Category: Ramadan

Beyond Ramadan

"…Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period (of Fasting) and to glorify Him for the Guidance…" [Qur'an, 2: 185] The ethnic and religious polarization, cultivation of cultural divisions, relentless fueling of ideological differences, and geopolitical crises in an already troubled world suggest that a more tumultuous time lies ahead for humanity. It is disturbing … Continue reading Beyond Ramadan →

Ramadan: Pursuit of Moral Excellence

The collective happiness of society rests on human behavior alone. Yet, despite amazing progress in just about every field of human endeavor, this quintessence of humanity remains completely dark. Man is mindlessly focused on selfish worldly aspirations at the expense of society’s welfare. Escalating bloody violence is out of hand, threatening every community in modern … Continue reading Ramadan: Pursuit of Moral Excellence →

Lailat-ul-Qadr: The Night of Glory

“We have sent down this (Qur’an) in the Night of Glory…The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.” [Qur’an: 97, 1-3] During the month of Ramadan, Muslims generally engage in rigorous spiritual activities. The purpose of these intense efforts is self-reinvigoration and moral renaissance in personal behavior and social interactions that must continue … Continue reading Lailat-ul-Qadr: The Night of Glory →

Amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr

Based on the Hadith (Abu Dawood), the Shari’a has established the amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr (fitra) as one half of a Sa'a of wheat per person in the family (regardless of age), which is equivalent to 3.85lbs/person (one Sa’a = 7.7 lbs).  The current price of wheat in Massachusetts is $2.25/lb. Thus, the exact fitra amount this year is (3.85x2.25 =) $8.66, rounded to $9 per person. This is the threshold that must be communicated transparently in public announcements without … Continue reading Amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr →

Echoing Ramadan in Isolation

“…Had We willed, We could have fixed them in their places, making them powerless to go forward or backward.”  [Qur’an, 36: 67] This year the pandemic circumstances surrounding Ramadan have been very difficult and emotionally draining. Ramadan is almost over, leaving behind lasting memories of something so special celebrated in vacuum. There were no Friday congregational … Continue reading Echoing Ramadan in Isolation →