Approaching Ramadan
By Imam Imraan Husain
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Gold Coast. As we eagerly anticipate the beginning of the Blessed Month of Ramadan. The Islamic Society of the Gold Coast and the Staff at the Madrasah wishes all of our Musallies, students, friends, and supporters an accepted and purifying fast. We pray that this blessed month is a time of spiritual renewal for all of you, a time when you are able to fully benefit from the many Divine Gifts that have been offered to the worshipper during this most special season.
Those who have failed to take advantage of the months of Rajab and Sha’ban to prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan should be especially careful to take full advantage of the latter month. Reflect on the poet’s words:Harken! O you who was not content to sin throughout Rajab.
His rebellion against his Lord had to continue the duration of Sha’ban.
The month of fasting has now come to shade and shelter you,
Do not transform it also into a month of sinning.
Recite the Qur’an and glorify [Allah], with diligent assertion.
Indeed! It is a month for glorification and the Qur’an.
Deny your bodily appetites, seeking your soul’s salvation.
Eventually, the earth will consume the body.
How many deceased people have you known who fasted?
Amongst your family, neighbours, and brothers.
Death has erased them, leaving you behind.
Get serious [about your religion], for the living are quite close to the dead!
You take delight in the ‘Eid outfits being cut out now for the festival.
But soon they will be your burial shrouds.
How long will the person be happy with his worldly home?
Knowing that his ultimate home is the grave.We pray that this month is a means for our spiritual ascension
