Sunday, May 5, 2019 (Evening) – Tuesday, June 4, 2019 (Evening)
Ramaḍān is a time for remembrance, thanksgiving, cleansing, reflection, and growth; a time for deep contemplation of one's relationship with Allāh, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of The Holy Qurʾān. Rasulullah Muhammad (s.a.w.) tells us, "When the month of Ramaḍān starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained."
As Muslims we know Ramaḍān to be the sacred month in which Allāh revealed the first verses of The Holy Qurʾān to Rasulullah Muhammad (s.a.w.) on the night known as "Laylat al-Qadr" لیلة القدر ("The Night of Power"); a month honored, and celebrated by fasting every day from dawn to sunset. The commemoration of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Al Islām, and with few exceptions is incumbent upon every Muslim. Sadly Ramaḍān is becoming more, and more mainstream, and as such its true meaning and importance is slowly but surely being watered down, and forced to take a backseat to the commercialized pomp, and errant idea that it is just another "religious" holiday that all are welcome to take part without consideration of its divine significance, and without prayer to, and worship of Allāh.
At a time when Ummat Al-Islām أمة الإسلام is more splintered, and divided than ever, let us as Muslims use the holy month of Ramaḍān to begin reconciling our differences, and letting go of the unjustified disdain we hold toward each other. Offering counsel, correction, and guidance in the spirit of īmān إِيمَان, brotherhood and sisterhood is one thing, but outright contempt, mockery, and open hatred is another thing altogether. Never forget that Shayṭān thrives on division, and this is why as Muslims whenever we feel the uncontrollable fire of enmity heating up within our hearts we must cool ourselves in the Dīn of Allāh.
Ramaḍān Kareem!
The month of Ramaḍān (is that) in which was revealed the Qurʾān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and (wants) for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that (to) which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
– Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
(The Holy Qurʾān)
Sunday, May 5, 2019 (Evening) – Tuesday, June 4, 2019 (Evening)
