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To truly embrace the spirit of Islam, we must challenge ableist assumptions within our communities, where there is discrimination against disabled individuals, and promote a more inclusive approach to worship.
By MOGAMAT RIDA DESAI
While the statement ‘ableism leads to disability’ is not entirely accurate in a medical sense, it is deeply relevant when viewed through the social model of disability. This model argues that disability is not just a physical or medical condition but is created and exacerbated by societal barriers, including negative attitudes, lack of accessibility and discriminatory beliefs. Ableism – discrimination against disabled individuals – plays a significant role in shaping these barriers.
From an Islamic perspective, this manifests in many ways, particularly during Ramadan, when societal expectations around fasting often exclude and judge individuals with disabilities.
For example, as someone with a physical disability, I often encounter people who assume that because I do not fast in the traditional way – abstaining from food and drink –that I am not fulfilling my spiritual obligations in Ramadan. This assumption is a form of ableism because it enforces a rigid, one-size-fits-all interpretation of worship, failing to recognise the diverse and equally valid ways in which disabled individuals engage in spiritual practices.
Islam’s view on disability and fasting
Islam is a faith deeply rooted in compassion, justice, and inclusivity. The Qur’an explicitly acknowledges that not all believers can fulfil the same acts of worship in the same way. Allah says in the Qur’an:
‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
‘And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [but with hardship] – a ransom [as a substitute] of feeding a poor person.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)
These verses emphasise that fasting is not meant to be a hardship for those who are physically unable to do so. Instead, Islam offers alternative means of worship, such as feeding the poor, increasing dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reciting Quran and deepening one’s spiritual connection.
Spirituality beyond physical fasting
Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is about spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and connection with Allah. The essence of fasting is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), which can be achieved in many ways, including through acts of kindness, reflection, gratitude and prayer.
For me, and many others with disabilities, fasting is not about what we cannot do, but about how we engage with our faith in a meaningful way. While some may judge based on visible actions, true spirituality is known only to Allah, who sees the sincerity in our hearts and efforts.
Ableism in the Muslim community
Unfortunately, ableism exists even in religious spaces, where people assume that physical ability equates to greater faithfulness. This rigid thinking excludes those who practise their faith differently due to circumstances beyond their control. It also fails to recognise that Islam is inherently accommodating and merciful – something many communities still struggle to fully embrace.
For example, when someone says, ‘You’re not fasting, so you’re missing out on Ramadan’, they impose an ableist view that defines faith by physical acts rather than the spiritual journey. This mindset can be damaging, making disabled individuals feel alienated in their own religious community.
A call for a more inclusive understanding
To truly embrace the spirit of Islam, we must challenge ableist assumptions within our communities and promote a more inclusive approach to worship. This means:
- Recognising that spirituality is personal and diverse;
- Educating others on Islamic teachings regarding disability and religious obligations;
- Encouraging a culture of acceptance, where disabled individuals feel valued for their faith rather than judged for their limitations.
At the end of the day, Ramadan is a deeply personal journey. Each believer experiences it differently and Allah, in His infinite mercy, does not judge based on physical actions alone but on the intentions and sincerity of the heart.
