Eid Messages from African leaders

Be patient, unite and act for peace

Eid Messages from African leaders

Dr. Mozammel Haque

It is very good news that the month of Ramadan is completed this year in 30 days. It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid Mubarak and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards. I am in the Haram and I would like to pray to Allah the Almighty for myself and for you all, May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept our fasting, our prayers, our worship and all our good deeds done in the blessed month of Ramadan.

As soon as the authorities declared after the Maghreb prayer on Thursday evening that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, the 10th of September, I met some of the African dignitaries with whom I have been performing fasting, prayers, Iftars, Taraweeeh and Qiyam al-Lail behind the Imam at the Masjid al-Haram duringr the month of Ramadan, particularly the last ten days, I enquired about their Eid Messages for the Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.

I interviewed Senator Muniruddin Adekunle Muse from the Lagos State of Nigeria, who is a Member of the Upper House of the National Assembly of Nigeria, about his Eid Message. He said: “We are in Makkah right now and the purpose of coming here is to perform the Umrah. And Umrah, as everybody knows as a Muslim, is a kind of purification. So we are here on the call of Allah and pray to Allah for peace and to enable Islam to continue to grow. I appeal to all the Muslims to be patient about what is going on against us in the world. I wish that everybody, all Muslims, should continue to pray fervently to Allah to enable us and Islam to grow from strength to strength.”

I also interviewed former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, Attahiru Bafarawa, who said, “My message to the Muslim community of the world is: I want to congratulate them for the Eid and want to advise them to unite and to bring peace to the world. As a Muslim let us show good example and show the difference and the other way the religious people can make. Our Islam is for peace and therefore acts together and looks for peace collectively to put this world forward.”

Mr. Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, it is learnt, has bright prospects to be, Insha Allah, the next President of Nigeria.

Former commissioner of works of the Lagos State of Nigeria, Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, who will be contesting as Governor of Osun State of Nigeria in the coming elections in April 2011, sent Eid messages to the Muslims throughout the world. He said: “It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid felicitations and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the conclusion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and as we are looking forward for the celebration of the Eid. I pray that the Almighty Allah will give us all the benefits and rewards of the month and the prayers exercised. I am in the Haram with Dr. Mozammel Haque and we, Muslims, here of the belief that the desires of the Muslims for peace, the desire of the Muslims to that we banish poverty, misery, hunger and demonisation we try for us Muslim in collaboration with all the Muslims.”

Mr. Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, Mechanical Engineer by profession, was in the government of Nigeria as a functionary of state for the Lagos State of Nigeria for a period of eight years with the involvement of social development of people resources. Today he is planning to lead another State, Osun State, as a governor and supplicating Allah to support winning enjoying all the Muslims and all the good people of the world to join him in the prayer for the salvation of humanity.

Eid Mubarak to all of you from Masjid al-Haram Makkah

Happy Eid Mubarak from the
Masjid al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I, on behalf of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, wish all of you a happy Eid Mubarak from the Masjid-al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen.

The Saudi Royal Court announced on Thursday, the 9th of September quoting the Supreme Court that the Eid Al-Fitr would be celebrated in the country on Friday, the 10th of September, 2010 after completing 30 days of Ramadan. It said no one sighted the new Shawwal Crescent on Wednesday evening. Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitre comes at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2010 on Friday, the 10th of September, throughout most of the countries. Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom and other places.

It is very good news that the month of Ramadan is completed this year in 30 days. It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid Mubarak and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards. I am in the Haram and I would like to pray to Allah the Almighty for myself and for you all, May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept our fasting, our prayers, our worship and all our good deeds done in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Friday morning at big mosques and vast grounds in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with nearly 2.5 million faithful.

On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, have urged all Muslims to unite on the basis of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read on Saudi radio and television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan reminded those Muslims who are better-off to sympathize with and support their less fortunate brothers.

Eid Message from the British Prime Minister
The British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, M.P. send his warmest best wishes to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. In his message, he said, “As families, friends and communities come together around the United Kingdom to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid- ul-Fitr I want to send you all my warmest best wishes.”

“Eid is a special time, a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation,” said British Prime Minister and added, “The terrible scenes of devastation in Pakistan have shocked us all. I am hugely impressed by how we in the UK have responded to this tragedy, with communities up and down the country coming together to mobilise support.”

Mr. Cameron also said, “As Eid begins we should enjoy this very special time but our thoughts will of course turn to those less fortunate. Eid Mubarak.”

Eid ul Fitr Message from the British Foreign Secretary
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, M.P. issued Eid-ul-Fitr message on 08 September, 2010, saying, “I’m delighted to send my very best wishes to you and your families in Britain and around the world as you celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and the end of the holy month of Ramadan.”

Mr. Hague also said, “At this time of celebration but also of remembrance we, of course, must have first in our minds the so many people in Pakistan and India whose homes and livelihoods have been stricken by the terrible floods who, of course, we’re trying to help in every way that we can.”

He concluded his Eid message by saying: “And so I say to Muslims all over the world that I hope you have a happy, peaceful and prosperous Eid. Eid Mubarak.”

British Communities Secretary wishes all Muslims “Eid Mubarak”
The British Communities Secretary Mr. Eric Pickles has sent out a message on 9th September, 2010 to all Muslims in the UK as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.

Mr Pickles said: “The message of compassion, giving and justice is strong in the Islamic faith. And this period of Ramadan and Eid, in particular, inspires Muslims to focus more on others than themselves and think about those who are less fortunate.

“I wish to join you in celebrating the Eid al Fitr festival after a long, hard month of fasting during Ramadan.

“The principles and actions demonstrated during this time - of empathy, generosity and concern for the welfare of others - can be an inspiration to everyone, irrespective of faith.

Mr. Pickles also mentioned, “I, and my fellow ministers in Government, recognise and commend the huge contributions Muslims have made and continue to make to enrich British society.

“From now, everyone - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - will have a part to play in creating the Big Society, in which people come together, think about what they can offer others and start to mould their own communities and neighbourhoods.

Mr Pickles concluded by saying,“Eid is a time for family and friends; and for prayer, contemplation and reflection. As British Muslim communities across the United Kingdom enjoy their Eid celebrations, may I take this opportunity to wish you a peaceful and blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak!”

Eid Message from The Custodian of Two
Holy Mosques King Abdullah
Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Friday morning at big mosques and vast grounds. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with nearly 2.5 million faithful.

From Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who prayed along with millions of Muslims at the Masjid al-Haram also issued Eid Message for the Muslims throughout the world on this auspicious occasion.

Close ranks to preserve unity, King Abdullah
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, on Thursday urged Muslims all over the world to stand united on the basis of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation that was read on Saudi radio and television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan also called upon rich Muslims to support and sympathize with their less fortunate brethren.

“We are now bidding farewell to the blessed month of Ramadan after the Almighty honoured us to fast and pray during the month. We hope we were successful in making use of the blessed days and nights to establish closer relations with God,” the message said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of the fasting month of Ramadan. “This annual occasion offers Muslims a great opportunity for retrospection and self evaluation and strengthening their mental capabilities to engage in righteous activities.”

The King and the Crown Prince said: “The Eid days and its celebrations come for Muslims to support and sympathize with one another. The rich among them sympathizing with the poor and the big showing kindness toward the small enables all to love one another with clean hearts and peaceful minds.

King Abdullah and Prince Sultan expressed their hope that God would unify Muslim ranks who follow the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. “May Allah unite Muslims on goodness, improve their condition and make them victorious over their enemies,” the message said.

Meanwhile, Prince Naif extended Eid greetings to the families of security officers who fell martyr while fighting terrorists and defending the Kingdom.

As soon as the authorities declared after the Maghreb prayer on Thursday evening that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, the 10th of September, I met some of the foreign dignitaries with whom I have been performing fasting, prayers, Iftars, Taraweeeh and Qiyam al-Lail behind the Imam at the Masjid al-Haram for the month of Ramadan, particularly the last ten days, I enquired about their Eid Message for the Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Eid Message from Senator Muniruddin Adekunle Muse of Nigeria
I interviewed Senator Muniruddin Adekunle Muse from the Lagos State of Nigeria, who is a Member of the Upper House of the National Assembly of Nigeria, about his Eid Message. He said: “We are in Makkah right now and the purpose of coming here is to perform the Umrah. And Umrah, as everybody knows as a Muslim, is a kind of purification. So we are here on the call of Allah and pray to Allah for peace and to enable Islam to continue to grow. I appeal to all the Muslims to be patient about what is going on against us in the world. I wish that everybody, all Muslims, should continue to pray fervently to Allah to enable us and Islam to grow from strength to strength.”

Eid Message from former Governor of Sokoto state of Nigeria
I also interviewed former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, Attahiru Bafarawa, who said, “My message to the Muslim community of the world is: I want to congratulate them for the Eid and want to advise them to unite and to bring peace to the world. As a Muslim let us show good example and show the difference and the other way the religious people can make. Our Islam is for peace and therefore acts together and looks for peace collectively to put this world forward.”

Mr. Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, it is learnt, has bright prospects to be, Insha Allah, the next President of Nigeria.

Former commissioner of works of the Lagos State of Nigeria
Former commissioner of works of the Lagos State of Nigeria, Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, who will be contesting as Governor of Osun State of Nigeria in the coming elections in April 2011, sent Eid messages to the Muslims throughout the world. He said: “It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid felicitations and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the conclusion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and as we are looking forward for the celebration of the Eid. I pray that the Almighty Allah will give us all the benefits and rewards of the month and the prayers exercised. I am in the Haram with Dr. Mozammel Haque and we, Muslims, here of the belief that the desires of the Muslims for peace, the desire of the Muslims to that we banish poverty, misery, hunger and demonisation we try for us Muslim in collaboration with all the Muslims.”

Mr. Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, Mechanical Engineer by profession, was in the government of Nigeria as a functionary of state for the Lagos State of Nigeria for a period of eight years with the involvement of social development of people resources. Today he is planning to lead another State, Osun State, as a governor and supplicating Allah to support winning enjoying all the Muslims and all the good people of the world to join him in the prayer for the salvation of humanity.

The Blessed month of Ramadan in the Holy City of Makkah in 2010

The Blessed month of Ramadan
in the Holy City of Makkah in 2010

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: In Ramadan, the Holy city has taken a different colour. It is learnt that Saudi Arabia has issued for the first time many Umrah visas just in nine months. The Holy site of Makkah and Madina has attracted a record high of more than four million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia. Authorities have prepared to take a special measure in different areas, such as security, health, cleaning etc. But let us start first with the sighting of the Moon.

With the sighting of the Crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan, the start of the holy month of Ramadan was marked by Sergeant Mastour Al-Nahari firing seven bullets from the “Ramadan Canon” situated on top of Al-Medf’a Mountain in Makkah. The firing of the canon is an annual event every Ramadan. Muslims all over the country gather together to congratulate each other and share their happiness, and to prepare for the voluntary work that will take place in almost every mosque in Saudi Arabia.

Just a few hours after the announcement of the sighting of the Crescent moon, both the Haramain in Makkah and Madina turned into beehive of activity as hundreds of thousands of visitors started pouring into the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina to attend the first night of Al-Taraweeh prayers.

During the holy month of Ramadan the holy city of Makkah comes alive in a way that does not happen in other places in the country. It is a city that does not sleep during this time. Makkah’s people start preparing for this special time during the last week of Sha’ban.

Iftar and Suhour
The start of Iftar and Suhour is marked by the firing of the canons. The canons all over the country are shot when the sun sets and at breakfast time to coincide with the Adhan. In addition two capsules are shot at 2 A.M. to inform people in Makkah to take their Suhoor and before the dawn Adhan another two capsules are shot marking the end of Suhoor time. Each bullet contains 1.5 kg of ammunition powder.

Makkah’s people prepare food for Ramadan like vegetables, sambosa and sweets. In the old days, soup, beans and sambosa were the main dishes for breaking the fast in Ramadan. Sobia has been the favorite drink of Makkah’s people throughout the years. The sweets are the favorites of Makkah’s people. The Suhoor table was not complete without sweets such as muhallabia, al-almasia, and kuchaf al-zabib. For Iftar, Makkah’s people cooked vegetables or meat in various forms such as kabob.

Multicultural gathering of millions at Iftar
What a wonderful scene! Millions of people, men, women, children, young and old, black and white, of different cultural backgrounds of all the continents, almost of all the countries, are united under one platform, within the precincts of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, inside and outside, sitting with delicious food in front of them, waiting for the call to break the fast. Not a single person, boys or girls, men or women, did touch the food to eat without the permission of Allah the Almighty. What a wonderful scene of discipline! What a marvelous sight of belief and faith! In Islam there is no distinction, whether you are poor or rich, black or white, because all people are the same in the eyes of God. This is the philosophy reflected when millions of people gathered together inside and outside of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah in the evening of every day of the blessed month of Ramadan to break their fast.

It’s a crowd of disciplined, faithful, God-fearing people, who are united, not to show their strength of power, but to show and demonstrate the humbleness, humility, commitment and dedication to abide by the Orders of the Creator, Allah the Almighty. There is no arrogance, no haughtiness.

Even in the women’s pockets of the gathering, females of different cultural backgrounds of various countries, wearing Hijabs of different shades, colours and styles, but all are showing their modesty in dress and behavour, no vulgarity, no indecency and rudeness.

Taraweeh
There are twenty rak’ats prayed in Taraweeh in Haramain. In the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, four Imams, such as Sheikh Abdur Rahman al-Sudais, Sheikh Saud al-Shuraim, Sheikh Maher al-Mu’aqily and Sheikh Abdullah al-Johani led the Taraweeh prayers. The first ten rak’at prayers are led by one imam and the second ten rak’at Taraweeh are led by another Imam.

Qiyam al-Lail
The Qiyam al-Lail prayers (night prayer) of the last ten nights have already started with the first chapter of the Holy Qur’an. The ten rak'ats Qiyam al-Lail prayers led by two Imams, first six rak’ats by Sheikh Saud al-Shuraim and the second four rak’ats by Sheikh Abdur Rahman al-Sudais who also made dua (supplication) after the Bitr prayer.

Friday prayer
Last Friday, on 27 August, 2010, over two million people offered Jumah prayers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. At the Prophet’s Mosque, more than half a million worshippers performed Friday prayer. Here the authorities are introducing a set of integrated services with the efforts of about 15,000 cadres from security bodies.

I’tikaf
There is I’tikaf in the last ten days. 40,000 Mutakifs are expected by the Prophet’s Mosque Affairs, to be sitting in seclusion (I’tikaf) in Haram for the rest of holy month. The authorities said a program for Mutakifs has been completed.

Preparation of Haram for Ramadan
Last Thursday 26th of August 2010 International Airport received 39 international flights carrying tens of thousands of visitors who are being offered round-the-clock medical services through 10 health facilities. The authorities have drawn up integrated plans to provide the highest standard of services to Umrah pilgrims so that they can perform their rituals in ease and comfort. Over 50,000 security officers from various agencies and from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Makkah Mayoralty and other government bodies have been deployed to ensure safety and security for up to 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims to the holy city during Ramadan.

Healthcare
An intensive healthcare systems plan was in place at the Grand Mosque for the millions of pilgrims coming here during Ramadan. Five dispensaries inside the Grand Mosque have been fully equipped to offer full medical services. Health centres have been established in the Haram. There are five health centers on the second floor of the Holy Haram which provides medical services all day. The centers are located on lower Bab Ajyad, the upper Bab Ajyad, Gate 94 in the new expansion, Gate 64 at King Fahd Expansion and Bab Al-Nadwa. These centers provide first aid and emergency services in addition to 29 permanent health centers in different parts of the holy city including those around the Grand Mosque to offer prompt medical services to pilgrims.

Clean-up
The Makkah Mayoralty has assigned 8,500 cleaners with 810 cleaning machines and equipment for clean-up operations. There are also seven temporary stations for the collection of waste and garbage to keep the holy city clean around the clock.

Women team
For the first time, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the authorities at the Holy Haram has teams of women who will be available to help critically-ill women pilgrims at the Mosque’s health centers.

Women officials
The General Presidency of Two Holy Mosques Affairs has appointed 300 women officials to cope with the increasing number of women pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque in Ramadan. They instruct the visitors on how the visitors should conduct themselves in the mosque. They also take the women entering the mosque to the place reserved for women.

151 women guides were working in four shifts at various locations in the mosque including the courtyards. They checked the women visitors at the gates both day and night. While 20 guides supervised the cleaning operations in the women’s area including the toilets in two shifts, 10 guides took care of the copies of the Holy Qur’an kept in the women’s section. Another 20 guides worked in the courtyards to see that women did not pray on passages and walkways, it is reported.

Makkah Clock
"The Makkah Clock started with the order of King Abdullah ... one minute after midnight on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan," the Saudi Press Agency said. A giant clock on a skyscraper in Islam's holiest city Makkah began ticking on Wednesday, 11th of August, 2010, at the start of the fasting month of Ramadan, amid hopes it will become the Muslim world's official timekeeper. The Makkah Clock, which Riyadh says is the world's largest, has four faces measuring 43 meters in diameter. It sits 400 meters up what will be the world's second-tallest skyscraper and largest hotel, overlooking the city's Holy Grand Mosque, which Muslims around the world turn to five times a day for prayer. Over 90 million pieces of colored glass mosaic embellish the sides of the clock, which has four faces each bearing a large inscription of the name "Allah". It is visible from all corners of the city, the state news agency said.

The clock is positioned on a 601-meter tower, which will become the second tallest inhabited building in the world when it is completed in three months' time.

The clock tower is the landmark feature of the seven-tower King Abdulaziz Endowment hotel complex, being built by the Saudi Binladin Group, which will have the largest floor area of any building in the world when it is complete. Local media have said the clock tower project cost $3 billion. Around 2 million Muslims visit the holy city each year for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a once-in-a-lifetime requirement for able-bodied Muslims, and 3.5 million pilgrims visit Makkah at other times of the year.

Makkah al-Mukarramah
5th September 2010

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

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 who want to fast should eat before starting to fast.

The Month of Mercy, the blessed month came and is passing away very fast. Today is 15th of Ramadan. Half of the blessed month has passed; still there is time to get our sins cleared, still there is time to ask for forgiveness from Allah the Almighty who is ready to forgive our sins. The other half of the blessed month is approaching which is full of Allah’s mercy and blessing. In this part of the month, specially during the last 10 days and nights, a night which is the greatest night of the year, the Lailatul Qadr. During these ten days and nights, Muslims spend in the Mosque for I’tikaf.

I'tikaf
I’tikaf means seclusion and staying in the Mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform I’tikaf 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 on 3rd of September (24 Ramadan) 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 might be on the 29th 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 I’tikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (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.

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 (peace be upon them all) to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since the revelation of the Qur’an, the enemies of Islam have been trying to distort it. Firstly, they said, it is not revelation, it is written by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then they started attacking its authenticity and originality. 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 for all of you

Welcome Ramadan Mubarak and
Ramadan Greetings to all of you

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, Wednesday, the 11th of August 2010 like their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Alhamdo Lillah, the wish of the Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid Al-Haram Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais expressed in his meeting with Muslim leaders at the Regents Park London Central Mosque and the Islamic Cultural Centre has been accepted and fulfilled. Of course, in Canada, the first fasting will be on Thursday 12 August 2010, Insha-Allah.

I am sending my Ramadan greetings and prayer to all of you. May this holy month brings 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, Wednesday, the 11th of August 2010.

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.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to bring about permanent improvement into our lives. We can do this by making a goal to remove a harmful trait from our character or speech, whether it be argumentation, backbiting, making false promises, or resentment against a fellow Muslim, or a sinful matter from our lives. Insha’Allah by the baraka of this month, this effort will result in change that will benefit us in this world and the next.

I would again like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed Ramadan. May this blessed month bring unadulterated peace to everyone in the world. May Allah make this Ramadan a month of increasing nearness to Him, and May He accept all of our fasts and worship. Ameen.

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).

Message from British Foreign Secretary
British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, MP, also sent his “good wishes to Muslims across the world for the holy month of Ramadan” in his Ramadan Message to the British Muslim Community. Hague said, “This is a very important time in the calendar. It’s a time of fasting, of prayer, of introspection, of the gathering of families and I’m very conscious as a British politician of the huge contribution that so many Muslims in Britain make across the whole breadth of our society and that is something of course that we want to see even more of in the future.”
“So it’s a very, very important time of year celebrating what Ramadan is about, important values of selflessness, of charity, of compassion, of looking after people less fortunate than ourselves. And these are values of course that unite Muslims and non Muslims alike. So at this special time of year I say to you, your friends and your relatives, Ramadan Mubarak,” Hague said in his Ramadan Message.

Message from the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques
Imbibe the True Spirit of Islam
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 Muslims around the world on Tuesday to compete with one another in righteous deeds and work to alleviate the pain and suffering of the poor and needy, inspired by the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.

“This blessed month has taught us many lessons. We have to contemplate them to learn how people should be compassionate to their fellow beings, how the rich feel the suffering of the poor, and how Muslims compete with one another to win the pleasure of God,” the king said in his Ramadan message.

In their message, the king and crown prince called upon Muslims to participate actively in the creation of a human civilization. In this respect, the message referred to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote dialogue with followers of other religious faiths and cultures.

“Our interfaith dialogue initiative was aimed at building a civilized world bringing people closer in order to work for establishing peace and justice and enhancing the welfare of the whole humanity,” said the message that was read out on Saudi Television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja.

They also emphasized the role of Ramadan in deepening the qualities of kindness, forgiveness, mercy and showing sympathy to those who are less well off. “It revitalizes the high values that our religion has taught us,” the message said. “It’s a month when the doors of the Heaven will be kept open and of Hell remain locked.”

“Islam is a religion of love, compassion and tolerance, and that its message has been revealed as a mercy for the entire mankind. It is a way of guidance and welfare and it is a method that advocates dialogue and coherence. It also calls for effective participation to build mankind’s civilization,” the address said.

“From this standpoint, the Kingdom, on which Almighty Allah bestowed the honour of the service of the Two Holy Mosques, has a duty and responsibility to defend and protect this religion, serve Muslims’ interests and renew and revive their dialogue with the world’s cultures, societies and others’ religions with the objective of building a civilized and coherent world that finds its roots in the principles of peace and justice,” the address concluded.

Sheikh al-Sudais urges Muslims to concentrate more on their children's education

Sheikh Al-Sudais urges Muslims to concentrate

more on their children's education

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah led the Jumah Prayer at the Regents Park London Central Mosque, on Friday, 30th July 2010. Sheikh Sudais encouraged Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being nice, polite and careful to their wives as Allah the Almighty said in Sura al-Nisa – “Deal with your wife honourably”. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his last Farewell Sermon on the Mount of Arafat, said three times, “I advised you to treat woman nicely.”

Sheikh al-Sudais also indicated clearly that Islam forbids any form of domestic violence and it is an un-Islamic attitude and behaviour.

Sheikh al-Sudais instructed Muslims to be merciful, tolerant and just and to take care of others’ rights. Sheikh al-Sudais said the first right to be respected is the right of Allah the Almighty – to worship Him and obey Him. The second right to be respected is the right of the Prophet (peace be upon him) – to love, obey and follow him and then the rights of Muslims among each other and also the rights of all Mankind including non-Muslims.

His eminence Sheikh al-Sudais advised Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam and to represent this religion in the best form in their worship, character and relation with others.

The biggest part of the Khutbah is about family and its importance at the centre of the society. Sheikh al-Sudais said it is a shame to see family breakdown within the Muslim community and this is due to lack of following the Prophet’s teachings and also not knowing each other’s rights (husbands and wives).

The Imam of Masjid al-Haram said there are clear rights for husbands and clear rights for wives as well and also their responsibilities.

Sheikh al-Sudais encouraged Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being nice, polite and careful to their wives as Allah the Almighty said in Sura al-Nisa – “Deal with your wife honourably”. And the Prophet Peace be upon him said in his last Farewell Sermon on the Mount of Arafat, said three times, “I advised you to treat women nicely.”

He concluded his first part of the Khutbah by advising parents to look after their children and to make sure that they are well-educated and be the greatest example and model for their children.

In the second part of his Khutbah, Sheikh al-Sudais spoke about the virtues of the month of Shabaan. He said the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast most of this very month. He mentioned Sayeeda Ayesha said in an authentic Hadith, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) never completed a full month of fasting other than the month of Ramadan and I have never seen him fasting most of the month except Shabaan.” Sayeeda Ayesha also said that the Prophet used to fast all through the month of Shabaan except few days.

Sheikh al-Sudais said this is part of the preparation for the great month of Ramadan. He also said this month is the chance to repent to Allah the Almighty or to pray Him and to compete in doing good deeds.

Al-Sudais led the Friday congregation at
the Regents Park Central London Mosque
A week earlier, on Friday, the Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah led the Jumah Prayer (Friday Congregation) at the Regents Park London Central Mosque, on Friday, the 23rd of July, 2010.

In his Friday Sermon, Sheikh Al-Sudais said one of the main principles of Muslim beliefs is to belief in Tauheed, the Oneness of God. “It is the main aim of our life, i.e. to have Imaan in Allah alone. This is the most important thing in our life. This is the right of Allah upon us,” said Sheikh Al-Sudais.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also said it is also important to have Imaan or belief in His Angels that Allah created, to belief in the Books that He revealed and the Messengers that He sent.

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah said Islam is the religion of peace, tolerance, and forgiving. It calls for peace and tolerance. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) was the best example and model for us in tolerance. He was tolerant with Muslims and non-Muslims. The Qur'an mentions: “And by the Mercy of Allah, you deal with them gently, and had you (Muhammad) been severe, harsh-hearted, they would certainly have broken away from around you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness or them'. [3:159].

Dr. al-Sudais also called upon non-Muslims not to fear from Islam; “for Islam will protect you and will not harm you,” al-Sudais said.

Sheikh al-Sudais also mentioned that Islam condemns divisions and differences among Muslims and calls for unity. The Qur'an says, 'And hold fast, all of you together, by the Rope of Allah (this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's Favour on you; for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren...' 3:103]

The Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah also called upon Muslims to treat non-Muslims kindly, justly and fairly. The Qur'an mentions, 'Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with regard to those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes: for Allah loves those who are just. [60:8]

Sheikh al-Sudais urged Muslims to respect the values of the country in which they live. He called them not to cheat, or tell lies or commit crimes. He recommended Muslims to know the rights of non-Muslims.

Dr. Al-Sudais also urged Muslims to know the rights of husbands and rights of wife and look after their family.

After the Jumah Prayer, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah met with Prince Muhammad bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Ireland and Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre at his office. He also met with some eminent leaders of the Muslim community as well as the staff of the Islamic Cultural Centre.

Meeting with Imams and leaders of
Mosques and Islamic centres
The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah also prayed the Maghreb (evening) prayer at the Regents Park London Central Mosque and after the prayer he met with the Imams of different Mosques and leaders of the Islamic centres at the Islamic Cultural Centre building.

Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasised on the unity of the Muslim community. He said it is very important for the future of the community.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also called upon the Muslims to concentrate more on the education of their children. He said it is important to educate the young Muslims to make them able to understand their religion very well.

Sheikh al-Sudas also talked about good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims and the wider community while living in the Western countries.

Dr. al-Sudais also talked about better relations among Muslim organisations to work together to pray together and to serve the community together, which they are supposed to take care of.

Emphasizing on the issue of unity of the Muslim community, Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned about the beginning of Ramadan and the issue of the time table for prayers, as for example. Sheikh al-Sudais also talked about the issue of the Shari’ah Council.

On the issue of Shari’ah Council, Dr. Al-Dubayan made his comments on the role of the Islamic Cultural Centre on this subject. He said the Islamic Cultural centre is trying to create one Board of Shari’ah Council in the UK in order to have one standard, one criteria and to be more professional and more acceptability.

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah, Sheikh al-Sudais conveyed the Salams from the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques both in the meeting and in his Friday Sermon (Khutbah).

Sheikh al-Sudais asked the Muslims to do their best in serving the society in which they live, exchanging visits among themselves.

Interview with Dr. Dubayan
After the meeting, I interviewed Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre about the visit of the Sheikh.

Mentioning about the importance of his visit, Dr. al-Dubayan said, this visit of mosques, Islamic centres and organisations etc. by the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah is very important. “It builds more bridges among Muslim themselves, give them more chance to listen to his khutbah, instructions and follow teachings of Islam,” said Dr. al-Dubayan.

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned that the Sheikh himself talked about the young people in his speech in the Khutbah. Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned in his Khutbah about the young people.

“Sheikh al-Sudais asked the youth to be the good ambassadors of their religion, nation and country and become the examples and models for Islam in this country. This message, I believe, is very important,” said Dr. al-Dubayan and added, “This is to build more bridges and to give more chances for good relations and tolerance among the Muslim communities in this country.”

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned, “Any Muslim is happy to receive his eminence at the Islamic cultural centre. It is also a good chance for the staff members of the Islamic cultural centre to come and to say Salam to his eminence and to his royal highness.”

Earlier, the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah opened the largest and biggest Mosque in Yorkshire, the Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn, led the Jumah prayer and delivered a speech after the evening prayer.