Sitting in on a Jummah talk last week , I reflected on how apparently disjointed the talk seemed. It was coherent within itself, as an isolated lecture. However as a message to the congregation , it would not take us forward together. It did not build on what we had learned the week before , neither was it going to shape our collective actions for the week to come.
The congregation ...
we were not that cohesive either. A sprinkling of ladies, with geographical or emotional allegiances to the masjid (i cannot account for who was on the other side of the modesty barrier).
We were not bound by a common goal or moving as a community towards a definite direction.
Although faces were familiar and greetings were exchanged, we were strangers to each other by way of ideals.
A reflection of the 'ummah' in a broad and local sense bleeds the word
F-R-A-G-M-E-N-T-A-T-I-O-N. We are dysfunctional because we are (dys)functioning independently whereas the only way for us to Be, is whole.
I might never have the depth of knowledge of the sciences as my sister who is studying Tafseer and Fiqh. I will never be able to understand economic intricacies as well as my brother working with Finance. But they might never be exposed to the desperation of the human condition that I see on a daily basis. One speciality can never outweigh the other and independently they are inward looking. Together , however, they spell Strength. Shared resources, knowledge and experiences under the canopy of Islam makes us Powerful.
Let us find our way back to each other. Let us be close enough to be able to hear each others faint cries for support.
Maybe the Jummah can become an unmissable event , instead of the shadow of itself that it currently is. A place where the collective pulse of the congregation can be palpated. Its rate and rhythm assessed and an appropriate response offered to the people by the Imam.
Thus propelling us into the week as a collective force , flanked on either side by out brothers and sisters in faith.
The time for excuses and playing the 'blame game' is long past. Let's not blame our impotence on others. Structures need to be reclaimed and fundamental institutions revisited. Ah, the masjid, that institution that has become a myth and legend in conversation circles. The place where the community descends on , plays together , prays together. Let's make it a place where the recitation of Allah's words are coupled with vibrant calls to action.
Let us set a deadline for when each masjid congregation, each a vital organ of a well functioning body, can descend on the Eid-gah in a magnificent display of our Ummah's strength.
Eid Mubarak
4 comments:
This is the call to action.
Let's put it out there.
i'm so tired esp on blogs recently of the blame game
there is more holding us together than pulling us apart. if we only WANT to love and not hate
I disagree Nooj-each functions seprately thus not having to connect with others. There's no communication so no chance for true unity. And so we think there's unity because there's no fighting.
Ayesha-where do you attend Jummah at?
usually brixton if i have the time . the other night my better half and I jogged to mosque (don't collapse in admiration :) it was an isolated incident. then we wanted to pray Esha (but the ladies side was locked) . a caretaker was very courteous and made an effort to open up . he even suggested that i make myself a copy of the key. alas, some of the most accessible mosques (in thory) are not that practically accesible. Greenside offers a comfortable yand clean environment , but i feel somewhat isolated from the congregation.
Bibi lets have a meet-up . with some sisters , have like a thikr programme and some qiyaam-ul-layl (just to try to relive some of those ramadaan moments). Maybe greenside will oblige us (but we wont ask) they wont even know that we are there -;) im serious though
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