Al-Qalam 
Ramadan reminds us that despite the challenges, Allah’s mercy, guidance, and strength are always with us, writes Imam Dr Rashied Omar.
Ramadan Karim wa Mubarak! May your Ramadan be filled with blessings and divine grace!
The arrival of the sacred month of Ramadan ushers in a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and collective growth. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, Ramadan serves as a guiding light, inviting us to reconnect with Allah, strengthen our communities, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
As we observe the Ramadan fast, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the power of spiritual resilience. The global landscape is rapidly shifting, with challenges often fueled by xenophobia, bigotry, and rising geopolitical tensions.
We witness this in the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, where innocent lives are lost daily, as well as in the recent policies and executive orders signed by President Trump, which exacerbate internal divisions within America, deepening conflicts along racial, social, and political lines, while also perpetuating global injustices. These crises disproportionately affect marginalized communities both in the U.S. and around the world. While the world may at times seem overwhelming, Ramadan serves as a powerful reminder of the inner strength we possess and the guidance to confront adversity with unwavering faith.
In these trying times, we must ask ourselves: How do we respond to these challenges? How do we remain true to our Islamic values in the midst of turbulence? The answer lies in our collective commitment to faith (iman), wisdom (hikmah), and resilience (sabr). It is with these ethico-moral virtues in mind that we welcome the month of Ramadan, ready to embrace its transformative potential.
During Ramadan, we are called to deepen our trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that every trial we face is part our Creator’s greater purpose. By placing our complete reliance in Allah (tawakkalna `ala Allah), we find strength in knowing that Allah is guiding us through every storm.
Ramadan is also a time to come together in worship, sharing the experience of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Our masajid become sanctuaries of peace and solace, where we nurture and cultivate patience, gratitude, and faith. The collective worship and shared prayers during this blessed month create and foster a sense of unity, drawing us closer to Allah and to each other.
Our communities play a vital role in fostering resilience. As we support one another in fasting and acts of worship, we strengthen the bonds of compassion, kindness, and solidarity. In a fractured world, Ramadan offers us a chance to cultivate an atmosphere of care and unity, ensuring that we stand strong as a collective force of spiritual and moral strength
While strengthening our families and communities is essential, Ramadan also calls us to reach beyond our circles and engage with others. In today’s socio-political climate, we witness growing division and misunderstanding. Islam urges us to build bridges, not walls. We are called to engage with kindness, justice, and compassion, particularly with those who may not share our faith. Allah, the Lord of all Humankind, exhorts us in Surah Al-Mumtahina verse 8: “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and acting justly towards those who do not share your faith and have not fought you for your faith nor driven you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.” This verse calls on us to foster peaceful relationships with our neighbours, regardless of their faith or background.
In a time when divisions seem to grow, we must extend a hand of friendship, understanding, and justice. Ramadan presents a perfect opportunity to exemplify the beauty of Islam through our actions. By building alliances and showing solidarity with marginalized communities, we stand together in the face of injustice and adversity.
Finally, Ramadan is a sacred time to deepen our connection with Allah through prayer and supplication. Allah, the Most-High, teaches us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186:
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
As we welcome Ramadan, let us open our hearts and minds, ready to embrace the transformative power of this blessed time. Ramadan reminds us that despite the challenges we face, Allah’s mercy, guidance, and strength are always with us. It is a time to grow spiritually, build stronger communities, and stand for justice.
May Allah grant us the strength and resilience to navigate these uncertain times with faith and hope, to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized, bring an end to the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and guide us in building a world of peace, justice, and compassion for all. May Allah bless us with a Ramadan filled with peace, reflection, and spiritual growth. Allahumma Amin.
