Part One
I offer my best wishes to Muslims all over the world on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, and sincerely hope that this holy month will bring plenty, well being and particularly peace to all believers. So many Muslims, in Palestine, Chechnya, Kashmir, East Turkestan, Indonesia and other countries are entering this month to the accompaniment of violence, conflict and war. The sole desire of these innocent people caught in the ravages of poverty, hunger and disease is to be able to live by their religion, in an atmosphere of peace and stability, and to live their lives unmolested.
In order for all these problems to come to an end,
therefore, all Muslims need to come together as one, make a serious effort
to make the values of the Qur'an prevail, and cooperate to offer all
assistance possible to their needy Muslim brethren. The month of Ramadan
is particularly important as a time when cooperation and helping others
come to the fore. The important thing here is for nobody to think
"what good can any help from me do?" but to work with a sincere
heart. What must not be forgotten is that it is Allah, the Lord of all the
Worlds, who will permit these efforts to succeed and accept the prayers of
the faithful.
The month of Ramadan is one of abundance, described in the Qur'an, itself
sent down as a guide to all of mankind, as "better than a thousand
months" (Surat al-Qadr: 3) and which contains the Night of Power.
Throughout this month all the Muslims of the world carry out their fasting
obligation as one and thank their Lord for the blessings He has given
them. In Surat al-Baqara, Allah proclaims the following about the month of
Ramadan:
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance for mankind, with Clear Signs containing guidance and discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you. You should complete the number of days and proclaim Allah's greatness for the guidance He has given you so that hopefully you will be thankful.
(Surat al-Baqara: 185)
