Social Reconnection
Ibn 'Umar (RA) said, "Whoever has taqwa of his Lord and maintains ties of kinship, his term of life will be prolonged, his wealth will be abundant, and his family will love him." (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
Although we have been told to maintain social distancing, we should not forget our social connection with others. There are so many great mediums we can use to make sure we connect with family, friends and neighbours. Taking time out to actually talk to people on the phone or through Whats App or Zoom will not only help with the loneliness that others feel, but will improve our own happiness levels as well. If we have elderly neighbours, we can ring them up and ask if they need groceries or any other kind of help. Our neighbours, family, and friends all have rights upon us, and many are going the extra mile, and bringing out the best in all of us.
3. Fasting & Eating
In Ramadan, we felt that amazing feeling of being part of the Ummah: waking up in the morning to have Suhur, and fasting with 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. Throughout the day we were aware of our deeds and tried to improve our behaviour. At Iftar time we all sat down to enjoy the wonderful food Allah has provided us. All for the sake of Allah.
In Surah Baqarah, ayahs 183 and 184 Allah says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous…..But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (2:183-184)
We should continue the spiritual and health benefits we achieved in Ramadan beyond Ramadan. We can increase our optional fasts and eat good wholesome foods that benefit our mind and body. We can also start cooking and eating meals together, as a family. According to the 2019 Canadian food guide, “Planning and preparing meals with others helps to nurture healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.” (Canadian Food Guide)
---- Trying to get through these times can get overwhelming, and sometimes we can feel demotivated. It is completely natural. We have to remember to be kind to ourselves and try to implement little improvements that will keep us well In’Sha’Allah. We are not alone. Allah is looking after us. We are all in it together.
Photo by tomoko-uji on-unsplash