This post was originally published on Word In Black
By: Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
I met Sister Mothyna James Brightful when she interned at the Baltimore AFRO during her senior year at Morgan State University, and it was evident she had a calling: ministering to women. Raised in a Christian family, her spirit responded to Islam in a profound and transformative way. For her it answered deep-seated questions and it fit her journey like a tailored cloth.
She’s a wife, mother, sister, friend, and entrepreneur who exudes the peace she’s found — especially when she’s doing the work of helping women find their sea legs in whatever calling beckons them. So we asked Sister Mothyna to share with Word in Black how she practices her faith through the season of Ramadan.
Sister Mothyna: Our fast is distinct in that we aim to find greater peace, not only for ourselves but also to share it with everyone we encounter, including family, friends, and co-workers. Sometimes people have habits they want to break, so this is a great time to do that — and not just with food. It could mean spending less time watching TV or cutting back on sweets. Some are working to spend more time with loved ones. It’s really about becoming the best version of ourselves. Ramadan isn’t a health fast. There are health benefits, but it’s a spiritual fast. People compare it to intermittent fasting, but intermittent fasting is designed for health. Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims although there are provisions for those who are unable. We submit to the instruction in the Holy Quran in our desire to get closer to God.
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