In the name of Allah, the most Gracious and the most Merciful!
All praises belong to Allah, the Lord of the Universe
My respected Brothers and Sisters: Assalam-u-Alaykum – wa Rahamatullahi – wa Barakatahu.
The BC Muslim Association wishes you and your loved ones a very blessed month of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan has once again come with its mercies, blessings and forgiveness. This month is the month of the Quraan, a Book whose light will never fade. Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. Ramadan is a golden chance for those who want to bring themselves nearer and closer to Allah, for those who wish their sins to be forgiven, and for those who wish to be freed from the Hell-fire.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives, make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, and to do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (
sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. Fasting helps us to take control of our emotions and helps us to develop
taqwa or consciousness of Allah.
Ramadan is also a time for us to remember and sympathize with those who are fasting every day of their lives, not by choice, not because they want to fast, but because of poverty. They simply don’t have enough to eat or drink. We, who enjoy clean drinking water, hot meals every day, and a warm comfortable home must remember that we are very fortunate to have these blessings. Ramadan is a time to remember others less fortunate. It’s a time to show Compassion and Mercy by paying your Fitra before the end of the month of Ramadan so that those in need can receive the money before Eid to buy the basic needs. Further, if you have not paid you Zakat for the past year, this is the opportune time to do so in order to fulfill your obligations and acquire the maximum rewards. It must be noted that with influx of many Muslim refugees to our part of the world, the demand for zakat is escalating and we need all the help you can provide to help these incoming families.
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with his forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.
Your dua and support is very much appreciated.
Once again, RAMADAN MUBARAK to you all.
Your Brother in Islam.
MUSA ISMAIL,
President,