In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

Alright it’s just a few more days away, but we are coming up upon Ramadan. This year it should begin either the 12th or the 13th of September. Usually decided by the sighting of the moon, and agreed upon by another community or an organization. Every year this time usually leads to a bit of debate and can lead to Ramadan starting at different times for different communities. So you ask what is Ramadan. Ramadan is the the 9th month in the Islamic Calendar. The month of Ramadan is believed to be the time that the Quaran was revealed to Allahs Messenger and final Prophet (PBUH).

During this time Muslims embrace a strict fast during the daylight hours. This fast is not limited to just food and beverage, but from cursing, smoking, intimate marital relations, backbiting. It is this time that Muslims spend the month examining their lives, their relationship with Allah. It is during this time we Muslims make amends to those we have wronged. Forgiveness and Mercy is the central focus during Ramadan. During this time we focus on Allahs Mercy, Forgiveness and liberation from the Hellfire. The fasting is a discipline to gain control over our earthly desires. It teaches us self control, and teaches us to grow closer to Allah. But there is more to Ramadan than just the individual level, there is the family level as well as the community level.

On the family level, families gather together early in the morning for a meal before morning prayer where the fast begins again. It is a time that families put aside their differences and squabbles. It is a time that we are thankful that Allah had provided us with a family who cares for and loves us. I have to admit that this will be my hardest struggle, as most of my family is far away, and does not celebrate Ramadan. But it gives me the opportunity to grow closer to them by calling them more, asking for their forgiveness, and being a good example of this faith I have grown to love. It will also be an opportunity to strengthen a newfound relationship as well as with their family, and embrace my new family of brothers and sisters in Islam.

On the community level, each night we will gather for prayers, as well as a full recitation of the Quaran (which will take the full month of Ramadan to do). In the community I belong to we will be gathering also on Sunday evenings for festivities, meals, prayer and socializing. It is also the time for Zakat. Zakat is 1 of the 5 pillars of Islam, and is an obligation of every Muslim. Unlike many other faiths where one would give a certain percentage to the church or temple. Islam requires each Muslim to give 2.5% of their worth to the poor. This is usually given to the Mosque to assist anyone who may be financially struggling.

So needless to say I am looking forward to my first Ramadan as a Muslim. And in preparation I ask each one of you for forgiveness for any wrongs that I may have committed against you.

The Prophet (saw) said, “You will not have secure faith (’iman) until you love
one another and have mercy upon those who live upon the earth.”

Regardless whether you are Muslim, or not I want to encourage all of us to spend some time this month focusing on the Mercy of Allah (God), and be aware that we are nothing without out it. Be merciful to your families, your co-workers, your boss, your employees, and to the stranger.