SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Message from DAA's Islamic Education Team

Ramadan is a month of giving, spirituality and personal growth. Although a big emphasis is normally placed on fasting from food and water, Allah says in the verses of the Quran, "Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness" (Q 2:183). This verse brings clarity to the purpose of Ramadan - which is to grow in piety and righteousness. How fitting is it that during this year, Ramadan falls during the time of quarantine? A time we have been forced to reflect on our current ways and be challenged to reconsider how we live our lives?

This year, approximately 1.8 Billion Muslims will be observing Ramadan, many of them directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19. During this year, we will not see the Ramadan tents that are so famous in the UAE, where the less fortunate Muslims used to gather for a meal provided by the government and kind gestures of others, or the bustling sounds of Taraweh prayers in the mosques and the big gatherings of families and friends around the Iftar tables.

…..This year, Ramadan is different…..

As we come to terms with the short and long term effects of what the COVID-19 will have on us, it is only fitting for us to reflect on all the blessings that have been bestowed on us of which many others have been challenged with.

Sarah Ferguson recently wrote, “Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms… Like the spoilt children we are. She gave us time and she gave us warnings. She was so patient with us. She gave us fire and floods, she tried to warn us but in the end she took back control. She has sent us to our rooms and when she is finished clearing up our mess. She will let us out to play again. How will we use this time?”

… and the question that asks itself, how will we use Ramadan this year?

The prophet SalaAllah alayhi wa sallam said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) and Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of Allah’s servant on the Day of Judgment: Fasting will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so accept my intercession for him.” And the Qur’an will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from sleeping by night, so accept my intercession for him.” The intercession of both will thus be accepted. (Ahmad and authenticated by Al-Albani)

The DAA family would like to wish all our extended families a prosperous and reflective Ramadan. One that will be filled with hope and regrowth.