As we go into Ramadan, the government has unveiled the latest new rules pertaining to business hours and curfew. With the number of coronavirus cases still growing even if it hasn’t exploded yet like in other countries, how will we as a country deal with this invariably new and odd situation.
Ramadan and its festivities are almost an exact opposite of the situation we found ourselves in with the coronavirus crisis. Where there once were cafes and picnics open at 1 AM in the morning for Al Sehoor, now there are police checkpoints to regulate the curfew. And where there were once huge family gatherings for Al Fetar, this year will be different. So how is all of this really affecting us on a more personal note.
In light of Ramadan in particular, there are 3 main ideas that we’re faced with amidst the changing circumstances we live in.
- Vulnerability
- Dependency
- Mortality
These are 3 potent ideas that affect how we live our daily lives and how we make our decisions. Regardless of the mechanisms of how we take a decision, what we believe regarding those 3 simple words ultimately dictates our every step.
1)Vulnerability
When governments panic and international organizations scramble in every direction trying to find every possible way to deal with the crisis at hand, that allows an unsettling feeling of vulnerability to, well, to settle in. This virus has made us aware of how small we are. Economies have fallen, states are collapsing and panic has ensued.
2)Dependency
We are not alone. We are quarantined and yet never has humanity been more aware of our need for each other than now. As a matter of fact, it is not only clear how much we depend on each other, it’s also apparent how much that dependency must well established and safe. We’ve seen how without following the safety guidelines we can harm each other without even coming into contact with one another. We need people to make our streets safe, our restaurants clean, and people who risk their lives everyday to ensure the survival and safety of others.
3)Mortality
This might not be the most deadly disease, nor is it the most statistically catastrophic in its mortality rate. However, it’s showing us a very important thing we might forget in the middle of a busy lifestyle; fear of death. We want to survive, to live on and endure. We want the same even more for our loved ones.
COVID-19 has perhaps given us a rather powerful shock to our systems particularly in those 3 areas, a wakeup call.
We are more aware now of how we cannot simply ignore our weakness. How a germ, a tiny molecular shape, can alter the lives of billions.
We are more aware of how we need each other, shown in the extensive desire to either break quarantine or communicate through any possible means.
Finally, we are more aware of how fragile life is. This virus serves as a reminder of the shortness of life and our fight to prolong it.
When this crisis passes on, before we go back being lost in a whirlpool of tasks and errands, pause and think. This is an opportunity. A chance to look at every single one of your decisions differently. You’re not invincible, but you can depend on others to help you. You’re not going to live forever, so make it worth your while, help others.
Take a second look at your job, is it worth it? Are you seeing things clearer now?
Take another look at your family, are you invested enough in them?
Take another look at your life, it’s too precious to waste, so don’t.
Every decision that make you from here on out, has to be different.
