A time to build bridges

By Matloub Husayn Ali-Khan

The end of the Muslim holy month or Ramadhan is marked by Eid (means festivity) similar to Christmas. The Muslim month of Ramadhan, 9th month of the Islamic calendar started when the moon was sighted on 16/11/01. The Islamic calendar began when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW-PBUH) migrated from Mecca (Makkah) to Medina in present day Saudi Arabia and is based on the phases of the moon. Unlike the international calendar, which is based on the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar recedes around 11 days each year. 

In 1967, the Muslim month of Ramadhan coincided with Christmas, this year Eid and Christmas day fall within a 9 day period. The people of Burngreave and Sheffield should take this opportunity to try to understand and build bridges with each other irrespective of race, creed, belief, religion or no religion. The question often arises why do Muslims fast? Well, because according to holy Qur’an, Allah (God) ordered Muslims to fast in the (: mostly read/recited book). 

The Muslim Prophet, salla’llahu alaihi wa sallam - PBUH, always did the fast and Muslims always do. The spiritual and practical benefits for Muslims are immense and if we did not fast we might forget how it feels not to have anything to eat or drink like the very poor, starving and homeless do in Afghanistan, Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world. This month is a good time to carry out good deeds (amals) and become better individuals by avoiding greed, selfishness, backbiting and not being truthful. 

Muslims must strive to conduct themselves a bit better than they normally do. It is good practice for the rest of the year. Muslims must be extra generous and charitable during this month and they must oblige in giving charity. Their possessions and income are calculated and the poor and needy have a right to claim a portion of it through Zakat (charity). When you read this, Ramadan may have finished and you’ll be celebrating Eid and/or Christmas. For us Muslims we will be waiting for the sighting of the new moon (which should be on 14th or15th December 2001). Muslims wait for the announcement on the Radio/TV that the new moon has been seen in Makkah (Mecca). 

All the children, adults and elders from all nations, races and creeds will be making preparations for Eid-Ul-Fitr - donations, prayers and feasts by wearing new clothes and being generous to children and the poor, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW - PBUH). Please remember the poor, displaced and hungry people in the world especially in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine this Eid and Christmas. 

HAPPY EID MUBARAK & CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO ALL READERS.