Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
Salaamun Alaikum.
As the Holy month of Ramadhan approaches, I pray that Allah (SWT) blesses you with happiness, prosperity and good health. May He grace your homes with warmth and peace, ‘Ameen’.
Everything has a spring and the spring of Holy Quran is the month of Holy Ramadhan.
- Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.)
We are often reminded that the blessings of Ramadhan are not limited to fasting alone, as the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month bring about Divine favor.
The revelation of the Holy Quran commenced during this very month and it is therefore the privilege of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Quran and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul. Devout supplications to Allah (SWT) and repentance of one’s sins during Holy Ramadhan are the sources of Divine blessings and mercy.
“Ramadhan”, according to some traditions is one of Allah’s names. This is why we cannot say Ramadhan without making it clear that we are talking about the month, and therefore we should always say the month of Ramadhan. The Commander of the faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (A.S.) said: Do not say Ramadan, but say the month of Ramadhan. For you do not know what Ramadan is? This same meaning was referred to by Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in his speech during Shaaban: The month of Allah (SWT) is coming …
It is common to be reminded of our shared humanity in this month. We know that we are performing similar acts of worship alongside every single person who chooses to perform the obligations and recommended acts in this month. This motivates us in a way that we might not be able to maintain individually. We understand that the fatigue, thirst, hunger that we experience is experienced by all who fast.
This is the best time to truly reflect on the timeless truth that all of humanity and, indeed, all of creation, is within the Domain of Allah (swt)’s authority and mercy. When we recite the special Ramadhan dua which encourage us to pray for the oppressed, the hungry, the unclothed, the indigent, we also pray that Allah may remove all the separation and misunderstanding amongst the Muslim communities.
Keeping this in mind, I once again wish to remind you that by seeking what is common amongst us within our own community and finding unity with all communities, we continue to create a wellspring of goodwill that will ripple into unforeseen blessings and opportunities. We would be wise to ponder upon the fact that every community has talents and abilities which complement those of others: our true progress, success and contentment are assured through sincere and heartfelt collaboration with all.
We may find that performing frequent charitable acts becomes easier in the Holy month of Ramadhan. It is a most auspicious time for giving charity to those who need it, in whichever form this may be. I would like to encourage you to reflect upon which causes are most dear to your heart and then donate your time, money, efforts or resources as much as you are able to these noble causes. This will surely enhance your experience of the month and allow you to experience the trait of generosity and set up a habit that will insha’Allah continue throughout the year.
It is also a special time for us to pray for the Muslim Ummah around the world, especially those who are currently facing difficult situations in Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey and in many other parts of the world.
Please let us remember each other during this blessed month, especially our marhumeen.
With Salaams and Dua’s,
Dr Husein Jiwa
President
The Council of European Jamaats
Ramadhan 1434 AH