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.”