By Imam Syed Shamshad Nasir
Baitul ul Jam-e-Mosque, Glen Ellyn, IL

For Muslims in North America the Holy month of Ramadan started on June 17th.

While the most visible aspect of Ramadan is the fast from pre-dawn to dusk, this is a month when muslims devote their time to supplication, introspection, spiritual and physical purification, empathy for the poor, and charity.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is celebrating this blessed month by encouraging members to gather at the Bait-ul-Jaamay mosque in Glen Ellyn, IL every afternoon.

Imam Shamshad Nasir starts the proceedings by leading the afternoon (Asr) prayers after which he delivers lectures on the teachings of Quran.

At dusk, members break their fasts with dates and offer evening (Maghrib) prayers.

The dinner is then quickly served.

The day ends with Isha prayers, a brief lecture on Hadith, followed by the special “Taraveeh” prayers.

For the past 13 days, men, women, children, the elderly and the youth as well participated in the afternoon program in large numbers.

Imam shamshad was delivering commentary on the opening chapter of Quran: Surah Al-Fatiha. He explained the need for seeking guidance from God in all matters He said it is only God’s help that can lead us to the right path and eschew evil. He implored members to strive for purifying not only their souls, but their physical beings as well. Imam also explained the importance of reading the Holy Quran with understanding and to follow its teachings in daily life.

This month is a very blessed month and great month as said to us by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (saw).

Imam Nasir gave many examples from the companions of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) of how they were eager to follow the teachings of Islam and how they were taking care of the needy people of the society with out any discrimination of race and color.

Imam Shamshad advised all members that this month is to make peace with God and all human beings.

Ahmadiyya Muslim community Chicago invites all friends well wishers and neighbors to come and observe this month with them, daily dinner is also served to all.

The month of Ramadan will end on July 17th.

Contact Imam Syed Shamshad Nasir at:

Address
Masjid Bait-ul-Jaamay
2 S 510 IL Rte 53
Glen Ellyn,IL. 60137

Email: shamshadanasir@gmail.com
Phone: 909-636-8332
Fax: 630-793-4100