Source: Northumbeland Today –

July 21 marked the beginning of the Holiest month for Muslims, the month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan predates Islam itself. Even prior to the advent of Islam, the month of Ramadan was considered holy, sacred and a source of peace. According to the lunar calendar (which the Muslims follow), the month of Ramadan comes 10 days earlier every year for 29 or 30 days. Muslims are told in the Holy Qur’an that it was in this blessed month that the revelation vouchsafed to the holy Prophet of Islam (Muhammad) began to be received and it was in this very month that the revelation (Holy Qur’an) was completed 23 years later. Muslims are taught in the Holy Qur’an in the following words:

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.” (Holy Qur’an 2:186)

Muslims, men and women alike, observe fast by eating before dawn and do not eat or drink anything until sunset. Throughout the course of the day, Muslims are encouraged to keep themselves busy with the remembrance of God. The Holy month of Ramadan is the month of repentance to seek God’s Mercy, Forgiveness and His Protection from Hell. In the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to give alms to the needy, to feed the poor, to care for the orphans and to work toward their spiritual upliftment so that at the end of the month they come out as better human beings with the refined and renewed faith. For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is the month of sacrifice, where the usual lawful things such as eating, drinking and martial relations are given up for a temporary period, only to attain God’s pleasure.

The end of Ramadan marks one of the biggest festivals for Muslims known as Eid-ul-Fitr which is celebrated as a sign of being grateful to God for allowing the Muslims to observe fast and to seek pardon for their sins and shortcomings.

May these days become blessed for all of us so that we may become better citizens, better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers or siblings. Amen

We visited the Northumberland area on number of occasions in last few months, whether it be for canvassing or for exhibits. We always found the local residents very welcoming and respectful and on behalf of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association of Canada, I can assure you that we are and will be especially praying in this very blessed month for the prosperity of your town, will be praying for the betterment of the town, will be praying for the long and healthy life of the residents of the town.

Rizwan Rabbani is national executive director of the Department of Faith Outreach & Communications for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Canada.