Monday 18 March 2024

Ramadan - The Month of the Qur'an Read More and More of the Qur'an in this month

Ramadan –The Month of the Qur’an 

The best amongst you is he who learns

the Qur’an and teaches it –The Prophet.

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Noble Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Al-Qur’an, 97:1-3.). The Qur’an was sent down in the month of Ramadan on the Night of Power Lailatul Qadr. (Al-Qur’an, 91:1-3.). It is the month of Ramadan that Allah has honoured by revealing the Qur’an. Because of this strong relation between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to read the Qur’an to Archangel Jibreel every Ramadan. I think this is the right place to discuss the purpose and objective of the revelation of the Qur’an, its importance, the campaigns against it and the do’s and don’ts of the Qur’an.

First of all, Allah the Most High, created mankind and gave him the gift of expression. For the guidance of mankind Allah sent Prophets (peace be upon them all) to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

The Qur’an represents the culmination of all other earlier Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the last of the Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the first religious book in the world, which requires the belief in other revelations, a part of its Faith. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the month of Ramadan. Allah Himself said in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to Mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).” (2:185). Allah the Most High has especially mentioned the exact date and month of the revelation: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) in the Night of Power.” (97:1) So the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an was for guidance of Mankind.

The Qur’an is emphatic in proclaiming that Islam is the religion of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and the Prophets Jesus and Moses were not Jews but Muslims. "Surely those who believe (in that which is revealed to Muhammad Peace be upon him) and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans – whoever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does good, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there is no fear for them nor shall they grieve." (2:62). "A Guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)." This is the most important characteristic of the Qur’an, the Book that Allah has revealed in the month of Ramadan. It is guidance for mankind. It is clear proof, clear proof of guidance and of judgement.



Before the revelation of the Qur’an, it was preserved and guarded from corruption in the "Mother of the Book". Allah Himself said: "Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved" (85:21-22). When Allah wanted to give this Trust to someone, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Mountains, i.e. other creatures of Allah, besides man, refused to undertake this Trust or responsibility. They preferred to submit their will entirely to Allah’s Will, which is All-Wise and Perfect, and which would give them far more happiness than a faculty of choice, with their imperfect knowledge. Allah says in the Qur’an: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it: He was indeed unjust and foolish." (33-72). 

So it is the human beings who took the responsibility of the Trust without realising its importance. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the month of Ramadan. The Qur’an is the revealed book of God which has been in existence for more than four hundred years and the Word of Allah is available in its original form. There has not been an iota of change in this unique historic record. Its originality and authenticity has been guaranteed by no other than Allah the Almighty who challenges in the Qur’an itself.

Allah said, "This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah: on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelation) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds." (10:37). In another verse of the Qur’an Allah challenges, "Or do they say, "He forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it; and call (to your aid) anyone who can, beside Allah if it be you speak the truth!" (10:38). "Or they may say, "He forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! – if you speak the truth!" (11:13).

 Allah said in the Qur’an, "And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Sura like thereunto, and call your witness and helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful." (2:23) Allah places many verses before you. Can you produce one like it?

The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only Revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Allah said, "Say: "if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (17:88)

Since the revelation of the Qur’an, the enemies of Islam have been trying to distort it. Firstly, they said, it is not revelation, it is written by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then they started attacking its authenticity and originality. Recently, attempts have been made to humiliate Muslims by burning copies of the Muslim Holy Book, The Qur’an.

Pastor Jones and members of his Dove Outreach Church in Gainesville, Florida, had intended to throw200 copies of the Islamic holy book on a bonfire on 11 September 2010, reported in the Daily Mail on 11 September 2010. Jones burned a Qur’an on the grounds of his church in Florida in March last year, 2011. On 24 April 2012, Al-Arabiya News reported that US Pastor Terry Jones, a self-professed scourge of Islam, has threatened to ‘burn Qur’ans and images of Prophet Mohammad’if a Christian religious leader in Iran is not released from jail. The Guardian London reported on 23 February 2012 the burning of copies of the Qur’an by American soldiers in Afghanistan on Monday, the 20th of February, 2012. In spite of their conspiracy, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form.

Not only that, it is recently reported that the Birmingham Qur’an Manuscript contains parts of suras 18-20 of the Qur’an. The Qur’an  manuscript held by the University of Birmingham has been placed among the oldest in the world. . It is said that the result of radiocarbon dating of the parchment on which the text is written places the manuscript in the period between 568 and 645 with 95.4% probability. The testing was commissioned from the University of Oxford and carried out in 2014. This result suggests that the manuscript dates back to the first century of Islam, close to the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) [About 570-632] and the rule of the first three Caliphs.

 The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained more than fourteen centuries pure without any interpolation or change and will remain so till the Last Day as Allah has guaranteed its purity. (15:9).

The purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an were maintained by two methods: memorization of Qur’an in Qur’anic schools and the recitation of the complete Qur’an in Ramadan. In the month of Ramadan every year the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Archangel Jibreel to recite the whole of it twice. It was a Muzakira between the two. Abu Huraira reported that Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur’an with the Prophet once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) died. The Qur’an was recited in the Taraweeh for the first time during the era of Caliph Omar.

So far as the memorization of the Qur’an in Qur’anic schools is concerned, many Huffaz and Islamic scholars have been killed in different parts of the world at different times. But still there is no dearth of Islamic scholars who can recite the complete Qur’an from memory. Severe campaigns have been launched against the Qur’anic schools, which teach the study, recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the main Book of the Muslims; it is the duty of the Muslims to learn Qur’an, which contains their code of life and ethical values whose benefits have been experienced by mankind throughout the ages.



I have already mentioned the objective and importance of the Qur’an and how its originality and purity have been maintained. Our Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the Book of Allah, the Qur’an, reciting it in and out of Salah.

 The Qur’an is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Qur’an depends the very existence of this Faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Qur’an is self-evident and does not need further elucidation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (BukhariDaud and Tirmidhi).

A great Islamic scholar wrote in his book entitled Toward Understanding of the Qur’an: “The present arrangement of the Qur'an is not the work of later generations, but was made by the Prophet under God's direction. Whenever a surah was revealed, the Prophet summoned his scribes, to whom he carefully dictated its contents, and instructed them where to place it in relation to the other surahs. The Prophet followed the same order of surahs and verses when reciting during ritual Prayer as on other occasions, and his Companions followed the same practice in memorizing the Qur'an. It is therefore a historical fact that the collection of the Qur'an came to an end on the very day that its revelation ceased. The One who was responsible for its revelation was also the One who fixed its arrangement. The one whose heart was the receptacle of the Qur'an was also respon­sible for arranging its sequence. This was far too important and too delicate a matter for anyone else to dare to become involved in.”

“Not even the most skeptical person has any reason to doubt that the Qur'an as we know it today is identical with the Qur'an which Muhammad (peace be on him) set before the world; this is an unquestionable, objective, historical fact, and there is nothing in human history on which the evidence is so overwhelmingly strong and conclusive. To doubt the authenticity of the Qur'an is like doubting the existence of the Roman Empire, the Mughals of India, or Napoleon! To doubt historical facts like these is a sign of stark ignorance, not a mark of erudition and scholarships,” he added.

 

 

 

Saturday 16 March 2024

Ramadan Messages from UK Political Leaders

 Ramadan Messages from British Political Leaders

Dr Mozammel Haque

 

Ramadan 2024 has just begun, and Muslims all over the world will be participating in a period of reflection, prayer, fasting and community gatherings from the evening of Sunday March 10 until Tuesday April 9

London is Lighting Up



Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and its significance is celebrated year after year. To mark the 2024 celebrations, some areas across the capital will be lit up.

On Thursday March 7, the Mayor of London switched on a huge display of 30,000 lights that illuminate the streets from Piccadilly Circus all the along Coventry Street to Leicester Square until April 16.

UK Political Leaders’ Ramadan Message

Political leaders of the United Kingdom issued their Ramadan Messages to the Muslims in the UK and around the world.

The followings are the Ramadan messages from the political leaders of the United Kingdom published in the Muslim News, UK. in its issue dated 01 March 2024. @The Muslim News UK

Ramadan Messages from UK Political Leaders

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader, Labour Party



Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, MP, Leader of the Labour Party gave the following Ramadan 2024 Messages:

"At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to send my best wishes to all Muslims in the United Kingdom. Ramadan Mubarak.

 “I am inspired by the faithful devotion of Muslims across our country. Your commitment to your faith and your communities is even more prevalent in Ramadan. This time of prayer and reflection, personal sacrifice, and charitable giving, is a blessing to all our communities.

 “At a time of hardship in many parts of the UK and across the world, the compassion and generosity that you share with others is a lesson to us all. I want to recognise the tremendous contribution that Muslims make to our nation. Thank you for the countless ways in which you enrich and enhance our national life.

“With my fellow MPs and Labour councillors across the country, I look forward to sharing iftars with you. I wish you the very best for this month.”

Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats Party



RT. Hon. Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats Party gave the following Ramadan 2024 Messages:

“Ramadan Mubarak from the Liberal Democrats to our dear Muslim friends in the UK and around the world. May your fasting and worship bring you a period of peace that can be shared with friends and family.

“I am sure for many; this year has been particularly challenging in light of the awful increase in Islamophobic incidents up and down the country.

“One of the many beauties of Ramadan is the period of reflection it encourages. Reflections on those less fortunate than ourselves, for those scared, or lonely in this sacred month.

It makes me proud to know that British Muslims up and down the country who so wholeheartedly support their communities in incredible ways can make a difference through their faith.

 “Thank you, to our Muslim friends, for all that you do for your communities here in the UK and beyond. I send our best wishes to you for this Ramadan.”

Rt Hon Humza Yousaf MSP, First Minister of Scotland, and Leader, Scottish National Party



Rt. Hon. Humza Yousaf MSP, First Minisyter  of Scotland, and Leader, Scottish National Party gave the following Ramadan 2024 Messages:

“Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a month of spiritual growth and sacrifice, giving us an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and community and teaching us empathy for those in the world who are less fortunate than ourselves.

“It is a period when Muslims go out of their way to perform acts of kindness, offer prayers, and donate their time to those in need.

 “The month of Ramadan should also be a time of great peace; however, this will unfortunately not be the case for the many Muslims across the globe who live in areas impacted by conflict; they should be in all of our thoughts during this holiest of months. I am particularly thinking of and praying for the people of Gaza, who are suffering through a dreadful humanitarian catastrophe.

 “I would like to thank the Muslim communities of Scotland for the contribution you make here and globally, and I want to wish you all peace, happiness, and safety this Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak.”

 Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales

Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales gave the following Ramadan 2024 Messages:


 

“Ramadan is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the shared values of compassion, sacrifice, and empathy. As Muslims across Wales begin their fast and celebration of faith,

“I’m inspired by the stories of people supporting one another and sharing with those who are less fortunate. We support and praise your selflessness and your sacrifice.

“I look forward to joining you all at the end of Ramadan in the celebrations at Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan Mubarak to you all.”

Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Rt. Hon. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, gave the following Ramadan 2024 Messages: 

 


“As Salaamu Alikum

“I want to send my warmest wishes to all readers of The Muslim News, Londoners, and everyone across the globe who is observing Ramadan.

“Ramadan gives us the opportunity to reflect on all that we have been blessed with, show compassion and generosity to those less fortunate than ourselves, and strengthen our commitment to our faith. And, of course, this Ramadan, our prayers will have a particular focus on ending the suffering of those in Gaza.

“It has been a challenging year, but Ramadan provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others. I am particularly looking forward to once again meeting with Londoners at a wide variety of iftars across our capital.

 “The sight of Londoners of all backgrounds uniting as we break our fasts and pray together is a reflection of London at its very best. I’m proud that we celebrate and welcome all cultures and people from all backgrounds. As global tensions continue, it’s more important than ever that we stand together. That’s why I launched ‘London for  “Everyone’ to highlight the variety of backgrounds that make up our city, unite communities, celebrate our capital’s diversity, and promote mutual respect.

 “We are at our best when we are open and outward-looking. I know we will continue to show compassion and stand for what is right because our city is open and welcoming to all.

 “I’m also delighted to invite everyone to enjoy the Ramadan Lights in the centre of London once again and to celebrate the festival of Eid ul Fitr with Eid in the Square at Trafalgar Square on Saturday, April 20. Our annual free event will bring together Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds to celebrate Eid in the heart of our city.

 From my family to yours, Ramadan Mubarak!”

Acknowledgement: @The Muslim News UK

Courtesy: @The Muslim News UK

 

 

 

 


Tuesday 12 March 2024

Global Ramadan Messages from all Continents

 Global Ramadan Messages from All Continents

 Dr Mozammel Haque

Islam is a universal global religion. There is 1.6 billion Muslims the world over. Leaders of the Asian, African, European and American continents welcome the advent of the month of Ramadan and sent messages to the Muslims. The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the beginning of Ramadan. On this auspicious occasion, the Secretary General of the OIC issued a welcoming message.

 OIC Secretary General’s Message



Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, extended warm congratulations and felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan 1445AH. 

He congratulated the OIC host country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohamed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all leaders of the OIC Member States and the entire Muslims othe an the occasion of the month of goodness and blessings.

Taha prayed to Almighty Allah to send forth His blessings and security on the Muslim Ummah, in this generous month, leading to the end of crises and conflicts in the length and breadth of the Muslim world, reads a OIC press statement. 

The Secretary-General highlighted the OIC’s grave concern as it diligently follows the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip languishing under starvation, blockade, and bombardment by Israeli occupation forces, making the current conditions difficult for women, children, and the elderly.

The Secretary-General expressed his wish that Allah would grant victory and support to the Palestinian people and liberate the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Clutches of Israeli occupation; that He would make Ramadan a definitive turning point bringing hope for a ceasefire and ending all the war against the Palestinian people; and that He would return stability to Sudan and let security and harmony spread in the Muslim communities in non-OIC Member States, thus contributing to strengthening and deepening societal peace and international security.

The Secretary-General emphasized that, in addition to being the month of fasting and night prayers for the entire Muslims, Ramadan is also an opportunity to practice values of goodness, mercy, and mutual support, nurturing the soul and spreading the spirit of peace. He urged that hands of support should be lent to the needy and those in difficult conditions in refugee and displacement camps. 

RAMADAN MESSAGES FROM ALL GOVERNMENTS

From Asian Continent

King Salman’s Ramadan Message



Jeddah-based English daily Saudi Gazette reported the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Ramadan address as follows:

“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman greeted the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims all over the world on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Monday.

King Salman urged the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop the brutal crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and provide safe corridors for humanitarian and relief aid. “It pains us that the month of Ramadan falls this year at a time when our brothers in Palestine are reeling under (Israeli) aggression. Hence, we underline the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop these brutal crimes, and provide safe humanitarian and relief corridors,” he said.


In an address to the Saudi citizens and expatriates as well as Muslims around the world, delivered on his behalf by Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary marking the occasion of the blessed month, the King asked God Almighty to bring goodness and peace to the Islamic Ummah and the entire world in this holy month, and to bestow continuous security, safety and prosperity for Saudi Arabia and to accept fasting and prayers from all Muslims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In the address, the King said: “We congratulate you on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, and we thank God that we have reached the month of mercy, forgiveness, and liberation from Hellfire. We ask God to make us and you among those who fast and pray during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward.”

King Salman thanked God Almighty for making the Kingdom the cradle of Islam, wherefrom the message of Islam emanated. The Monarch thanked Allah for enabling the Kingdom to serve the Two Holy Mosques and those visiting them, including the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and worshipers, and providing them with the best services.


“The God has honored the Kingdom by enabling it to serve the Holy Sites and develop the Two Holy Mosques and carrying out their ongoing expansion projects; It is a source of pride and prestige for the Kingdom’s leadership and people, and it is what its kings have followed since its unification at the hands of King Abdulaziz until this day, based on its pioneering role in serving Islam and Muslims,” he said.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz also congratulated the Kingdom’s brave soldiers stationed on its borders as well as members of all military and security sectors, and all workers in the state sectors who are dedicated to serving their country, praying to God to bestow them with the best reward.” (reported in Saudi Gazette)

From European Continent

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s

Ramadan Message

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulates Muslims on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

 


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak extended his congratulations to Muslims today on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, offering wishes of "Ramadan Mubarak" to everyone. Reported by SPA on March 11, 2024, SPA, London.

From American Continent

U.S. President Joseph R. Biden’s  Ramadan

Message to Muslims

U.S. President Joseph R. Biden has issued a statement on Ramadan on 10 March 2024 on behalf of the American people, “I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.” Followings are the statement on Ramadan by the U.S. President Joseph R. Biden. He said:



“Tonight—as the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan —Jill and I extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world," Biden wrote in the statement on Sunday.

“The sacred month is a time for reflection and renewal. This year, it comes at a moment of immense pain. The war in Gaza has inflicted terrible suffering on the Palestinian people," he added.

 As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many, he said.

"It is front of mind for me," said the US president.

Some of the Palestinians killed in Gaza “are family members of American Muslims, who are deeply grieving their lost loved ones today," Biden said.

He also said that nearly 2 million Palestinians are estimated to be displaced and in need of food, water, medicine and shelter.

“While we get more life-saving aid to Gaza, the United States will continue working non-stop to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire for at least six weeks as part of a deal that releases hostages.

"And we will continue building toward a long-term future of stability, security, and peace. That includes a two-state solution to ensure Palestinians and Israelis share equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity. That is the only path toward an enduring peace," Biden said.

The US will continue to lead international efforts to get more humanitarian assistance into Gaza by land, air, and sea, he said.

“Earlier this week, I directed our military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier on the coast of Gaza that can receive large shipments of aid. We are carrying out airdrops of aid, in coordination with our international partners, including Jordan. And we’ll continue to work with Israel to expand deliveries by land, insisting that it facilitate more routes and open more crossings to get more aid to more people," Biden said.

Biden noted that in the US they have seen an "appalling resurgence" of hate and violence towards Muslim Americans.

Islamophobia has absolutely no place in the United States, a country founded on freedom of worship and built on the contributions of immigrants, including Muslim immigrants, Biden said.

“My administration is developing the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination, to take on hate against Muslims, Sikhs, South Asians, and Arab American communities, wherever it occurs. No one should ever fear being targeted at school, at work, on the street, or in their community because of their background or beliefs," he said.

“To Muslims across our country, please know that you are deeply valued members of our American family. To those who are grieving during this time of war, I hear you, I see you, and I pray you find solace in your faith, family, and community. And to all who are marking the beginning of Ramzan tonight, I wish you a safe, healthy, and blessed month. Ramzan kareem," Biden said.

 Statement by the Prime Minister of

Canada on Ramadan 

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued on 10 March 2024 from Ottawa, Ontario, the following statement on Ramadan: “Tonight at sunset, Muslim communities in Canada and around the world will mark the start of Ramadan.”

 


The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ramadan:

“Tonight, at sundown, Muslim communities in Canada and around the world will mark the beginning of Ramadan.

“Over the coming weeks, family and friends will come together to pray and give back to others through kindness and generosity. At sundown, they will gather for iftar – the traditional meal shared after a long day of fasting. No matter where it’s observed, Ramadan provides an opportunity to honour the values of compassion, gratitude, and family.

“For all of us, this is also an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that Muslim Canadians have made – and continue to make – to our country. Nearly 1.8 million Muslims call Canada home, and our country is more prosperous because of them.

“This year, the sacred month comes at a particularly challenging time, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold. Canada reaffirms our call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian relief for civilians.

“As Muslim communities observe Ramadan with kindness and compassion, we are reminded of our collective duty to stand against Islamophobia, racism, and hate in all their forms, wherever and whenever they occur.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Muslim communities across Canada a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

رمضان مبارك

“Ramadan Mubarak.”

From the African Continent:

Ramadan Messages from Somalia



President of the Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud issued the following Ramadan messages. He said:

“As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended his sincere greetings to every Somali. The President prayed in his speech that everyone keeping the fast may experience mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual rejuvenation throughout Ramadan.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stressed the need of helping the weak and those in need within the Somali community as Muslims begin this holy journey of fasting, prayer, and introspection. He called on Somalis to be kind and giving to others, emulating the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity throughout Ramadan.

The President's comments included;

“Strong social and religious links are well-known in Somalia. May the lessons of Islam uplift us throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan and revitalise our will to advance Somalia's national harmony, peace, and reconciliation.

This year comes at a time Extremist groups have lost large terrain and territory due to the brave efforts of Somali Soldiers, leadership from clan Elders in denouncing groups and the governments operations in combating illicit flows and strengthening intelligence collection.”

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also said, “Ramadan will remind us of the correct Islam of Peace, Tolerance, Charity.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramadan Mubarak 1445AH Ramadan Greetings 2024

Ramadan Mubarak 1445AH and

Ramadan Greetings 2024

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings to all of you, especially to all the readers of this website: May this holy month bring barakah, and Allah's boundless mercy upon the believers and harmony and tolerance for the world.

Muslims almost everywhere welcome the coming of the month of Ramadan on the same day, on Monday, the 11th of March, 2024 this year. Saudi Arabia, the heartland of Islam, the country of the Two Holy Mosques, the birthplace of Prophet Peace be upon him, is performing Ramadan on Saturday. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced  that “11th of March Monday will be the first of Ramadan for the year 1445H.  The Crescent of Ramadan 1445/2024 has been sighted  in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently 1st Ramadan 1445 will be tomorrow, i.e., Monday, 11 March 2024.

The determination of the starting date relies on both lunar calculations and physical sightings of the new moon, a practice steeped in Islamic tradition. After looking into the testimonies it received, the Supreme Court confirmed that the moon was sighted in several governorates and rural centres of the Kingdom. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that we should start and complete our fasting on sighting the moon, the Supreme Court decided that Monday is the 1st of Ramadan 1445H corresponding to 11 March 2024.

Joining Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have also confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Monday, with Oman, Pakistan, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Brunei and Iran to follow a day later.

British Muslims welcome Ramadan: the month of discipline, compassion and solidarity on Monday, 11th of March 2024. British Muslims join over a billion Muslims all over the world in a month of fasting, charity and solidarity. 

The governments of many countries issued Ramadan Message to Muslims in their countries and around the world (see saem-03-2024).

Ramadan Mubarak to you All

I welcome Ramadan, the month of Mercy and Repentance, the month of the Qur’an, of Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) and of repentance and forgiveness. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of the Islamic faith. It was declared an obligatory duty (Fard) in the second year of the Hijrah upon each and every mukallaf (one capable of carrying out religious duties, i.e. a sane adult).

Allah the Almighty made Ramadan fasting compulsory for Muslims. Allah said, “O those who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as were enjoined upon those before so that you be God-fearing.’ [Surah Baqarah, 183]. Literally, Sawm means ‘to abstain’. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means ‘to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse: with the conditions that one abstains continuously from dawn to sunset, and that there is an intention to fast.’ Therefore, should one eat or drink anything even a minute before sunset, the fast will not be valid. Similarly, if one abstained from all these things throughout the day but made no intention to fast, there will be no fast here too.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an “…And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread…” (Al-Qur’an, 2:187) Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

Fasting in Islam is based on the lunar calendar and is tied to the sightings of hilal, the crescent, or new moon. Allah the Almighty stated: “They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time… (Al-Qur’an, 2:189). And the Traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Eat until you see the crescent and break not until you see the crescent. If it is cloudy calculate the period of the month.” (Muslim and others).

Fasting in Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications, e.g. mentally and physically fit, adult full of age which is normally fourteen and fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.

The said qualifications exclude the following categories: children under the age of puberty and discretion; men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships; sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast; travellers may break the fast temporarily during their travel;  pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break their fast and women in the period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days. They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it.


 

The holy month of Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and seeking release from the Hell-fire. It is the month of repentance and acceptance of prayers. It is the month when the devils are chained, the gates of Hell are looked and the gates of Paradise are opened.  That’s why; Muslims welcome Ramadan each year with energy and happiness, and are saddened only when the month departs. Fasting is for the living, not for mourning.

Ramadan is a month of worship. Muslims should welcome the month with repentance and seeking Allah’s pardon. We should keep away from committing sins; worship Allah sincerely and spending the night and day in prayer, supplication and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

 Fasting is a shield which helps prevent many sins and with which Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire. Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and quarrelling. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behaviour.

Fasting inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. This gives Muslim a new sense of togetherness and association.

 Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an: The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong). (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 185) As Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, every Muslim should prepare himself to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan by strengthening his relationship with the Qur’an. A Muslim is encouraged to complete one recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan.

We should engage more and more in the recitation of the Qur’an, in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), perform extra Salah (ritual prayers) at night and renew identity with one another in our obedience to Allah.

Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical, moral and spiritual renewal through fasting, charity and worship. This is the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan. “We can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of Taqwa (Piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad,” said Dr. Muzzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).