Our March Newsletter
Message from Imam Anver
Dear Community Members,
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
I pray that you and your loved ones are keeping well and getting ready for the March break. Here is the monthly important summary from your institution, Jami Omar:
Ramadan – the month of blessings and forgiveness is upon us: By the sheer mercy of Allah, we are just about to begin the unique and blessed month of Ramadan. This is the month in which Allah (S) increases the reward for a non-obligatory act equal to that of an obligatory act which fetches the highest reward. Therefore, we must try to increase our efforts in all fronts to seize the opportunity, as no one knows who among us will be here when the next Ramadan comes around. Therefore, we should increase our efforts on physical ibaaadah through fasting, extra salaah and helping others whereas monetary ibaadah through generosity in paying zakatul-maal, helping the needy and the causes of perpetual charity.
572 Moodie Townhome Project: By the grace of Allah, we have finally received the building permit to start the construction. Discussions are on-going to establish the overall cost of the project and prepare the budget. Due to significant cost escalations, budgetary estimate for demolishing the existing structure, removal of trees/vegetation, erecting and closing the building is approximately 1.5 million dollars. The remainder cost will depend upon the finishing requirements. Our goal is to raise $500,000 by the end of Ramadan so we may start the project immediately after Ramadan. If 250 families pledge to pay $2,000 over a three-month period, it will be relatively easy to hit the target. Please consider contributing generously to this worthy cause i.e. support for the house of Allah and provide affordable housing to the very needy of the community.
Donation Receipts for 2023: Alhamdulil-laah, our finance team once again did an amazing job to get all donation receipts ready and mailed out in a timely fashion for your 2023 tax preparation. Thank YOU all of our valued donors for continuing to support your institution Jami Omar. While I can not express enough gratitude for your continued support, I ask Allah (SWT) to grant you the true reward in the both worlds. If you have not received your donation receipt as yet, please reach out to our office and insha-Allah, they will take care of it promptly.
With salaam,
Imam Anver Malam
Khaadim – Jami Omar
Spiritual Insights
Ramadan
The comparison of the month of Ramadan with other months has been compared to as the sun amongst the stars. With It’s inception, the doors of Jannah are flung open, Jahannam’s doors are locked and the Shaytans are tied up. Rewards for good deeds are multiplied and the last ten nights are considered to be the most virtuous nights of the entire year. There in lies a night (Laylatul Qadr) better than a lifetime of worship.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the last ten nights of Ramadan arrived, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would tighten his belt (i.e. work hard), spend the night in worship, and awaken his family.
In another narration, Aisha said: The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan more so than any other time. (Bukhari & Muslim)
The objective behind the fasting of Ramadan is Taqwa (Allah- consciousness). Just as the fasting person refrains from food, drink and marital relations, similarly he will also strive to refrain from sins of the limbs and heart. In this way the fasting person is nourishing the soul and the mindfulness of Allah increases, resulting in fulfilling the commands and staying away from the prohibitions of Allah. This is precisely what Taqwa is. Sayyiduna Ali (radiallahu ‘anhu) defined Taqwa as being the ‘fear of Jaleel (Allah), acting upon the tanzeel (Quran), being content with qaleel (little), and preparing for the day of raheel (journeying from this world).
May Allah forgive us and shower all with his mercy and blessing this Ramadan and forever.
With salaam,
Imam Owais Tilly
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