Eid Mubarak to You All

Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Greetings:
Eid Mubarak to you all

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: The end of the Holy Month of Ramadan marks the start of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival and celebrations which are often highlighted by the exchange of gifts amongst close family members and children. Muslims all over the world who came to visit the Two Holy Mosques in the month of Ramadan fasted and stood in prayer at night during this past month with sincere faith must continue to be diligent and dutiful in our worship of Allah, and kind to our fellow human beings including the neighbours. Such obligations must continue in good faith, even as Ramadan comes to an end.

While I can personally deliver my Eid greetings to family members, friends and associates, I take it upon myself to use this column to thank all the readers of this column as well as the weekly The Muslim Weekly. Eid Mubarak.

Iftar
During the month of Ramadan, both in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Masjid al Nabawi in Madinah, philanthropists and social workers distributed Iftar. Several charities and philanthropists vied with each other in providing delicious and healthy breakfast to the visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. The daily expenditure on breakfast works out to SR2 million which is borne by the private sector. The presidency of the Prophet’s Mosques affairs supplied Zamzam water in more than 20,000 water coolers. The Presidency also kept 2,000 workers on active duty to keep the Mosque clean within 15 minutes of breaking the fast. They also moved water coolers to their original places before the call for Maghreb prayer was made.

Jumah, Taraweeh and Qiyamullail prayers
More than three million Muslim faithful attended Jumah, Taraweeh and Qiyamullail prayers at the Two Holy Mosques on Friday as the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah called for joint efforts to combat terrorism. The Haram in Makkah overflowed with worshippers as tens of thousands of faithful had come to perform Umrah and attend special prayers seeking Lailat Al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, accompanied by senior princes, ministers and officials, was in Makkah to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in the vicinity of Haram.

Delivering his Friday sermon, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, imam of the Grand Mosque, urged the faithful to fear God in all walks of their lives. He also urged Muslims to make use of the blessings in the last 10 days of Ramadan by engaging in worship and righteous deeds. “It’s a great blessing of God that we have another opportunity to live in these most blessed days and nights of the year,” he said. “We have to thank God for this blessing by doing good deeds. Are we ready to do that?” the imam asked.

He explained how the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions spent the last 10 days of Ramadan. The Prophet used to stay inside the mosque throughout the last 10 days of the holy month, seeking Lailat Al-Qadr. “This night is called Lailat Al-Qadr considering its importance and greatness. It’s better than a thousand months.”

Imam Al-Sudais also spoke about the importance of paying Zakah, the compulsory payment of a specific portion of a person’s wealth. Most Muslims pay their Zakah during Ramadan to maximize their reward.

Khatm prayers
More than two million faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah to attend special prayers on the night of 29th Ramadan marking the completion of the recitation (Khatm) of the Holy Qur’an at night prayers during Ramadan. The mosque complex overflowed with worshippers with thousands lining up in the courtyards and streets around the mosque to join the prayers. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, who led the prayers, beseeched Allah to end the sufferings of Muslims everywhere. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, senior princes and ministers are in the vicinity of Makkah to monitor the services being rendered to worshippers.

Saudi Television as well as foreign channels carried the annual event to viewers around the globe. The Civil Defence had set up a plan to meet any emergency situation and deployed more than 4,200 officers and readied equipment to carry out rescue operations. The Makkah Municipality deployed 4,600 workers to keep the keep the central region of Makkah neat and clean. The government had made special arrangements to protect pilgrims from swine flu and other contagious diseases. About 200 doctors and nurses were on duty at clinics inside and outside the Mosque.

Eid-ul-Fitr
After a number of people in Taif sighted the Shawwal crescent Saturday evening, the Supreme Court ratified the testimonies of people who sighted the new moon and the Royal Court announced that Sunday will be the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia. With the confirmation of the sighting of Shawwal crescent, at least 14 million SMS messages were sent by subscribers of telecom companies in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening to exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings. The messages were sent before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers that took place at open grounds and mosques in various parts of the country. There were a total of 175 Eid congregations in Jeddah, including 74 in the centre of the city, 51 in the north and 50 in the south.

Eid-ul-Fitr Prayers
Nearly three million Muslims, including a large number of foreign pilgrims, attended the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, Makkah Governor Prince Khaled al-Faisal and other senior princes and ministers joined the prayers.

Sheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, led the prayers. In his Eid sermon, the imam urged Muslims to spread love and affection among them and improve their relations with others. He highlighted the importance of volunteerism, saying it would help lessen the suffering of other people and that it purifies minds, prevents people from becoming stingy, gets rid of disappointment. “Such volunteer work should not be limited to the times of natural calamities,” the imam said. He said spreading happiness among members of society was essential to strengthening social bonds. Such cohesiveness, he said, is essential to safeguard internal security, prevent crimes and reduce poverty and corruption.

“We should compete with one another in charitable and voluntary work,” he added. “It promotes popular partnership. Being a strong means of reforms, it also strengthens states and governments and bridges the gap in extending services.”

At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah nearly two million faithful attended Eid prayers, which were led by Sheikh Salah al-Bedair. In his Eid sermon, Al-Bedair called upon Muslims to abide by the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah in all walks of their life. He reminded the faithful and promoting virtue and preventing vice is one of the fundamentals of Shari’ah. He advised Muslims to perform the compulsory five daily prayers, give the obligatory alms of Zakat and perform the once in-a-life-time duty of Hajj. They should also avoid interest-bearing finances and the usury trap, pay the salaries of workers and not ask of workers what they cannot do.

King Abdullah’s Eid Message:
Let us spread happiness
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah on Saturday congratulated Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and urged them to treat the less fortunate with a spirit of compassion and solidarity. “Let your Eid be a celebration of love and compassion,” King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan said in a joint message to the nation.

King Abdullah and Prince Sultan thanked God for bestowing His blessings on the Kingdom and its people. "Islam is the greatest blessing of God and Eid that comes after the holy month of Ramadan is one of its features,” the message said. The King and the Crown Prince urged Muslims in the Kingdom and elsewhere in the world to compete with one another in charitable activities in order to remove and lessen the pain off others.

British Prime Minister’s Eid Message
“I am delighted to send you all best wishes for Eid-ul-Fitr. This is a special time at the end of the very holy month of Ramadan. Muslims throughout the United Kingdom and around the world are not only celebrating the end of the fast, but are celebrating faith, family and devotion,” said the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, M.P in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 message.

Brown said, “This is a joyous time but also a time when we think of others. So as families and friends come together your thoughts are with each other and ours are with you.”

“Please accept our warmest regards as Britain’s Muslim communities join the Ummah around the world in celebrating Eid ul-Fitr – I wish you all Eid Mubarak,” British Prime Minister added.

British Foreign Secretary’s Eid Message
“I am delighted to send you my very best wishes for the important day of Eid-ul-Fitr. I know that this is a crucial part of the Muslim calendar, a time to reflect, a time to think about local and global responsibilities. I’m very proud to be the foreign secretary of a country where over two million Muslims make a massive contribution to politics, to the arts, to business and also to diplomacy itself through the Foreign Office,” said British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, M.P. in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Message.

Miliband also said, “I know that the challenges that we face are real, but I also know that there is a real yearning in Britain and elsewhere for a new coalition between states like ours and between Muslim majority countries, but above all between people across boundaries of race, religion and region.”

“So on this very important day I send you my best wishes, Eid Mubarak,” British Foreign Secretary said.

British Secretary of State for Communities
And Local Government
“I am pleased to send you my best wishes and Eid Mubarak. Eid ul-Fitr is a day of renewal, of celebrating happiness with families, friends and neighbours, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. This is a special occasion for the UK’s Muslim communities, but people of all different backgrounds and walks of life share your joy, thanks to the double blessing of the diversity that so enriches our society, and the common values that bring us all together,” said British Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, M.P., in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Message.

Denham said, “It is an honour to share this celebration with you. Happy Eid and Eid Mubarak.”

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

The Last 10 days and nights of Ramadan
Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I still remember my childhood when an old man of 70 years, Abdul Jabbar, used to come from the district of Faridpur (now in Bangladesh) took the silent alleys of our village in the night, chanting and calling, to wake up Muslims for the last meal before another day of Ramadan fasting begins. Abdul Jabbar reminds one of a character from the book The Thousands and One Nights. He is a strange person who comes out from the depth of the night to disturb the quietness by a shrill cry calling, Suhuoor…Suhoor.

Now that person is replaced in a big city like London by Muslim Community Radio (MCR) – Ramadan Radio – in East London, Kismat Radio and Islam TV Channel calling Muslims to wake up for their breakfast. In Ramadan, all Muslims should eat before starting to fast.

I'tikaf
The Month of Mercy came and is passing away very fast. The last 10 days and nights have already started. Muslims started coming to the mosque for Itikaf. Itikaf means seclusion and staying in the Mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform Itikaf for last 10 days every Ramadan. In the year that he died, he performed it for twenty days. (Related by Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, and Ibn-Majah). The next Friday will be the Jumatul-Widah, the last Friday of the Blessed Month of Ramadan.

As the month of blessings and mercy is coming to the end, similarly the recitation of the complete Qur’an is also coming to the Khatam which would be on the 27th night of Ramadan. The last ten nights are very important nights. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in night prayer especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)
Lailatul-Qadr is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah revealed a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (97:1-5) and the 3rd to the 6th verses of the Surat ad-Dukhan (44:3-6). Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “Indeed We have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Decree. And what will explain to you what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of morning!” (97:1-5). A person who misses Lailatul Qadr is really a deprived person!

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisai and al-Bayhaqi).

Aishah said, “Allah’s Messenger used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Zakah
The word Zakat in Arabic means purification. The giving of Zakat (obligatory charity) is the third pillar of Islam. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity of Eid-ul-Fitr, given to the poor before Eid prayer) and Zakat Al-Maal (purifying charity, paid on one’s wealth).

It is to be noted that Zakat-ul-Fitr was declared by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a prerequisite for the acceptance of fasting. But when and whom to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr? First of all, who has to pay? Each and every Muslim, regardless of his social status, is required to give a certain amount of charity usually in the form of food grains, barley, raisin etc. called Zakat-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid-ul-Fitr so that every member of the Muslim community, especially the poor, have something to eat on the day of Eid. It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc., said Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

Dr. Qaradawi also said, “If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakat-ul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he fasted all the other days of the month. Conversely, if a child is born after Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, i.e. the first night of Shawwal, it would be obligatory to pay Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr on his or her behalf. This view is unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars.” The head of the household must pay for every member of the family, even for the newborn. The Muslim is supposed to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (i.e., Zakah of breaking the fast) in the country where he or she spends the first night of the month of Shawwal. The amount of Zakat-ul-Fitr for this year, as declared by the Islamic Cultural Centre, is four pounds per person.

So far as the Zakat-ul-Maal is concerned, it is also obligatory for a Muslim, who possesses the minimum wealth on which Zakat is applicable, to give out Zakat. In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Imam and Khateeb Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Mohammad Aal-Talib, urged Muslims to be God-Conscious and give charity to the poor and the needy. He said Zakat removes miserliness and cleans the heart from cruelty.

Allah has stressed on payment of Zakat, which appears in the Holy Qur’an more than 30 times. There are many verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that urge Muslim to give charity for the sake of Allah. Sheikh Aal-Talib said charity is an act that attracts Allah’s mercy. He said giving charity secretly extinguishes God’s anger and it is a blessing for the person’s wealth. A person who does not give in charity will be punished by removal of the blessing (barakah) from his wealth.
Zakat-ul-Fitr is associated with the Eid and is meant to create happiness in such a way that includes the poor and the needy. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Make them (i.e., the poor) rich on this day (i.e. the day of Eid)”.

Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is also the month of charity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Spend more time with the Qur’an. Read the Qur’an every day. Try to finish at least one time the whole Qur’an during this month by your own personal reading. Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do not ignore the Tarawih. Make more extra and voluntary prayers. Do as much worship as you can. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du’a (supplication) for yourself and for others. Repent and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others as much as you can. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last 10 nights of this month.

The month of blessing and forgiveness is passing away very quickly. Do not miss the remaining last ten days and nights. Let us clear our sins. Let us seek the Night of Qadr.

Ramadan - The Month of the Qur'an

Ramadan: The Month of the Qur’an

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 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 your 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. In spite of their conspiracy, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form.

The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained for the past 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.” (Bukhari, Daud and Tirmidhi).

Welcome Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings from Balad al-Ameen to you all

Welcome Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings from Balad al-Ameen to you all

Dr. Mozammel Haque

It is very happy and good news that most communities and schools of thoughts of the United Kingdom have decided to start Ramadan from the same day, Saturday, the 22nd of August 2009 like their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. In Canada, the month of Shaaban was completed 29 days on Friday when Ottawans got the shahadah from cities in Texas and Florida about the clear sighting of the Crescest, thus beginning Ramadan 1430 on Saturday 22 August 2009. Alhamdo Lillah, the wish of the Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid Al-Haram Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais expressed in his meeting with Muslim leaders at the East London Mosque and the Islamic Cultural Centre has been accepted and fulfilled.

I am sending my Ramadan greetings and prayer from the Balad al-Ameen, the City of Peace, Makkah al-Mukarramah and from the Masjid al-Haram to all the readers: May this holy month bring barakah, and Allah's boundless mercy upon the believers and harmony and tolerance for the world. Saudi Arabia also started Ramadan on the same day, Saturday, the 22nd of August 2009.

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.

Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy; a month of giving in charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. Many Muslims also pay Zakah in the month of Ramadan.

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).

In this connection, I would like to convey the Ramadan Message from the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, who have issued Ramadan Message in August 2009.

Message from British Prime Minister
On this auspicious occasion of the Blessed month of Ramadan, the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, MP, in his Ramadan Message in August 2009, said, “The message of compassion and justice is strong in the Islamic faith, not just in the holy month of Ramadan. It is a universal message that unites us all.”

While saying “Ramadan Mubarak” to the two million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, the British Prime Minister expressed his wishes to share with all the Muslim communities along with their families in the United Kingdom and throughout the world, his “sincerest best wishes for this the sacred month of Ramadan.”

British Prime Minister said, “Ramadan is a time for family and friends. A time when Muslims around the world focus more on others than themselves. As you come together everyday for the next month to break the fast, thoughts will be of faith, families and togetherness.”

“It will also be a time for prayer, contemplation and reflection; a time to remember those who are less fortunate today,” observed British Prime Minister.

Brown also said, “Britain is a country of around 2 million Muslims in a Europe of over 20 million. Britain today is a better place because of our diversity and openness. Our culture and society are stronger because of the contribution Muslims make everyday.”

British Prime Minister also said, “As British Muslim communities across the United Kingdom prepare for Ramadan, may I take this opportunity to say: may your Ramadan be peaceful and blessed. Once again Ramadan Mubarak to you all.”

Message from British Foreign Secretary
British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, MP, also sent his “warmest wishes to Muslim communities around the world for the holy month of Ramadan” in his Ramadan Message to the British Muslim Community. Miliband said, “Ramadan marks an important time in the Islamic calendar. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims will be busy preparing for this month of fasting, prayer and contemplation.”

“Ramadan also has a strong social aspect. It is a time for charity and giving – the outward expression of faith through acts of kindness and love, to complement the inner devotion and prayer. Ramadan’s focus on helping those in need is a good message for all of us, both Muslim and non Muslim,” Miliband said in his Ramadan Message.

“As we approach the holy month, let me wish you Ramadan Mubarak,” Miliband said

Message from British Communities Secretary
British Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, MP, while passing on to all Muslim communities his “sincerest best wishes for the holy month of Ramadan” said, “Ramadan teaches patience and humility, and empathy for the less fortunate.”

“The Ramadan's message of compassion and social justice spreads beyond Muslim communities; it speaks of shared values that unite us all. Ramadan Karim,” said John Denham Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Message from the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques
‘Promote sympathy, love’
King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, urged Friday Muslims around the world to use the blessed month of Ramadan to promote sympathy, compassion and love for other human beings.

“Let us seek to embrace the spirit of brotherhood and fraternity, promote sympathy, compassion and openhandedness, and let us recall the great values of religion which are of the blessings of this good month and this tolerant religion,” the messages read.

The King and the Crown Prince thanked Almighty Allah for bestowing this blessed month on the Muslims. “Praise be to God Who said in His Holy Book: ‘(Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)’, and peace and prayers be upon Prophet Muhammad, who was a Messenger of God, and upon his companions and followers until the Day of Resurrection.”

The King and the Crown Prince thanked Allah for honoring Muslims with the blessed month, with its first part of mercy, middle of forgiveness and last part a pardon from fire.

They said that in this blessed month “all Muslims begin to recall, during its great days and nights, sympathy, compassion and love, and acquire from its generosity all the great meanings given by the religion: the meanings of compassion, tolerance and generosity, of following the example of our master Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who hastened to perform acts of generosity and good.”

The speech ended by beseeching Allah to help “us worship Him, observe the fast including its night rituals, show us the way to acts of obedience, and make us among the pardoned during this month.”

Shaykh Sudais at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Shaykh al-Sudais at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Shaykh Sudais urges academics to
involve and support dialogue

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid al-Haram of Makkah visited the new building under construction of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford on Monday, the 10th of August 2009 and Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre took him to the different halls of the new building.

After coming back to the Old building of the Centre where it is functioning at the moment, Dr. Naseef introduced Shaykh al-Sudais, Imam of the Haram and the Professor of the Ummul Qura University, Makkah to the faculty members, staff and students of the Centre saying that the Shaykh has come to the Centre for the first time. “We have the pleasure and honour to receive him and to listen to his short lecture today and to benefit from that,” said Dr. Naseef while welcoming the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram and his companions.

His eminence, the Shaykh expressed his pleasure and delight to visit this scientific edifice, the Centre for Islamic Studies and to convey the best greetings and regards of the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the government level as well as at the academic level and also those who work at the Haram in Makkah.

The first point Shaykh mentioned during this talk is the favour of Allah the Almighty on humanity and said that the purpose of God’s revelations and his messengers is to honour the humanity and the human beings and to activate a close relationship between different nations and different peoples so that they may become more acquainted with each other. Then his eminence recited the verse of the Holy Qur’an that Allah the Almighty has sent his messenger to make the bond between different nations and different peoples stronger.

The second point Shaykh said it is very clear that the people live on this earth adhering to different cultures, different ideas and belonging to different civilizations. It is part of God’s plan. Shaykh also mentioned that there are differences among peoples and these differences are not or should not be the cause for conflict and strife between different peoples. But they should also be keen together towards the common good of humanity even if their beliefs and value systems are different.

The third point Shaykh mentioned is that Islam is a religion of moderation; not a religion of extremism or radicalism. It is a faith that enjoins virtuous conduct, it encourages values, it encourages people to be tolerant towards others and it encourages people basically to live in harmony, peace and security. That is the basic message of Islam, the Shaykh said.

The fourth point Professor al-Sudais said the academic institutions generally have the responsibility to carry especially in a world which is full of misunderstandings, mistrust and apprehensions about the others whoever that might be. The first, of course, through academic work they can present the fair faith of Islam; the faith of Islam that shows its tolerance with others; of course, all in an academic manner.

Shaykh celebrates the existence of this institution and similar institutions like it in the West because they could help to act as a bridge that will present as the true picture of the faith of Islam and this role, as his eminence has put it, the primary role of those academicians and others in the West.

The fifth point the Shaykh mentioned is about knowledge and its role as a means to a better life and a means to recognizing the Creator. Professor al-Sudais said, the Revelations of Allah the Almighty has never been an obstacle towards scientific progress or scientific inquiry. In fact, if you look at science, any science or any form of knowledge that will bring the creation closer to the Creator. There is a positive emphasis on that in Islam and other religions.

The sixth point the Shaykh wanted to mention, is that as part of Islamic doctrine is the belief in all the Messengers and Prophets of God, especially Ibrahim, Issa and Musa (Peace be upon all of them) and others. This kind of common belief in all the Messengers of God will provide a sound basis on which people of different faiths can come together and work for the common good of humanity. That is something people need to reflect upon.

The seventh point Professor al-Sudais mentioned is that Islam as a faith is strongly in favour of dialogue with those who are different; for dialogue has the primary role in the message of Islam and it is one of the means to convey the message of Islam to others. While reciting the verse which says: “invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom,” Shaykh said, all the prophets of Allah have been tasked with initiating dialogue with those who do not belief in them, in fact with those who reject them and therefore we the followers of that guidance should reactivate, reignite and reestablish that method and methodology especially when at times we find people attributing things to the faith that are not true of the message of that faith; just because some Muslims have acted improperly or wrongly one cannot see the whole faith in that same violent or radical picture and therefore in order to explain your position I think you need to engage with others in what we call dialogue.

The point eight Shaykh mentioned we should give special attention to look after students and young people and to care for them, especially in a world that has become full of consumers and materialism. His advice is: this Centre and other institutions should try and specifically cater for young people including students.

The point nine the Shaykh mentioned this academic centre and all other institutions similar to it to devote some of their time and academic expertise to look at the difficulties and the problems that Muslims are facing when they live in the West generally. The Shaykh also mentioned when academic institutions are involved and they present report it would be taken seriously by those in position of decision-making or policy makers because it would be grounded in facts rather than just bushes.

Finally, point ten the Shaykh said, an institution like this and other academic institutions should certainly involve themselves in what we broadly describe as the movement of dialogue of civilizations nowadays which is an international movement; it should be strengthen and offered all the help it requires from academics. This movement has something to contribute to a better world and the academics ought to be involved in it and supported and especially there is a concerted effort in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to embark on an international project like that.

Finally he thanks the organizers, especially Dr. Naseef, the chairman of the Board of Trustees and all those who are at the Centre.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Farhan Nizami, the Director of the Centre who expressed his regret not to be here and from myself, Dr. David Brown, the Registrar of the Centre, thanked His eminence for honouring this Centre by his visit. Dr. Brown said, “This Centre is rather unique institution which owes a great deal, I am not saying simply because the chairman is sitting next to me a great deal to the vision and commitment of its trustees from the very beginning.”

“To establish an institution which will encourage through serious study a better understanding among everybody of the culture and civilization of Islam and to create that centre at Oxford as part of the structure of the University so that I was delighted when we announce the new building in the local newspaper the headlines of symbols of hope to have for the first time in the history of Oxford an academic institution at this university which is an Islamic foundation,” said Dr. Brown.

Dr. Brown also added, “May I suggest your eminence that people sitting around this table who are here at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies represent different cultures, different civilizations and different religious faiths and we are all parts of God’s creation and to meet together to demonstrate that is one of the strengths and purposes to establish the Centre for Islamic Studies.”

Imam al-Sudais at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London

Imam al-Sudais at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London

Imam Al-Sudais urges Muslims to engage
proactively and positively


Dr. Mozammel Haque

Unfortunately, in different parts of the world, including in this country, Muslims stands to start Ramadan and end Ramadan in different times. Probably this Ramadan will be an occasion to bring people together, said Shaykh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah while addressing a part of the cream of the Muslim leaders of various organisations, schools, centres and NGOs before the Issa prayer in the Library Hall of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), London, on Friday, the 7th of August 2009.

Those who were present at this meeting, among others, were Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB); Mr. Sayed Ferjani, President of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Mufti Aslam, Mr. Shoaib, Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Councillor of Tower Hamlets.

The Imam, famous for his beautiful recitation of the Qur’an, urged Muslim leaders to hold regular meetings to exchange ideas between them. He expressed hope that the coming Ramadan will be an occasion to bring people together. He congratulated Muslim organizations for their efforts towards Muslims in Britain.
Imam Al-Sudais prayed to Allah the Almighty to make strengthen us, to make us attempt to be more united, Insha Allah, for the future. He said I suggested before regular meetings for Muslim leaders and Muslim communities in this place and other places so that people can exchange ideas and Allah the Almighty helps them to bring their hearts together.

Shaykh Al-Sudais said, I am not an expert to address you with regards to things probably you know better but I will be attempting to impart some knowledge with regard to what I think be useful for you as leaders of the Muslim community in this country.

The Imam said, this is a very important opportunity for you and I and for all of us to open our hearts to exchange ideas, to remedy the problems, to seek solutions for all of us those who are living in this country. He congratulates all of the leaders of all of the Muslim organization present today for the efforts that they are doing for the Muslims in this country. He said the echo of your positive and an excellent work reaches us over there in the Bilad al-Haramain. So congratulations.

“The news of your excellent work reaches us over there in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques,” he said.

Imam Al-Sudais also said, I want you to outreach more positively with the official bodies of this country, why not the government? why not the civil servant? why not the local council and so on and so forth,

Shaykh Al-Sudais said, we cannot at all outreach to others, the non-Muslims without making the utmost attempt to outreach ourselves, meaning outreach to other Muslims in this country. He said, we need to be more proactive to outreach to other Muslim organizations, other Muslim groups before we think about outreaching to the non-Muslims in this society.

Imam of the Haram said, our mission is indeed very very clear. We do not have any hidden agenda. Why we Muslims are not proactively involved in politics in this country.

The Imam also said, we are very patient and we have confidence in Allah and confidence in the mission that we are holding, that it is a mission of truth. We are looking to guide this society to the truth and to the right guidance.

Imam of the Haram said, Dawah faces these days many many challenges and we Muslims should take this very seriously.

Shaykh Al-Sudais said, Muslims should proactively and positively move very peacefully towards Dawah.

Shaykh Al-Sudais does recommend for the regular meetings among Muslim leaders in this Islamic Cultural Centre, London. He said, the Central Mosque London is the ideal place to hold such meetings which bring together various groups of the Muslim community of this country.

Imam of the Masjid al-Haram also said, I would be very happy to support you in every way I can and I can be very happy to follow from where I am in Saudi Arabia.

After the meeting with the cream of the Muslim leaders of United Kingdom, Imam of the Haram led the Issa prayer at the Central Mosque, London.

Earlier in the morning, the Imam of the Haram led the Jumah congregation of over 10,000 worshippers at the Central Mosque, London and delivered his Khutbah, the Friday sermons to the Muslim worshippers of over 10, 000. In his Friday sermons, Shaykh Al-Sudais was talking about the manners and tradition of Islam. He urged the Muslim community members to be good example of Islam; to be good members of the society where they live in, to listen and obey to the rules and regulations of the country where they live in.

The Imam of the Haram also talked about tolerance in Islam and he also talked about to abide the Islamic law.

Shaykh Al-Sudais urged the Muslim community to take special care of education. The women, fathers and wives should give special care and more care about their children to be good members of the society in future.

Shaykh Al-Sudais is loved by everybody of the community. Wherever he goes, whoever is organising the programme and event for him find always difficulties to control the people and the crowd. Everybody, men, women and children try to say Salaam Alaikum to Shaykh, request him to make Dua for them. And all these people try to do this at the same time. These people do this because they like him they respect him and they respect the Two Holy Mosques where it is.

Shaykh Al-Sudais said, he was overwhelmed by the Muslim community after the Jumah prayer. The Imam of the Haram said, this is indeed a sign of love; a sign of the bond of brotherhood that binds people not only of this country but those who come from different parts of the world. He said that this is also the sign of the Muslim community loving of those who are coming from the Bilad al-Haramain and this has put a responsibility on myself as a Shaykh coming from Makkah that I should play a role like many other leaders to unite the Muslim community or to help the Muslim communities.

Imam of the Haram also thanked Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan and to the people who took him around in his trips in different places while he was here.

His Excellency Prince Mohammad Bin Nawaf, the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia came to the Mosque and prayed his Jumah prayer. From time to time, His Royal Highness comes here to pray Jumah prayers and other ambassadors also come in the evening. It’s the Central Mosque of London as well as the Central Mosque for the community; so it is expected that some of the VIPs, some of the visitors to come to pray here.

The Islamic Cultural Centre, London, is well-known throughout the Muslim community of the world. It started its services to the society since 1944. Now, Islamic Cultural Centre is one of the biggest organisations. It gives services to Muslims and non-Muslims in the society. There are different services: educational services through the courses that it offers and delivers here; it has nurseries with about thirty children; the weekend school has about 220 children. The Centre has unit for the interfaith activities and dialogue between Muslims and other faiths, which is very important. The Centre has also academic Journal published every Quarter.

Shaykh Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais at East London Mosque

Shaykh Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais at East London Mosque

I volunteer for the Second Extension of the Mosque -
Head Imam of Masjid Al-Haram

Dr. Mozammel Haque

LONDON: Shaykh DR. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the Head Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram of Makkah al-Mukarramah, visited the East London Mosque this evening of Wednesday, the 5th of August, 2009 as part of a visit to the UK. “I volunteer for the second extension of the East London Mosque,” said Shaykh Al-Sudais while unveiling the plaque of the foundations for the second phase of the East London Mosque, Whitechapel, London.

After unveiling a plaque commemorating the laying of the foundations for Phase 2 of East London Mosque, the Head Imam of the Haram led the Maghreb prayer and gave a short speech to a congregation, with over 15,000 people. The Head Imam mentioned about Tauheed, the Oneness of Allah and said that we have to follow the Book of Allah the Almighty, The Holy Qur’an and to follow the Sunnah, the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.) Allah the Almighty sent him to us as the Mercy for the whole Mankind. We have to follow his character.

The second point, the Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that you are the Ummah of Akhlaq, the nation of good character. You have to cooperate and help each other in righteousness and fear of Allah and don’t help each other in sin and aggression. This cooperation and helping each other is both among Muslims as well as between Muslims and non-Muslims. These are all parts of Islamic Akhlaq; Islamic character. Muslims are always at peace with Muslims and peaceful to all human beings both by hands and by tongue.

The third point, the Head Imam of Baitullah mentioned, is that the Deen or Religion of Islam is the Deen or Religion of the Middle Path and the balance. This religion protects all our good deeds and good benefits and protects us from wrong doings against each other. Imam also mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit the Jews and look after his neighbours.

The fourth point, the Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram mentioned, is that we are Ummah of Unity. You should always have unity on the basis of the Book of Allah, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

The fifth point, Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that we are Ummah of knowledge. The sixth point, the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said about usra (Family) and mentioned about bringing up children, Hijab and the dignity of women.

The seventh point, the Head Imam of the Masjid-al-Haram, mentioned is to impart proper teachings and training of Islam, tarbiyyat-e-Shahih.

The eighth point, the Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that you are the Ummah of Dawah to Allah. Preaching with wisdom. Islam is a religion of Dawah. Call people to Islam with wisdom.

The ninth point, Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that we should be respectful to our parents, protect and safeguard our children and give them proper training and education.

The tenth point, the Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram mentioned, is that we are Ummat-e-Taibah. In this connection, the Imam mentioned about the month of Ramadan which is approaching. Ramadan is the month of Taubah and forgiveness. This is also the month of khairat (charity) and barakat. So the Imam advised the audience, the Muslims to make taubah to Allah the Almighty.

In his speech he mentioned, that Muslims should be proactive positively in our communities and work for all humanity. He also mentioned that we should work to look after our family and that the community at the East London Mosque should trust the committee to build community for the future.

East London Mosque is one of the oldest Mosques in London. In 1910 some notable Muslim figures decided to build a mosque in London and established the London Mosque Fund. Initially, a small room was hired for Friday prayers. However, in 1926 the Fund had grown to a sizeable amount and a 'Deed of Declaration of Trust' was made.

In 1940 three houses were purchased in Commercial Road, London E1 and converted into a Mosque. It was opened on Friday 1 August 1941; Lt. Col. Sir Hussain Suhrawardy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the London Mosque Fund, welcomed worshippers into the newly established East London Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre. The first Jumaah prayer was led by the then Ambassador for Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Shaikh Hafiz Wahab in 1941.

Over the years many distinguished personalities were associated with the London Mosque Fund. Among them, the Rt. Hon. Syed Ameer Ali, the first Indian Privy Counsellor, who was the Chairman of London Mosque Fund Executive Committee until his death in 1928. His Royal Highness the Aga Khan served as life President of the Board of Trustees. Among the earliest members of the Board of Trustees during the thirties and forties were the famous author of The History of Saracens and the Spirit of Islam, Ameer Ali; the author of the English Translation of The Holy Qur’an, Marmaduke Pickthall and the Meaning of the Translation of the Holy Qur’an, Abdullah Yousuf Ali.

The construction of the present structure of the Mosque was completed in 1985. The opening ceremony was led by Imam Muhammad Subayil, the then Head Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram. King Khaled of Saudi Arabia promised and then King Fahd bin Abdulaziz donated 1.1 million pounds sterling for the construction of the Mosque.

The first extension of the East London Mosque was completed in 2004 and King Fahd bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia donated one million US dollars for the construction of its first extension. The opening ceremony was led by Imam Abdul Rahman Sudais, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram.

IMAM of Masjid Al-Haram led Friday Jumah
Prayer at the Central Mosque London

On Friday, the 7th of August 2009, the Imam of the Haram led the Jumah congregation at the Central Mosque, London and delivered his Khutbah, the Friday sermons to the Muslim worshippers of over 10, 000. In his Friday sermons, Shaykh Sudais was talking about the manners and tradition of Islam. He urged the Muslim community members to be good example of Islam; to be good members of the society where they live in, to listen and obey to the rules and regulations of the country where they live in.

The Imam of the Haram also talked about tolerance in Islam and he also talked about to abide the Islamic law.

Shaykh Sudais urged the Muslim community to take special care of education. The women, fathers and wives should give special care and more care about their children to be good members of the society in future.

Shaykh Sudais is loved by everybody of the community. Wherever he goes, whoever is organising the programme and event for him find always difficulties to control the people and the crowd. Everybody, men, women and children try to say Salaam Alaikum to Shaykh, request him to make Dua for them. And all these people try to do this at the same time. These people do this because they like him they respect him and they respect the Two Holy Mosques where it is.

Shaykh Sudais said, he was overwhelmed by the Muslim community after the Jumah prayer. The Imam of the Haram said, this is indeed a sign of love; a sign of the bond of brotherhood that binds people not only of this country but those who come from different parts of the world. He said that this is also the sign of the Muslim community loving of those who are coming from the Bilad al-Haramain and this has put a responsibility on myself as a Shaykh coming from Makkah that I should play a role like many other leaders to unite the Muslim community or to help the Muslim communities.

His Excellency Prince Mohammad Bin Nawaf, the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia came to the Mosque and prayed his Jumah prayer. From time to time, His Royal Highness comes here to pray Jumah prayers and other ambassadors also come in the evening. It’s the Central Mosque of London as well as the Central Mosque for the community; so it is expected that some of the VIPs, some of the visitors to come to pray here.

Interview with Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef

Do good to humanity for peaceful
world – Dr. Naseef

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Promote service to humanity, to do good to the Mankind is the best thing you can do to make this world a peaceful world,” said Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the Secretary General of the International Islamic Council of Da’wah and Relief (IICDR) in reply to my question - what his message to the Muslims is in general. For more than thirty years, I have been watching Dr. Naseef traveling from east to west and north to south and engaged in humanitarian activities, helping the poor, orphans, and disadvantaged people and doing his utmost to spread the light of education to those who have not seen the light.

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the former President of Jeddah-based King Abdul Aziz University, the former Secretary General of Makkah-based Muslim World League and the ex-deputy chairman of the Saudi Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoura of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has been involved in so many humanitarian activities besides his own field of activities, education, teaching and preaching (Da’wah).

Dr. Naseef, the present President of the World Muslim Congress and Secretary General of the Cairo-based International Islamic Council of Da’wah and Relief (IICDR) were passing through London in the first week of July, 2009. I had the opportunity to meet him and to interview him about his recent activities, particularly the last two/three months, from April to June.

On the 9th of April 2009 Dr. Naseef was in Cairo, Egypt where he attended the meeting of the Supreme Council of Da’wah and Relief (IICDR) as its Secretary General. The IICDR usually meets many times a year to discuss how it works and how to coordinate its work and also discuss its budget and other things. It was a normal meeting. The meeting was attended by all the members under the chairmanship of Sheikh-ul-Azhar, At-Tantawi.

On the 13th of April, Dr. Naseef went to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where many young people have started their own projects: schools, centres and other activities. “These young people invited me and I promised to go there,” said Dr. Naseef who went to the south-west of the country on the state Arsi. “It is a Muslim majority area. There are many Imams and Dais and other institutions. On our way, we visited a big centre established by Khalid Dawud who was also working in Rabita (Muslim World League). He has also established college, mosque and clinic and other institutions. Fifty per cent of the students are Muslims and out of other 50 per cent, 40 per cent are non-Muslims. They teach Islamic education besides regular curriculum. They also teach the national government curriculum,” said Dr. Naseef.

“It is a degree college. Mr. Khalid also set up a Centre of Tahfizul Qur’an where people are memorizing Qur’an and Hifz and perfecting their recitation and reading,” said Dr. Naseef and mentioned, “They have very good teacher from Yemen.”

From Addis Ababa, Dr. Naseef went to Jamboora, the capital of Burundi on the 17th of April. Dr. Naseef visited this place before. The area was facing a lot of ethnic conflicts and problems between Hotu and Tutsi tribes and others. But this time Dr. Naseef went to Burundi for two days on 17th and 18th of April to visit the University of Peace and Reconciliation. “The University of Peace and Reconciliation is to bring unity among the people of the country. It was in the capital Jamboora. Mohammad Rokara was the initiator but donations came from several individuals, government and the Islamic Banks,” said Dr. Naseef.

The initiator of the project, Mohammad Rokara, was in Tanzania, Uganda and part of Africa. He is still the representative of the Motamar al-Alam al-Islami (World Muslim Congress) in that part of the world. Dr. Naseef said, “He is our representative in Africa, he is the initiator of the project. He is a Member of the Parliament and the Vice-Chairman of the Senate.”

Dr. Naseef was officially invited by the Government of Burundi, so it was an official visit. Dr. Naseef was given a big reception by the Government; the chairman of the Senate came to receive him at the airport. At that time, the President of Burundi was in the village border of Rwanda. Dr. Naseef went there to see the President of the Burundi at the north. Dr. Naseef and the President of Burundi knew each other from before; so they exchanged ideas. Dr. Naseef said, “He (the President of Burundi) promised support and continued to support to the Islamic projects and so on.”

Besides this, Dr. Naseef visited some of the Mosques and the Centres. This time Dr. Naseef did not visit the War Museum in Rwanda which he visited last time; because this time he did not go to Rwanda.

On the 13th of May, Dr. Naseef went to Istanbul, Turkey, to attend and participate in a meeting of the strategy and development of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. Dr. Naseef said, “This meeting was discussing about the difficulties, the futures of the Oxford Centre and how to increase the finance and how to cover the expenses and so on. So it was an administrative and financial meeting; of course strategy looking for the future. I think it was a very successful meeting. The President of Turkey was very happy and the people were enthusiastic that this Centre will carry on very well.”

On the 17th of May, Dr. Naseef went again to Cairo, Egypt to attend a meeting of the Follow-up Committee of the Ten-year Plan of the OIC. Dr. Naseef is the chairman of this Follow-up Committee, which is a NGO, a non-governmental committee to follow up the Ten-year Plan in the field of Da’wah. Makkah-based Muslim World League, Karachi-based World Muslim Congress and others are its observers. Dr. Naseef said, “This Committee is under the OIC. This is a committee of joint work in the field of Da’wah, Relief and Education. It is a non-governmental committee under the OIC. Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami (Muslim World League), Motamar al-Alam al-Islami (World Muslim Congress) and others are its observers. They have been meeting for twenty years. This committee meets regularly; but this is not meeting itself; it is only to follow up part of it in preparation of the meeting of the Committee itself. It was also very successful meeting.”

Dr. Naseef said, “It is supposed to meet regularly but it is not. Sometimes it meets and sometimes it doesn’t. Now we have started a new movement in the field of Da’wah and coordination. This committee also prepared annual report and that report is only for the OIC. This is for their benefit.”

On the 5th of June, Dr. Naseef went to Geneva and from there he went by car to the town called the Black Lake to attend the meeting of the Swiss-Islamic Cultural Association. It is a new organisation. About this meeting, Dr. Naseef said, “There was a meeting to establish that Swiss-Islamic Cultural Society. Its aim is to take care of the social needs of the orphan and deprived people. The people in Switzerland, mainly the Muslims, are in very bad shape. The requirement to establish the Society is that we meet and sign papers and give money to the Charity Commission there in Switzerland.”

Besides that meeting, there was a Conference on Financial Crisis of the World on the 6th of June, 2009. Many organizations attended the conference. Speaking about this Conference, Dr. Naseef said, “This was one-day conference on the 6th of June, 2009. Our meeting was on the 5th of June and on the next day, there was this seminar. It was very good. What is happening today is due to lack of sincerity and honesty and also due to the people who are in charge of that are not following rules and regulations and ethics of the work. It will continue like that until something big is changed. Of course, the western system of interest and all those problems. Big people are taking loans to build houses and buy cars and to finance projects and they cannot pay because the rate of interest is increasing.”

“Anyhow, this is not our job. We thought very little is being affected to us; because the people who are donating they are not banks or the people who have been suffering from credit crunch,” said Dr. Naseef.

On the 10th of June, 2009, a meeting of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, the Supreme body of the Union of Muslim Scouts, was held in Kuwait. Dr. Naseef is the President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts. So he went Kuwait to attend the meeting. About this meeting, Dr. Naseef said, “We meet in Kuwait to discuss all the affairs of the Union of Scouts. Besides that, there was a meeting of those who are concerned with media in the field of Scouting. The meeting also discussed how to develop media and how to improve the publicity about the Scouting in preparation of the workshops which will take place later on.”

Then on the 19th of June, Dr. Naseef went to Tripoli, the capital of Libya where all other organizations including, Riyadh-based World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) was there. Dr. Naseef attended the meeting of the Committee of the Coordination of Islamic works under the OIC as Secretary General of the International Islamic Council of Da’wah and Relief. Speaking about this meeting, Dr. Naseef said, “We are not meeting regularly; we should improve it. Finance is the main problem. The OIC does not have the finance. OIC has its own difficulties. Somebody has to do that.

On the 24th of June, Dr. Naseef went to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia to attend the meeting of the trainers for National Dialogue. Speaking about this meeting, Dr. Naseef said, “It was a very successful meeting. The total number of trained people is 100,000 which include school boys and girls, community workers and others. But the trainers are 400 people - 200 boys and 200 girls. The meeting was addressed by the Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh. He said, ‘I don’t know that national dialogue is so important.’ He is supporting that. The Minister of Culture and Information, Mr. Abdul Aziz al-Khoja and the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowment, Mr. Saleh Ali Sheikh were also present at the meeting.”