As-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh, May this reminder reach you in a state of piety, purification and praise of Allah. O believers, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you that you may become conscious of God. Quran, 2:183 Al-hamdulillaah, the blessed and most beautiful month of Ramadaan is again upon us; the month of fasting, Quraan recitals, night prayers, the Night of Decree and I’tikaaf (religious seclusion). Indeed, Ramadaan is the most anxiously awaited month of the year. Every year when this month comes around, we pray, hope and strive to increase our faith, good deeds and purification. This year, let us strive to follow more closely the divinely guided footsteps of our beloved Prophet (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) as we have committed ourselves to do in our declaration of faith (shahaadah). Remember that in this month, Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) was more generous and kind than usual, and he (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) engaged in more acts of worship such as charity, formal prayers (salaat) in the night and remembrance of Allah, than he did outside of Ramadaan. Do not forget his practical sunnahs of fasting, such as light meal before the dawn and a light meal consisting of three dates to break the fast (iftaar), avoidance or anger and argumentation, and reading the Qur’aan with understanding regularly, in order to experience the true spirit of the fast. Dear brothers and sisters, the month of Ramadaan should not be a month of feasting but instead a month of fasting. Let us remember this while sitting for suhoor (the dawn meal) and at the time of iftaar (breaking the fast). Although it is important to take care of our health during these days of fasting, we must focus on the sublime principle of moderation, which Islam commands inside and outside of the fast. For, excesses of overeating, staying up all night in play, and over sleeping are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Brothers, let your wives spend more time in worship rather than tying them to the stoves in your kitchens all day. Parents, engage in worship with your children and families and make this a month of increased mercy and love among you. May your Ramadaan be blessed (Ramadaan Mubaarak) and May Allah accept your good deeds as sincerely done for Him (Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minkum). Yours Islamically, Dr. Bilal Philips Founder and Chancellor of The Islamic Online University
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:22:34 +0000