Dr. Mozammel Haque
Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings to all of you, especially to all the readers of Islamic Monitor: 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 Tuesday, the 13th of April, 2021 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 Tuesday. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia called on all people in the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent on Sunday evening. But the lunar moon was not sighted at sunset Sunday evening. Following a meeting on Sunday, corresponding to Shabaan 29, according to the Umm Al-Qura lunar Calendar, the Supreme Court said that it had not received any evidence of the Crescent sighting in the evening of Sunday.
The moon sighting committee in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia said that the crescent moon had not been sighted. Accordingly, April 12 was the last and the 30th day of Shabaan 1442 Hijri which means, by default, the first day of Ramadan will be on Tuesday, the April 13.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Tuesday, 13th of April, will be the first day of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the date on Monday evening. The crescent moon was sighted by Saudi Authorities, local media reported.
So the holy month of Ramadan begins Tuesday, 13th of April, 2021. The UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore also announced that Ramadan will begin on Tuesday.
Ramadan in Canada also started on Tuesday, 13th of April, 2021. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, 12 April, 2021 issued the following statement on Ramadan:
“Tonight at sunset, Muslims in Canada and around the world will mark the start of Ramadan.
“This month-long religious journey is a time of spiritual contemplation, and an opportunity to show gratitude for the many blessings we share, through fasting, prayer, and charitable giving.
“Over the coming month, while fasting during the daytime, many Muslim Canadians will continue to be on the front lines of our fight against COVID-19. During these exceptional times, I invite all Canadians to recognize the many contributions Muslim communities have made to our country since the pandemic began, as they have for many generations.
“As we continue to follow public health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, Muslim Canadians will turn to virtual ways to come together and enjoy iftar with family and friends. Many will also take this time to reflect on the values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity at the heart of Islam. These values, which many Canadians of all backgrounds share, are central to building a safer, healthier, and stronger country for everyone.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.
“Ramadan Mubarak.”
British Muslims welcome Ramadan: the month of discipline, compassion and solidarity on Tuesday, 13th of April 2021. 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 below).
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.
RAMADAN MESSAGES FROM GOVERNMENTS
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
The OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has congratulated the Islamic Nation on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. In a press statement, the OIC Secretary General wished Muslims worldwide happiness, prosperity, well-being and peace.
OIC Secretary-General Extends Ramadan 1442H Greetings to the Muslim World
Date: 12/04/2021
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, shared his greetings and well wishes with Muslims in the world on the advent of the blessed holy month of Ramadan 1442H.
“On this joyous occasion, Dr Al-Othaimeen congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the host country, extending his best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the current chair of the Islamic Summit Conference, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also shared his warmest greetings with their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies leaders of the OIC Member States.
“Praying Allah to shower His bounteous blessings on the wider Muslim community on this blessed month, and to rid the world at large of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Al-Othaimeen called on Muslims to imbibe the core teachings of Ramadan and let its lessons of self-discipline and rigor continue to guide their conduct beyond the glorious month, taking all the required precautionary measures to help curb the tide of coronavirus. “Protecting ourselves and others, by proactively observing preventive measures, including social distancing, is one of the fundamentals and ultimate purposes of Islam,” Al-Othaimeen further stressed.
He went on, “We need to cling to the true spirit of Ramadan and cherish what it stands for, receiving it with the good morals of moderation and tolerance, and showcasing togetherness and apathy vis-à-vis fellow Muslims living in refugee camps and shelters.” “We have to keep their plight, at this difficult time of the pandemic, in our hearts and prayers during Ramadan and beyond,” he urged.
Moreover, the Secretary General invited Muslims in non-Member States to manifest the ethos and values of the bright and sacred month of Ramadan, listening to and heeding the call of Muslim scholars to perform Ramadan prayers and rituals at home, as may be prescribed in their countries of residence, observing the tenets of this glorious month with generosity and positivity.
Dr Al-Othaimeen concluded by imploring the Almighty to accept our fasting and grant us the best reward for our good deeds during the blessed days and nights of Ramadan.
From Asian Continent
King Salman’s Ramadan Message
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Saudi Arabia King Salman on Monday, 12 April called on Muslims to reject differences and discord, and to arbitrate the language of reason.
In a speech marking the start of the month of Ramadan, King Salman said the Kingdom has achieved great efforts in confronting the coronavirus pandemic.
“We hope that everyone will adhere to the preventive measures and apply for the vaccine,” the King said.
He also said that the Kingdom was proud in the measures and modern technologies it has adopted to ensure the safety of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.
From European Continent
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s
Message for Ramadan
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, MP, tweeted, “Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing Islam’s holiest month this year.”
He also said, “I’m afraid that again this year it is necessary to follow the rules to stay safe but I hope this month of fast, prayer and charity brings much peace and reflection to all Muslims.”
From American Continent
U.S. President Joe Biden’s Ramadan
Message to Muslims
Statement from the President Joe Biden on the Beginning of Ramadan: APRIL 12, 2021
President Biden said, “Jill and I send our warmest greetings and best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.
He said, “As many of our fellow Americans begin fasting tomorrow, we are reminded of how difficult this year has been. In this pandemic, friends and loved ones cannot yet gather together in celebration and congregation, and far too many families will sit down for iftar with loved ones missing.”
American President mentioned, “Yet, our Muslim communities begin the month of revelation with renewed hope. Many will focus on increasing their consciousness of the presence of God in their lives, reaffirming their commitment to the service of others that their faith compels, and expressing gratitude for the blessings they enjoy—health, well-being, and life itself.”
Speaking American Muslims, President Biden said, “Muslim Americans have enriched our country since our founding. They are as diverse and vibrant as the America they have helped build. Today, Muslims are leading in our efforts to fight COVID-19, playing a pioneering role in vaccine development and serving as frontline health care workers. They are creating jobs as entrepreneurs and business owners, risking their lives as first responders, teaching in our schools, serving as dedicated public servants across the nation, and playing a leading role in our ongoing struggle for racial equity and social justice.”
He mentioned, “But still, Muslim Americans continue to be targeted by bullying, bigotry, and hate crimes. This prejudice and these attacks are wrong. They are unacceptable. And they must stop. No one in America should ever live in fear of expressing his or her faith. And my administration will work tirelessly to protect the rights and safety of all people.”
President Biden said, “On my first day as President, I was proud to end the shameful Muslim travel ban, and I will continue to stand up for human rights everywhere, including for Uyghurs in China, Rohingya in Burma, and Muslim communities all over the world.”
American President mentioned, “As we remember those who we have lost since last Ramadan, we are hopeful for brighter days ahead. The Holy Qur’an reminds us that “God is the light of the heavens and earth,” who leads us out of darkness to the light.”
“Although our White House festivities will be held virtually this Ramadan, Jill and I look forward to resuming the traditional White House Eid celebration in person next year, inshallah. We wish your families an inspiring and rewarding month,” President Biden concluded.
From African Continent
Ramadan Messages from
The Prime Minister of Somalia
I received the following Ramadan Messages from the Prime Minister of Somalia His Excellency Mohamed Hussein Roble.
“The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia His Excellency Mohamed Hussein Roble offered his best wishes to all worshipping the Holy Month of Ramadan. During a congratulatory address that was broadcasted across social media. The Prime Minister contemplated on the significance of the blessed month of Ramadan and how it presents oneself with the opportunity to renew their faith through constant remembrance of the Almighty.
“Roble elaborated on the importance of charity during Ramadan and stressed on the prominence of charity management in that we should give without the direct intention of rewards whilst also making sure we reach those who are most in need and vulnerable. The prime Minister of the Horn of Africa Nation discussed during his address how the current global situation has presented us all with challenges chief among them the inexhaustible pandemic which has claimed the lives of many around the world. Let us ponder a moment and offer our condolences, prayers and sympathies to all whom who have been inflicted harm from this pandemic.
“Roble prayed for the people of Somalia and the world be blessed with serenity and resilience to tackle head strong the threat posed by the pandemic. We where reminded of the time in which Prophet PBUH was approached and asked whether he should leave his camel untied and place once faith in God it will not run away be stolen while he left it unattended or to tie it. to which the Prophet PBUH endorsed that the camel be tied and that also he place his trust in the Almighty. Such thoughts can be mirrored in our fight against the coronavirus in that we should place our faith in God that we are bless with health but also we must take all the necessary measures to keep our health, through social distancing, taking the vaccine and following appropriate guidelines
“Somalia has unfortunately had to endure many underlying threats to its stability including conflicts from insurgent groups, locust storms, seasonal draughts and floods and a fragile economy. Roble speech was timely in reminding the nation that will spirits of unity and a combined worship will undoubtedly lead to ease. As promised by the Almighty in the Holy Quran "Verily, after difficulty comes ease"
drmhaque@hotmail.co.uk
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