What to do toward the end of the month of Ramadan

What to do toward the end of the

month of Ramadan

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Sunday, 26 Ramadan corresponding to 4^th of August, 2013. The last ten days and nights have already started; last Monday after Maghreb started the first night of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Still there are few more nights and days of the last ten days and nights of Ramadan. We have to avail of this opportunity; we should not abandon it to any other things. Scholars of the earlier generations used to leave everything, everything of knowledge and reading and concentrate on the Glorious Qur’an. So please.

Last Friday, 2nd of August, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Cultural Bureau at London, gave a pre-Khutba lecture at a Holborn Community Mosque in London where he said, “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the days of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah.”

Lailatul Qadr

We have only a few days and nights are left but still they are very important. Only yesterday we have been receiving the month, just yesterday, 25 days past but still the best is there, the 27^th night and 29^th night of Ramadan; there is Lailatul Qadr. Professor Turkistani asked do you know what Lailatul Qadr is and said, “It is better than 1000 months; by simple calculation, Lailatul Qadr is better than more than 83 years. Just imagine 84 years. The average life of Muslims, most Muslims die before their age; which means you are getting the reward of more than 83 years. Even better, because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Lailatul Qadr khairun. This is a golden opportunity; it’s a gift even to this Ummah and we shall take it. It’s worth to take a vacation, to take some days off your work; to leave all things at your hands and get this opportunity. Only a 9 days. Then they will be gone.”

Narrating the blessing of this month of Ramadan, Professor Turkistani said, “This night is so much blessed. The Angels will come down and will bring blessings and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala will forgive anyone who is committed to Allah on that night reciting the Glorious Qur’an, engage in prayer, doing all the good deeds that a person can do. Even if you stay awake all the night it’s worth it. When the last ten days come on his own life, the Prophet peace be upon him would avoid sleep during the nights of the last ten days. And he would stay away from his wives only concentrating on Ibadah. It’s worth it.”

“It is nine days or ten days for more than 83 years what a bargain. Why can you not use it brothers and sisters. This is what Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has promised us.  This stays  until Fajr; until the coming dawn; so we shall be very much interested in this. Anyone who misses that he is a deprived one. Deprived. We shall not be deprived of this great prize, a great opportunity,” said Professor Turkistani.

What a blessing! What a gift!

Professor Turkistani also mentioned what a bargain it is. He said, “Just say a one good thing:  SubhanAllah Alhamdo lillah La ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar.  It is like you have done for 83 years and 4 months. What a blessing; what a gift that is given to us this opportunity the biggest bargain. I do not see any bargain better than that. You see that? Even when people bargain, they go to stores and markets and online trying to buy the best thing that they need and they dream of. They say ouh; this is the biggest bargain; no, wallahe, the bargain is Lailatul Qadr. This is the biggest bargain.”

Professor Turkistani urged people “Please do not let it go away without cashing as much as you can; devote the rest of the time for Ibadah; because that will affect the rest of your life. It should, if you surely coming towards Allah with Taubah from your heart, from inside, then Allah will accept you , Insha Allah and then Insha Allah, you would be happy for the rest of your life. You would be guided on the straight path. So you keep on the truck until you meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the time and that’s why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala promises that you stand with imaan and Ihtesab. imaan believing in Allah and believing in His Rewards and Ihtesaban seeking the rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala alone; not from any one else and all your previous sins are forgiven. You fast the month of Ramadan all your previous sins are forgiven if again if you stand up in Salah during all the month of Ramadan and you should do it out of Imaan and Ihtesab and all your previous sins are forgiven.”

Masjid at MWL London Office

Last Friday, on 2^nd of August Professor Turkistani was delivering Khutba at the Mosque of the Muslim World League London Office where he was mentioned about what to do during the end of the month of Ramadan. Towards the end of the Ramadan there are certain Ibadahs that we need to be aware of and to do the first is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.

Zakat-ul-Fitr

Professor Turkistani mentioned the first of those Ibadah is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.  He said, “Zakat-ul-Fitr is the source of purification and feeding of the poor and the needy. It is a source of purification for yourself in case you have committed some sins and who amongst us has not committed something wrong in the month of Ramadan or any other time and it is something to feed the poor and the needy.”

How Zakat-ul-Fitr is estimated? Enquired Professor Turkistani and promptly answered, “It is estimated Soa as in the Hadith of Abu Sayeed al-Khudri (RA) follow the Rasoolullah peace be upon him. He gave examples, all these types of food. So it means that we should give Zakat-ul-Fitr in food, not in money. I know that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullah) said it is permissible to do in money but the Prophet peace be upon him and the Companions did not give Zakat-ul-Fitr in money. They gave it in food. They could have given in money; they would pay Zakat-ul-Maal or any type of Zakah from wealth, from money. Zakat-ul-Fitr again so that the poor and the needy have not to seek on the day of Eid, they should be happy; they should enjoy with the rest of the Muslim community. That’s why, we should have to give it in food.”

Again, Professor Turkistan enquired, “How do we do it?” and answered, “Well, lets seek the poor and the needy in our community. If we have someone we know who is in need we shall give Zakat-ul-Fitr to these people. If we do not know people, then we shall give the money to the trusted charities and organisations that collect the money, buy the food and give it to the poor and the needy on your behalf. If not in this country; if this country would not  have poor people to the extent that they can be receiving Zakat-ul-Fitr, there are many people up there, in Africa, Asia and throughout the Muslim World who need this food who cannot buy who stay at night starving.”

“In Syria, for example, as you have heard from your brothers, telling you that the Ulema in that country in their Fatwa people eat cats and rats because they do not have the food to eat. Situations because of the war going on in Syria; and the same thing with other people who are starving and do not have the food. This is the way to express your own sympathy with your brothers. This is something that you need to do and Zakat-ul-Fitr is a must. It’s not a choice and it is for everyone in the household, everyone. Even those who think they are poor; if they have a food for a day and a night, they should give out Zakat-ul-Fitr. If they have enough for one day, they should give Zakah to other poor people and the needy people and that would be a Saa,” said Professor Turkistani in his Khutba (Sermon).

How that would be translated into today’s measurement? Professor Turkistani asked and promptly replied, “It would be about two kilogram and a quarter. If you pay three kilograms of any types of food, rice, dates, barley, anything that people eat, which is an edible thing; something they can keep and preserve. You cannot give out, in meat, for example, or something that can be immediately consumed; cooked food, for example. It has to be a food that the poor and the needy can save and can prepare their own meals. For everyone in the household, young or old, male or female, the newly born, anyone born before the sun set of the last day of the month of Ramadan has to be given Zakat-ul-Fitr and it is the responsibility of the head of the household; those who spent is the man who is earning and even if it is the woman who is earning and spending in the family then it is their responsibility to pay.”

When shall we pay it? Professor Turkistani again enquired and said, “Not until before Eid day; at least two days before Eid and it shall be given out before Salat-ul-Eid, otherwise it would not be Zakat-ul-Fitr; it would be sadaqah. And it would not do its purpose unless it is done and given to the poor and the needy so that they can go for the Eid prayer and happy. They feel that they have enough and they can share with the Muslim community. Nice occasion and celebrate Eid along with them.”

Takbeer

That was for Zakat-ul-Fitr. The second form of Ibadah is Takbeer. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “It is a Sunnah to do Takbeer starting from the Maghreb of the night of Eid until Eid prayer. How do we say, what do we say? Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar walillahe wal Hamd. Any form of Takbeer is good to announce this and to obey Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said so you shall complete the number of days fasting and announce Takbeer. That’s why it is Sunnah to do Takbeer from the Maghreb to the Salat-ul-Eid in congregation. You say on yourself, you say it among Muslims, you say in the Masjid, in the house, anywhere wherever it is possible to pronounce loudly just to inform Muslims around you that this is the time of praising Allah and celebrate Eid.”

Salat-ul-Eid

The third form of Ibadah during the end of the month of Ramadan is Salat-ul-Eid. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “We need to come to Salat-ul-Eid. Salat-ul-Eid is an obligation upon the whole community, but for every individual it is something strongly recommended. Some people choose to sleep on the morning of Eid and miss the prizes because during the day of Eid as people are coming to the prayer the Angels are standing at the doors giving prizes. You wouldn’t see them but belief me, if you have done well in the month of Ramadan you receive prize on the day of Eid. That’s why it is important to come to Eid prayer and to receive the prize and look and see that prize on the day of Eid. So on the Eid, take complete bath and then wear the must you have, put on perfume for man, but not for woman because you will attract the opposite gender, and then come to Salatul Eid to attend and celebrate with the rest of the community Eid. Everyone, man and woman, young or old, shall come to Eid prayer; without exception, even women who are having the menstruation. But they should avoid area of prayer, area of musalla. But they should come and be among the community to enjoy this occasion along with the rest of the Muslims. This is the third Ibadah.”

Fasting is prohibited on Eid Day

Fasting is prohibited on the day of Eid. “We need to break on the day of Eid of fast because it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid,” said Professor Turkistani and added, “It is a gift from Allah and we shall receive it and how do we break we break it with date, one or three or five or more, eat single or odd number of dates on the day of Eid in your home before you come out. And it is Sunnah to go from one way and to return another way in order to meet as many people and to greet them on the day of Eid. Eid is the day of forgiveness, a day when you really forgive those who have done wrong to you. This is the time to show forgiveness and Allah who give you forgiveness in return.”

To be a Strong Good Muslim

To be a strong good Muslim

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Wednesday, 22 Ramadan corresponding to 31 July, 2013. The last ten days and nights have already started; last Monday after Maghreb started the first night of the last ten nights of the Ramadan. Still there are few more nights and days of the last ten days and nights of Ramadan. We have to avail of this opportunity; we should not abandon it to any other things. Scholars of the earlier generations used to leave everything, everything of knowledge and reading and concentrate on the Glorious Qur’an. So please 

Last Friday, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Cultural Bureau at London, gave a pre-Khutba lecture at a Mosque in London where he said, “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the day of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah.”

In this connection, he mentioned, “We struggle and we face challenges and we face obstacles in our lives, whether this is in relation to our earnings, to our social relations, to our living conditions, to our health, to our family and so on and so forth and at the same time we need to be strong Muslim. We have the desire to be good; to be if can ideal Muslim.”

To be a Good Muslim

Professor Turkistani gave a formula to be a good Muslim. He said, “It is possible by the Grace of Allah, to be a good Muslim. It is not difficult, it is not impossible and it is not unachievable. We can do it by the Grace of Allah. How do we do that; how do we become good Muslims committed to the cause of Islam, committed to our community, to our family, to our work and at the same time, seeking the Hereafter, knowing that one day we are departing this world and meeting what we have done in this world. That is a real challenge. And this is after all the purpose of our creation. Sometime we tend to forget that we are created for the worship of Allah; sometimes we think that we are created to be engineers, to be professionals in any particular jobs, to be students, to be family-oriented people and so on and so forth.”

“But the point is we shall not miss the real purpose of creation. Let me try and give you some formula today as how we can approach this objective reaching to the point where we need to balance or commitment to our deen and our responsibilities and in our worldly affairs.

First Formula: Full confidence in Allah

First, we need to have full confidence in Allah the Almighty. Don’t people believe in Allah? Yes they believe in His existence, Glory be to Him. They believe in His Power, in His Wisdom, in His Knowledge, yet they have not observed this fully in their heart. That’s why, Allah the Almighty reminds us saying, “O you who believe, believe in Allah. How could we believe in Allah? Prophet peace be upon him said, renew your faith, say often La ilaha Illallah.Why do we say  La ilaha Illallah? We know La ilaha Illallah is the base of our faith. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This is the meaning of La ilaha Illallah. There is no God with a capital G worthy of worship except Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. The Creator, the Charger, Sustainer of this world.”

Belief and faith in Allah

Professor Turkistani mentioned, “To have that faith strongly instil  in your heart as the foundation of your Imaan to build on it. Because you cannot fulfil the job of worship of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala unless you have a solid foundation and the solid foundation is this belief. Solid confidence, absolute confidence and belief and faith in Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. So this is the most important and this is the base and which the building of our works stands on. You can not build your life on a shaky foundation; has to be strong deep in earth; and that is, your heart. It has to be deep inside your heart.”

“How could we do it?” enquired Professor Turkistani and immediately answered, “It is a struggle; yes, we know Alhamdo Lillah, many of us who raised in Muslim families, or even for those who accepted Islam coming from another way of life. They know that Islam is the Truth; Islam is the Ultimate Truth and we know Allah Subhanahu wa Taala is there, directing everything in our lives but then how strong that belief is. This is the challenge but it can be raised because Imaan as you know increases and decreases. It increases with good deeds and decreases with bad deeds. The more good you do the better your imaan will be and the more sins and wrong doings you commit the less imaan you have mantle, they go to shallow and sometimes there is no imaan; when there is no commitment to the deen.”

“Some people when you see them and advise them to be good Muslims, they say well Allah has not guided me yet. But how do you expect Allah to guide you when you are not coming forward. See the point is you should come forward to Allah. Those who struggle in our cause we lead them to our way. This Allah was saying. So that’s the first element and component of the formula I am presenting today,” argued Professor Turkistani. .

Second element is knowledge

Professor Turkistani then explained the second element of his formula to be a strong good Muslim. He said, “The second element is that we have to have knowledge, we can not be just imitating what our forefathers have done or were doing on their lifetime. We are not saying that our ancestors did and did and did and we are just following the same way. But rather we have to base everything we do on a solid foundation of knowledge. And the knowledge is in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet peace be upon him. It is so essential and we cannot do that knowledge; because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says in the last Ayah of the Sura Kahaf, if you want to meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, your Rab, meaning to see Him in person, with your own eyes and enjoy the meeting of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala; because non-believers are deprived of seeing Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. They will not have the privilege to see Allah and to enjoy looking at Him Subhanahu wa Taala.  If you want to meet Allah when He is so pleased with you then you have to do righteous deeds.”

Professor Turkistani again raised the question How do we know these deeds are righteous? And replied immediately saying, “We do not know unless we do have the evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah that this is right. This is important. Knowledge of everything. Islam and faith is not just a tradition. It is not just something we do out of habit or habitual practice; it is something that we do out of knowledge and full understanding of where we stand. This is important. Don’t engage in anything unless you know the evidence; there has an evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. In other words, I do my own worships and I know that when I do my worships, I do the Salah as the Prophet peace be upon him told me to do, I do the Siyam as the Prophet peace be upon him told me to do; I do the Hajj and the Zakah and every actions I do I base it and how the Prophet peace be upon him told us to do. He said, ‘Pray as you have seen me to pray’”. And he said in Hajj,  ‘take your rites of Hajj from me’”.

Salah

Speaking about the third element of the Formula, Professor Turkistani said, “Thirdly, if I am committed to the deen, then after the Shahadah, the most important pillar of Islam is what? Salah. Salah namaz or prayer is the connection between you and Allah. If there is no Salah, then there is no connection; just as simple as that. Some Muslims say Masallah, I am a Muslims; but when it comes to Salah, they are shaky, they pray whenever possible; they pray when the environment is suitable as they think; and if they cannot do it in their office, they will do it later; if they sleep when they wake and so on and so forth. No;  Salah is a commitment and it is a connection; because if you are not connected how would you have power. If this mike is not connected to the electricity; will it produce a sound? Amplify the sound as we like it to be? There is no source of energy if we do not pray; this is the source of energy for our faith and the first thing is Salah. Prophet peace be upon him advised his Ummah in the last moment of his life to do Salah and to be kind to anyone who is working with you. The last advice he gave to the Muslims before he left this world, because one is connecting with Allah and the other one is connecting with people. To have kind and have a strong relationship with Allah and that is the way to uplift yourself. If you have a connection with other people, then you have the kindnesses and you want to have in relation to people. So that is a third element.”

Professor Turkistani argued, “Salah has to be done in the right time and in the right way. We cannot have it just because we need to do pray, we need to do some wudu quickly stand up and just do some actions, just going out without having a Salah entering inside our hearts. Hopefully our imaan increasing that imaan; unless we have it, the salah then is not doing it job. Yes, we may pray. Prophet peace be upon him says, ‘Two people may be praying at the same time beside each other; one is having a four rewards and the one is having a very little reward. The reason is depending on how they pray. How they function in their Salah. Yes,we need to pray but how do we pray; in what way and how committed are we in our Salah when we do that.  This is important.”

“We need to pay more attention towards our Salah and not to be forgetful. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala warned and threatened to some people who pray. They are praying and they are being threatened. Yes, weil is a valley in a hell-fire. Because they are so forgetful in their Salah.They pray one day, They just only show off. And they deprived their neighbours of the little things they were asking to do and they are not being kind to their neighbours. That is the third element.”

Professor Turkistani said about the fourth element of the Formula. He said, “The fourth element in our formula to be a strong and good Muslim is to be connected with the Glorious Qur’an. What is the best advice from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. It is the Glorious Qur’an, is not it? The Glorious Qur’an is the last and final revelation that came to the best of Prophets Muhammad peace be upon him. We are honoured as the last Ummah to receive this revelation. And this revelation was revealed in the month of Ramadan. In fact, in the last ten days of Ramadan. All of the Books of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala was revealed in the month of Ramadan, according to the Hadith. All other Books, the Torah, the Injil, At-Jabur, soho Ibrahim, soho Moosa, and the Glorious Quran. All these realeased in the month of Ramadan. The last of which is the Glorious Qur’an.”

Connection with the Qur’an

Professor Turkistani enquired ‘How strong we are with the Glorious Qur’an?’ and said, “Alhamdo Lillah, Some people will say in this month, Alhamdo Lillah I have read the Qur’an once, twice, three times more. Alhamdo Lillah. This is nice; but the Qur’an needs to be there everyday in our lives; in fact, as much as you can. You need to recite the Glorious Qur’an during the hours of the night and in the morning and in the evening. Sometimes you would be wandering to ride the train and we see people listening to music, wondering on the faces of others, reading all these times the advertisements in the train rather than picking up a copy of the Qur’an in your own mobile, hard copy of the Qur’an and read or even read whatever you have memorised the Glorious Qur’an. This is energising your hearts. It will connect you, it will charge your imaan. The more connected with the Qur’an you are the more charged your imaan is. Because this is the word of Allah after all. And beyond that, Qur’an is not revealed only to be read, even something beyond that. “

Professor Turkistani continued, “Our relation with the Qur’an should be based on four levels, the first level is to read it; the second level is to memorise it, if we can; the third level is to ponder on it, is to think and ponder and use your mind and intellect to interact with the Qur’an. What is it mean? Look at in the Tafseer or in the interpretation of the Qur’an. What Allah means by this? And then the fourth level is implementation; because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says I know I am addressed to that; because I am from. I should be aware that I will not be from the Kafirs, so I will not be guided; so on and so forth.”

 .

Professor Turkistani mentioned about the last ten days and nights of Ramadan and said, “Now the last ten days of the month of Ramadan are approaching and Monday night we will be having them, the first night of the last ten days of the Ramadan. They could be even nine days based on the observations of the crescent and then on the month of Ramadan will be gone. “

“What are we putting inside the month of Ramadan in order to be folded and taken to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with all its richness of works and connections through the Glorious Qur’an. So please do not abandon the Qur’an; do not abandon the reading, the memorisation as much as you can and the thinking, interpretation and understanding Qur’an and then the practice of  the Qur’an. When Ayesha was asked about the manner of the Prophet peace be upon him, good manners, Aqlakh, What is the great manner of the Prophet peace be upon him. She said, it is the Glorious Qur’an. she We should be so much engaged with the Qur’an.”

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year, Lailatul Qadr

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 and now BBC is added to the list in 2013, 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, Sunday, is the 19^th of Ramadan. When the paper will be published, two-third 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 remaining days and nights of the blessed month 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 2^nd of August (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 29^th 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 3^rd to the 6^th 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

About charity and spending from the wealth in the Way of Allah or for the Cause of Allah, Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is Al-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” (Al-Qur’an, 2:261).

Allah also said, “Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Qur’an: 2: 262)

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.

Divinity of the Qur'an

Divinity of the Qurán:

Read more and more The Qur’an

In its month of Revelation

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Allah revealed the Noble Qur'an, the Final revelation for all mankind of all times, to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through angle Jibrael. The Qur'an is the greatest miracle given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). 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.).

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 (peace be upon them all) 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.

Divinity of the Qur’an

The Noble Qur’an is the heart and soul of Islam, the Wisdom of God. It is the Word of Allah, the Kalamullah. The Qur'an is the concrete tangible Word of God. It identifies itself to us and tells us that God is its Author, as God tells us: "God Most Gracious has taught the Qur'an.” (55:1-2).

The disbelievers used to allege that it was "Tales of the animals, which he (Muhammad) has written down and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon.” 25:5). The wicked persons went on ceaselessly putting on peoples' ears that the Qur'an was not a true revelation: "This (the Qur'an) is nothing but a lie that he (Muhammad) has invented, and others have helped him at it.”(25:4) They claimed: "It is only a human being who teaches him.”(16:103); they also raised many other baseless and superficial objections.

Allah challenged the disbelievers in various parts of the Qur'an. “And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'an) to Our servant (Muhammad, peace be upon him), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful. But if you do it not, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.”(2: 23-24)

Allah also said in Surah Al-Qasas, "Say (to them, O Muhammad, pbuh): Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two (the Torah and the Qur'an), that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” (28:49)

Allah said in Surah Al-Isra, "Say: If Mankind and the Jinn were together to produce the like of the Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” (17:88)

Allah again said in Surah Hud, "Or they say, "He (Prophet Muhammad, pbuh) forged it (the Qur'an). "Say: "Bring you then ten forged Surahs (chapters) like it, and call whatsoever you can, other than Allah (to your help), if you speak the truth.” (11:13)

In Surah Yunus, Allah challenged, "And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it (i.e. the Torah and the Injil), and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. Laws decreed for mankind) - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of all that exists. Or do they say: "He (Muhammad - peace be upon him) has forged it?” Say: "Bring then a Surah (chapter) like it, and call upon whomsoever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful.” (10:37-38)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated that among the Prophets he was given a revelation, meaning, he was especially entrusted with the miraculous Qur'an that challenged mankind to produce something similar to it. The Qur'an is the greatest miracle given to the Prophet (pbuh). The Two Sahihs record that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Every Prophet was given a miracle, the type of which brings mankind to faith. What I was given is a revelation that Allah sent down to me. Yet, I hope that I will have the most following on the Day of Resurrection.” (Fath Al-Bari 8:619 and Muslim 1:134).

The life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a historical event, a part of history. Every smallest detail of his life was recorded. It is a known fact that the Qur'an is not written by him, but rather revealed by Allah through His angle Jibrael. Angle Jibrael used to come to him with revelation. This fact of coming of Angel Jibrael with revelation was certified by no less a person than a very wise man of the time.

Aishah narrated an account of Prophet's first revelation, "Prophet was trembling with fear. At this stage, he came back to his wife Khadijah and said, "Cover me! Cover me!” They covered him until he restored security. He informed Khadijah of the incident of the Cave and added that he was frightened. His wife tried to soothe him and reassured him saying, “Allah will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations. You bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy. You entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness.”

She took the Prophet (pbuh) to her cousin Waraqah bin Asad bin Abdul-uzzah, who had embraced Christianity in the pre-Islamic period, and a scholar with good knowledge of Arabic, Hebrew and the Bible. He was an old blind man. Khadijah said, "My cousin! Listen to your nephew!” Waraqah said, "O my nephew! What did you see?” Allah's Messenger told him what happened to him. Waraqah replied, "This is Namus,” i.e. (the Angel who is entrusted with Divine Secrets) that Allah sent to Moses. I wish I were younger. I wish I could live up to the time when your people would turn you out.” Muhammad asked, "Will they drive me out?” Waraqah answered in the affirmative and said, "Anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should be alive till that day, then I would support you strongly.”

This hadith is related in both of the two most authentic collections of the Prophet's traditions prepared by al-Bukhari and Muslim, and also related by Imam Ahmad in his collection.

This angel Jibrael used to visit Allah's messenger sometimes in the form of human being and speak to him directly. This would enable him to fully understand what the angel said. The Angel was sometimes seen in the form of one of the Prophet's companions.

When there was no revelation coming from Allah for few days, the Prophet (pbuh) became depressed and worried. Ibn Sa'd narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Revelation paused for a few days. The Prophet was caught in a sort of depression coupled with astonishment and confusion. In the Book of Dreams, Al-Bukhari recorded that the Divine inspiration paused for a while and the Prophet became so sad, as we have heard, that he intended several times to throw himself from the tops of high mountains. Every time he went up the top of a mountain in order to throw himself down, Jibrael would appear before him and say, "O Muhammad! You are indeed Allah's Messenger in truth,” whereupon his heart would become quiet and he would calm down and return home.

Even a layman can find the difference between the language and linguistic style of the Noble Qurán, the Kalamullah and the Hadith, the traditions of the Prophet.

Read more and more the Qur’an

In its month of revelation

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.

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.

As mentioned earlier, 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).

Purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an

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) passed away. 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).

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

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

Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings 2013

Ramadan Mubarak and

Ramadan Greetings 2013

Dr. Mozammel Haque

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

This year Muslims almost everywhere welcome the coming of the month of Ramadan on the same day, on Wednesday, the 10^th of July, 2013. 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 Wednesday. The Supreme Judicial Council of Saudi Arabia called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the lunar month of Ramadan on July 8 (Monday) evening. But the lunar moon was not sighted at sunset Monday evening. So the holy month of Ramadan begins today, Wednesday, 10^th of July, 2013. The UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore also announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday.

Ramadan in Canada will start on Wednesday, 10^th of July, 2013. On behalf of the Muslim community of Ottawa-Gatineau, the Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau (CIOG) extended its best wishes to all Canadians and the Muslims upon the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. As instructed by our beloved Rasool (SAW) to begin and end the fasting of the month of Ramadaan based on the actual sighting of the new moon, we are pleased to inform our community that there were no confirmed moon sighting reports on the eve of Monday July 8 (29 Sha’ban). Therefore we will complete 30 days of Sha’ban and 1st day of Ramadan will be Wednesday July 10, 2013 insha-Allah.

British Muslims welcome Ramadan: the month of discipline, compassion and solidarity on Wednesday, 10^th of July 2013. British Muslims will join over a billion Muslims all over the world in a month of fasting, charity and solidarity. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the umbrella organisation of the Muslim community of Britain, extended its warmest wishes to all for a blessed, spiritual and peaceful Ramadan, the MCB’s press release said. 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

King Abdullah’s Ramadan Message

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, greeted the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the world on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan.

In their Ramadan greetings, read out by Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja, the King and Crown Prince reiterated that the Kingdom would follow its moderate policy with full conscience about its responsibility and message toward the Muslim world and the entire humanity as well.

“As such, the Kingdom would never allow extremists as well as mischievous people to misuse religion as a garb to hide behind it in order to serve their own interests. These people are doing harm to the sublime image of Islam through their overt practices and wrong interpretations,” the statement said.

The King and the Crown Prince emphasized that Islam rejects division in the name of one ideology or the other.

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s

Message for Ramadan

The British Prime Minister has marked the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, sending his warm wishes to Muslims in the UK and overseas. Prime Minister Cameron said, “As the holy month of Ramadan begins, I want to take this opportunity to send my warmest wishes to Muslims in Britain and across the world. During this hugely important time of prayer and fasting, we are reminded of the importance of charity and compassion. These are values and traditions at the heart of Islam but shared by those of all faiths in Britain.”

“So let me wish everyone peace, happiness and unity during this special time and say Ramadan Mubarak,” said Prime Minister David Cameron.

British deputy Prime Minister Nick

Clegg’s Ramadan Message

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg sent Ramadan Message to Muslims. He said, “Salaam alaykum. As Muslims during Ramadan around the world fast for self-discipline and improvement, Spend time in prayer and contemplation, and come together, united in a spirit of sacrifice, generosity and hope, I know the thoughts of many will turn, again to the suffering of the Syrian people.”

Deputy Prime Minister Clegg said, “The values of peace, empathy and charity are an essential part of this holy month of Ramadan. And evident within the invaluable contributions made by British Muslims to support and strengthen local communities across the UK. And this year I want to praise our Muslim communities for leading in a show of unity and support following the horrors of Woolwich.”

“Their committed voice for peace helps to make Britain the tolerant, open and wonderfully diverse country it is today. Ramadan Mubarak,” said deputy Prime Minister Clegg.

President Obama’s Ramadan

Message to Muslims

American President Barack Obama issued Ramadan Message on 8 July 2013, extending best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. President Obama said, “With the start of the sacred month of Ramadan, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world. For the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time for thoughtful reflection, fasting and devotion. It is also an opportunity for family and friends to come together and celebrate the principles that bind people of different faiths – a commitment to peace, justice, equality and compassion towards our fellow human beings. These bonds are far stronger than the differences that too often drive us apart.”

President Obama said, “In the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that millions of Muslim Americans enrich our nation each day – serving in our government, leading scientific breakthroughs, generating jobs and caring for our neighbors in need. I have been honoured to host an iftar dinner at the White House each of the past four years, and this year I look forward to welcoming Muslim Americans who are contributing to our country as entrepreneurs, activists and artists.”

President Obama also said, “I wish Muslims across America and around the world a month blessed with the joys of family, peace and understanding. Ramadan Kareem.”