Let’s Get Ready For Ramadan

Ramadan is just a few months away and just like every year, many people are anxiously awaiting the month of blessings and forgiveness. Its extraordinary importance in Islam cannot be ignored. For one, it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, a task that Allah (S.W.T) has made compulsory on every adult Muslim, man and woman. This is why children are educated about the concept of fasting from a very early age. The goal is to showcase the importance of fasting, why Muslims do it and how to spend most of their time in a fasting state. Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset and spend most of their time in prayer, Tauheed and Tajweed. It is a month of seeking forgiveness for past sins and to seek guidance for the coming future. The entire concept of Ramadan is more akin to spiritual healing; cleaning of not just the body but also the human soul. 

What Ramadan Means For Muslims Around the World

For Muslims living and fasting in Non-Muslim countries such as the Americas and Europe, observing Ramadan can be challenging.

For one, Muslims living abroad will most likely be working their regular work hours. In Muslim countries, the work hours are slightly reduced during the month of Ramadan to assist people who are observing fast. Secondly, should Eid-ul-Adha fall on a weekday, it is very likely they will be working that day and will have to make some arrangements to attend the Eid Prayer and head back to work. In Muslim countries the day is considered a holiday and after prayer people greet each other, visit friends and family while feasting for three days.

As Ramadan approaches in June, be sure to look forward for the following at your local mosque or Islamic Centre:

• Heart warming and spiritual sermons from great Scholars and Imams from around the world
• Learn Arabic Classes (some Musallah offer this free)
• Special Ramadan Camp for Kids and adults. It is a great way to teach young minds the basics of Islam. Muslim Aid is very active in Ramadan activities. Be sure to visit our website for upcoming events.
• Big gatherings of all your friends, Muslim co-workers, and family at your local mosque.
• Amazing cuisine served in mosques after Magrib prayer once the fast is opened

Ramadan comes bearing gifts every year. It is a month long opportunity to rejuvenate your faith. Seek forgiveness for sins and to forgive others who have wronged you. It is a month to fast, to show obedience, to show Taqwa. Muslim Aid wishes Allah grant us the will and strength to fast devotedly throughout this Ramadan. May this be a month of blessings and forgiveness to all our brothers and sisters around the world.