Ramadan Message

Respected Muslim

Assalam U Alaikum

Ramadan Greetings!

The guest has arrived. Long awaited; filed with vigor, she has piled us with divine goodies.

We are indeed grateful for this wonderful opportunity, presented to us yearly, without elaborate travel arrangements. Should her profound value to offer change be overlooked? Should her tax free and timely returns be dismissed lightly?

Ramadan has never been a burdensome season for the Early Muslims, despite the paucity of funds, lack of resources and the regular devastations. Therefore for us in this century of progress and abundance, this guest must not be allowed to come and go without fanfare. Let steep materialism not make us oblivious of Allah’s special gifts. We complain too much and thank way less for our countless gifts. An average Canadian has 200 extra unnecessary item stored somewhere, that they can easily convert someone’s misery into bliss. The wastage of food is epidemic. The indifference towards the needy, especially at home and grossly abroad, has become second nature. This should be the sin we’re praying forgiveness for every chance we get this year.

Ramadan makes us realize that change begins with us. We must be that machine to turn the wheels of lethargy and make the power of Iman work miracles. Allah says it’s not enough to wish away poverty and fantasize happiness- we must make it our mandate to make the world a better place by practical steps. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). Q13:11

Zakah, Iftar, fasting, Taraweeh, Itkaf, Umra, visiting mosques and relatives, attending fundraisers and listening to different Hafiz and Ulama, all provide this much needed need tool of change in a world that socially contracts itself away from virtue and Godliness.

The Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the fast of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing fast without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).

Let’s recognize what our centre provides for our salvation, not only today but throughout the year. Think of the level of commitment it takes, and even though we may not get it perfect, it’s still better to fail in doing it right than not doing it at all. Your prayers and opinions are most welcome as much as you during the Blessed Month.