Ibrar Sheikh, Auckland, April 1, 2022
In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. May His peace and blessing be upon our beloved Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Salaam), His family, Companions and all the good people until the Day of Judgment.
Ramadhan is a special occasion that is observed by over 1.5 billion Muslims in the world.
It is only through the Mercy and Bounty of Allah Almighty that we can observe the blessed month of fasting which falls on every ninth month of the Islamic Calendar.
We are very grateful for the Almighty giving us yet another opportunity to fast in this blessed month, perform pious deeds and receive His Blessings.
Sanctity and Reverence
Every year, Muslims eagerly look forward to the month of Ramadan and prepare for it early. It is observed throughout the Muslim world with all sanctity and reverence. This is also a special time for extra worship and reflection and brotherhood.
Ramadan also inculcates patience, perseverance and performing good deeds to family, friends, relations, and society. If we observe fasting with sincerity and dedication, it is sure to instil discipline and steadfastness in us.
The month of Ramadan has been declared sacred in the Holy Quran wherein Allah the Almighty has exalted in Chapter 2 Verse 183: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become pious.” (Chapter 2 Verse 183). In Chapter 2 Verse 185, the Holy Quran further states: “The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is expiation – the feeding of a poor man. And who so does well of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you if you only knew.”
Community spirit exalted
The month of Ramadan evokes community spirit as well.
Muslims are enjoined to do good for their fellow human beings regardless of their faith. Helping the poor and bringing relief to the needy and orphans, providing safety for weak members of society are but a few examples of good work.
During this special time, we should also remember our brethren who suffer from war and persecution and other calamities in this world and sincerely supplicate to Almighty Allah to eradicate all their sufferings and bless them with peace and goodness in their life.
Together with our families and friends, let us seize this golden opportunity from the blessed month of Ramadan to improve ourselves spiritually and socially and work towards creating a united, compassionate, and just society and interact with our fellow New Zealanders to share the beauty of this blessed month and Islam.
May Allah Azza Wa Jall accept our fasting and bless us all.
May He also keep us united and on the right path.
Ibrar Sheikh is President, of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand which has its headquarters in Wellington. He lives in Auckland. The Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to commence on April 1 or April 2, 2022.
