A time of reflectionSadness and joy: farewell Ramadan [Archives:2004/789/Community]

By Adel Al-Khawlani
Yemen Times Staff
Ramadan is drawing to a close and we anticipate the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr, the holiday at the end of the month of Ramadan. This is a time of sadness and a time of joy.
Sadness that the blessed month has to end and joy that we hope to have offered our best during the month, and hope that it will be accepted by Allah and that we will be rewarded.
It is also a time of sadness as the world's crises continue to increase. While we have fasted to gain God-consciousness, self-restraint and piety, we have also felt short-term hunger and thirst. Many of our fellow human beings, Muslims and non-Muslims around the world feel hunger and thirst every day.
As Yemenis, we are blessed with ample supplies of food and clean drinking water. Yet we know millions of people around the globe live in refugee camps or worse, hoping for a crumb of bread and a drink of water.
War and sanctions, drought and disease, some things within our control, others not in our control, have combined to bring about these catastrophes. As humans and especially as Muslims, we must reach out to change the fortunes of those unfortunate masses that are struggling to stay alive.
If we can offer donations, we must do so. If we can work to lift sanctions, we must do so. If we can offer technology or expertise to find and supply water, we must do so. And if we cannot do any of this, we must offer dua (supplication or prayers) for our fellow humans around the globe and perhaps even in our neighborhoods.
Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, says in the Quran: “And your LORD says: “Call on Me; I will answer your call (Prayer): (Ghafir : 60)
For those who must pay zakat (alms), Ramadan, particularly these concluding days, is a good time to do so. Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, tells us who is eligible to receive alms in the Noble Quran: “Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (At-Tawbah : 60) During this month of generosity and sharing, let us each do our part to make sure next year Ramadan finds humanity in a better position than this year.
As we welcome Eid-ul-Fitr and give thanks for the blessings we have, the great month we are completing and looking forward to a prosperous Eid, let us carry the lessons we gained from Ramadan throughout the year so we maintain our focus on Taqwa and pleasing Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala.
We ask Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, to accept the efforts of all who fasted and enlivened their nights with salat (prayer) and Thikr (remembrance of ALLAH), to grant us forgiveness and to blanket us with His Mercy and to guide us throughout the coming year.
We wish everyone a prosperous Eid “Eid Mubarak” and may we all be granted the privilege of witnessing Ramadan next year. Many happy returns!
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