91Èȱ¬

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Dr Myriam François, journalist and research associate at the Centre of Islamic Studies, SOAS University of London.

Good morning.

As the slow wheel of the rat race gradually starts to turn again, those among us who were shielded from the frontline, will be encouraged to return to our cycle of work and consumption. But there is no return to normal. A recent warning by the Academy of Medical Sciences suggests we may be facing up to 120,000 Covid-19 deaths this winter if preparations to avoid a second wave don’t start now. Though some may view this as over alarmist, prepare we must.

Western medicine, unlike Eastern thought, has long separated the body and mind, medicine seen as a treatment for bodily ailments, rather than an approach to health one might call pre-emptive.

Islam is a way of life which encompasses all aspects of mind, body and soul. Ailments of the body are often a reflection of deeper troubles and yet our society is ill-equipped to recognise the interconnected parts of our being. One recent study suggests stress is costing the NHS over £71.1 million a year, with almost three quarters of us feeling at some point overwhelmed with stress. Our current juncture is likely to make this ‘other’ pandemic much worse. And so it is within the traditions of old that we may find some wisdom when it comes to holistic health. As Muslims we are encouraged to eat lightly – filling our stomach one third water, food and air – we’re told to fast, allowing our digestive system a break from its incessant duties – to meditate and pray, encouraging stillness and cultivating gratitude. In these trying times, I pray we can bring back what’s important in our lives and strive for balance within and without. Amin.