Opinion Editorials, August 2009

Ramadan Mubarak

By Mohammed Khaku

ccun.org, August 20, 2009

R A M A D A N      M  U B A R A K

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

'O You who believe! Fasting has been ordained for you just as it was ordained for those before you, so that you attain piety! (Quran)

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you

  
R A M A D A N

Oh Muslims, the glorious month of Ramadan is basically on our doorstep. This month we are the honored guests of Allah, where he is offering the ailing humanity the cure of spiritual rejuvenation and revitalization. This is the month of opportunity to bring about spiritual and moral reformation within our community and us. The great Turkish Sufi master, Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi urges: “How does one explain to the blind the beauty of colors, or the majestic sunrise and spectacular sunset? How will the deaf ever appreciate the joyful chirping of the morning birds and the melodious songs of the nightingales? How does one describe the fragrance of the scent of roses to those who have no sense of smell? Oh servants of Allah, dive into the ocean of spirituality and immerse yourselves in the over flowing Rahmah and blessings of the holy month of Ramadan. Spend time in worship and seclusion with your Lord and follow in the footsteps of the our Alhlul-Bayt.

Do not be depressed, nor consider Ramadan as a burden. When Ramadan comes, appreciate it, as it will pass very rapidly missing an opportunity to gain Sawab. Ramadan is one of the most auspicious months of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of the Qur’án, the month of Mercy, the month of Forgiveness, the month of reciting Quran, the month of solidarity and the month of many special blessings.

Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu  Bi-rahmatika astagheethu – Invoke Allah Mercy

Astaghfiullah al azheem alladzi laa ilaaha illaa huwa –al hayyu-l- Qayyoommu wa atoobu ilay – Seek Allah’s forgiveness

Rabbanaa aatinaa fi ddunya hasantanwa fi aakhirati hasanatanwa qinaa adzaab annaar  - Seek salvation form fire

Many Muslims today have a misconception of fasting and the behavior of a fasting person. Many go into a state of semi-hibernation spending most of the time sleeping while others become lazy, inactive and often grumpy. This is completely wrong. Ramadan is not a time for hibernation. That’s for the polar and grizzly bears, it is not for Muslims. Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity either by reciting and understanding Quran, increase knowledge by studying history and fiqh. Ramadan is and not “go slow” or “relaxed” month. The great events took place in the holy month of Ramadan: The Holy Quran was revealed in Ramadan, The Battle of Badr took place and Mecca was conquered

The Muslim world is faced with oppression and humiliation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Palestine, Algeria, Tunisia; while hunger and starvation in Africa and Asia; and a “Dajjal-like” new world order of war, materialism and corruption. Hence in this holly month we must remember the less fortunate and the oppressed Muslim brothers and sister around the world.

Let me end with dua “O Allah, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth. May Almighty Allah raise up our youths and new generation of Muslims who are balanced enough to submit to His Will yet respond to the challenges of today’s world. May Allah give us the courage to stand up for Islam wherever we are and unite the Muslims in these times of confusion and temptation? O Allah, bless our parents for placing the Kalima on our tongues and helping us to express it in our deeds

Goals For the Month of Ramadan

• Strengthen and establish our relationship with holy Quran
• Understand the message of Quran
• Speak only truth and add value to what you say.
• Do not lend ears to indecent, negative, useless, spiteful, or inappropriate talks
• Control and watch my gaze
• Be exceptionally charitable – my heart will be soft and receptive and my wallet will be wide open
• Generous in forgiving to my family, friends and Muslim community at large
• Kicking bad habits
• Increase Taqwa
• Clear my heart of anger, complaints, jealousy, grudges or suspicion
• Be extra kind, courteous, supportive and helpful to Muslims, non-Muslims, colleagues and neighbors.