Al-Qalam 
Ramadaan Kareem from the team at Africa Muslims Agency.
Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to see another month of blessings and receive another opportunity to earn Allah’s reward and mercy.
When we think of Ramadaan, what is it about this blessed month that makes it stand out from every other month?
It is a month in which every individual goes beyond their ordinary in some way or another. We fast to push beyond the physical desires of our body and reach a spiritual level, seeking connection with our Creator.
We engage in extra worship in various forms, seeking salvation and grace. We may alter the way in which we dress, the hours we sleep, and even the words we choose.
We give more charity, giving beyond our usual amounts, giving beyond borders, and striving for Allah’s pleasure through service to humanity.
We go beyond our usual behaviour in every way possible, becoming the best versions of ourselves and working to create a better world for those around us.
`A’ishah (RadhiAllahu Anha) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to strive morein worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year, and he would devote himself more(in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he did in the earlier part of the month (Muslim).
As we all seek ways to do better and be better, AMA invites you to join our Ramadaan initiatives in 22 countries across the world. Through the generosity of the zakaat and sadaqah donations that we receive, AMA will provide millions of meals and hundreds of water wells to the fasting across the world.
AMA provides iftaar boxes, hampers, as well as hot meals for entire villages, camps and communities. Meals are all culturally appropriate to local tastes and needs.
As the tragedy in Gaza hangs heavy on our hearts, the 22 countries in which we work this year include Palestine, those in need at home in SA, rural Malawi and Mozambique, Syrian and Palestinian refugees in camps, the mountains of Afghanistan and many more countries across Africa and the Middle East.
May Allah bless our generous donors who support us each Ramadaan to reach the most deserving people in the most remote locations and share the spirit of Ramadaan.
May your donations be a source of reward and barakah, and may this month bring tranquillity and renewed faith into your homes.
We look forward to a Ramadaan filled with the hope and joy that comes from going beyond the ordinary for the pleasure of our Creator.
Imraan MF Choonara, CEO of Africa Muslims Agency
