Welcoming Ramadan

Alhamdulillah (all praise belongs to Allah) we are only a few days away from the commencement of the special month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan amongst other months has been compared to as the sun amongst the stars. With It’s coming, 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. The objective behind the fasting of Ramadan is Taqwa (Allah- consciousness). Just as the fasting person refrains from food, drink and marital relations, he will also strive to refrain from sins of the limbs and heart. In this way the fasting person is nourishing the soul and mindfulness of Allah increases resulting in fulfilling the commands and staying away from the prohibitions. This is precisely what Taqwa is. Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau will inform the community on the start date of Ramadan on the evening of Sunday May 5th. The official letter will also be posted on the Jami Omar website. Oh Allah bless us in Sha’ban, make us reach Ramadan and grant us all that which Ramadan was institutionalized for. Ramadan Mubarak and Karim!