Salamun Alaikum

Alhamdulillah, we are truly blessed to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadhan 1431, which is another opportunity to invigorate our spirits, strengthen our faith and pray for our resolve during this Month of mercy and forgiveness. The Holy Prophet (SAW), in his sermon at the approach of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, has said: “And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah (SWT) will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgment.”

The recent devastating floods in Pakistan, the target killings of Shias in Pakistan and the political turmoil in Afghanistan, are some of the burning issues facing the Muslim Ummah, that make this Holy Month of Ramadhan a poignant period for introspection and for seeking the mercy and protection from Allah (SWT). At the same time, let us by our actions, show the way of kindness especially in this month of compassion by opening our hearts and generously contributing towards relief funds, be it the Pakistan Flood Relief or the Ramadhan Relief.

The World Federation has already distributed approx. USD 350,000 in its Ramadhan Relief of assisting numerous needy families, widows and orphans all over the world and particularly in Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, India and Africa. The World Federation has also opened an Appeal for the victims of the floods in Pakistan. Many Mumineen in these ravaging floods have lost their homes and belongings; have no food and no medicines. As we embrace this Holy Month and during which we will break our fasts with sumptuous iftars, let us not forget that scores of Mumineen around the world and especially in the flooded areas of Pakistan will not perhaps have a morsel of food or clean water to break their fasts or satisfy their pangs of hunger and thirst. Your generous donations have and will go a long way to relieve the needy, destitute and the oppressed.

The month of Ramadhan is not only a month for Siyam (fasting) but it is also a month of Qiyam (vigilance during the nights). The Qiyam provides us an opportunity for reflection, retrospection and communion with the Almighty. Let us as a community use these intimate and private moments with our Lord to pray for the strength of the community and in particular the unity so that we can pass through the difficult phase we are currently evolving through. Without a community, we are an unknown entity.

Our expectation of divine forgiveness is taken for granted, but our will to forgive others is the real test of the nafs. As we will reflect on the sacred nights of Qadr, let us pray for each other and at same time forgive each other in spirit and in action. After all we are all part of the same community and Ummah.

On behalf of The World Federation of KSIMC, I wish you Ramadhan Mubarak and pray that the Almighty accepts all our ibadaat during this Month of blessings and gives us increased tawfeqaat to serve Him with sincerity of intent.

With Salaams

Dr Asgharali G K Moledina
President
The World Federation of KSIMC
Ramadhan 1431