Assalaam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh
On behalf of the BC Muslim Association, Ramadhan Mubarak to you all and may Allah (S.W.T) accepts our good deeds
Dear Brothers and Sisters, the glorious month of Ramadan is upon us once again.
Ramadan is the perfect time to renew our faith, cleanse our hearts, and come closer to Allah.
A month wrapped in mercy and in liberation from the hellfire – when the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the demons are chained.
Fasting is one of the best forms of worship and the finest forms of obedience that Allah has prescribed for us. It is a wonderful course in self-discipline. It helps us to take control of our emotions and helps us to develop taqwa or consciousness of Allah.
Ramadan is also the month of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and the recitation of the Quran.
The Taraweeh prayer has a special reward in Ramadan and parents should encourage their children to come to the Masjid during this month to join in the night prayers as they are on school holidays.
It goes without saying that through fasting, Islam teaches us to love others as we love our own selves. This cannot happen unless we feel for the poor, share their pain and suffering. This is precisely what fasting does. It exposes us to the bitter experiences of hunger and thirst. Ramadan is the month of compassion and generosity.
We at BCMA recognize that it is only through your kind generosity that we are able to provide help to our poor and needy locally and disaster relief support wherever it occurs each year. My dear brothers and sisters, as you know Zakat al-Fitr is a fard ayn on every Muslim and should be given on behalf of oneself and each one of his dependents. Zakat al-Fitr for one person is $10. Please pay your Zakat al-Fitr in advance of Eid so that it can be distributed on time. We must also ensure we pay Zakat al-Maal each year on our total income. It is most rewarding to give Zakat al Maal in the month of Ramadan since its rewards are multiplied many folds.
Please ensure you and all your family join in the Iftaars being served at your local Masjid. You can contribute to the Iftaar program by contacting your local Masjid representative. If you are planning to do Ittikaaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan, please reserve a spot at your local Masjid..
On behalf of the Executive Council, Women’s Council, Branch and Chapter Directors, Committee members and all officials of BCMA, I would like to wish each and every one of you a very rewarding and peaceful Ramadan May Allah SWT reward you and bestow his choicest of blessings upon all of you.
Ramadan Mubarak
Your Brother in Islam,
Musa Ismail, President.
B.C. Muslim Association