The Joy and Message: A Soliloquy

What a joy it is to observe the holy month of Ramadhan. It binds all humanity as one whole without regard to any kind of social status. The marvel of Ramadhan is unequalled in its piety and the genesis. During Ramadhan  we are emotionally transported to our childhood when we as kids would eagerly wait for Sahri to close and then the Iftar to arrive. What a bliss!  Seeing President Trump during this year’s Ramadhan, hosting an Iftar party for the prominent Muslims and attended by many of his cabinet and other important dignitaries, was a treat to watch. Mr. Trump saying “Ramadhan  Mubarak” with near perfect pronunciation was music to ears. Long live the piety and the message of Ramadhan !

The crescent moon having finally shown in the skies announced the end of the blessed days of Ramadhan  2025 - thirty days of fasting and thirst, thirty days of spiritual awakening. Although physically we feel lighter, our souls feel heavier with the weight of divine awareness. Today, we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, as liberated souls. As Allah enjoins in the Holy Quran: "...and that you complete the period and glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you, and perchance ye shall be grateful." (Quran 2:185).

How can we not be grateful when Allah has guided us through the sacred month allowing us to taste the sweetness of hunger for His sake? Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There are two joys for the fasting person: the joy when he breaks his fast, and the joy when he meets his Lord." (Sahih Bukhari). Today we experience the first joy, with hope for the second.

As the Ramadhan  passed this year we reflect on the profound thought - was our fast merely abstention from food and drink? Or did we truly understand its purpose? And, then we are reminded of: "O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Quran 2:183). Indeed, Taqwa – righteousness, God-consciousness, is the aim. Did we guard our tongue from lies and slander? Did we protect our eyes from the forbidden? Did we purify our heart from envy and hatred? The Prophet (peace be upon him) cautioned: "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink." (Sahih Bukhari).

We pray that our fast was accepted, that it was more than physical deprivation. We pray that it transformed our souls, even if just a little.

The Lesson of Equality: For thirty days millions of Muslims worldwide experience the pangs of hunger that visits before sunset, the dryness of the throat that water alone can quench. The wealthy and the poor, the strong and the weak, we all feel the same hunger, the same thirst. This is the lesson of equality that Ramadhan  teaches. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy." (Sahih Bukhari)

How can we show mercy if we do not understand suffering? How can we give charity if we do not comprehend need? And Ramadhan  teaches us this core tenet of equality. Allah instructs us: "And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you for the sake of Allah alone. No reward do we desire from you, nor gratitude.'" (Quran 76:8-9). Today, as we celebrate, we must remember those who fast without choice, those for whom hunger is not devotion but deprivation.

The Joy of Giving: What a beautiful religion Islam is where the concept of Zakat al-Fitr – the charity of breaking the fast is available. Before one can celebrate, before one can feast, one must ensure that others can celebrate and feast as well. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordained: "The Messenger of Allah made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and to feed the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is an accepted Zakat, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is just a form of charity." (Sunan Abu Dawud). How exquisite is this religion that makes giving a condition of joy! That reminds us that our happiness is incomplete if others remain in sorrow. Allah promises: "Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Quran 2:274). Therefore, we give not out of obligation but out of love, not to be seen by others but to be seen by our Lord.

Ramadhan  as a Great Community Unifier: Today, the Ummah stands united in celebration. From the east to the west, Muslims gather in prayer, in gratitude for the month that has passed, in hope for the days that lie ahead. "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one limb suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." (Sahih Bukhari). As we stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in prayer, we feel this unity, this bond of faith that transcends all boundaries. "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Quran 3:103). In a world that seeks to divide us, Ramadhan  and Eid remind us of our essential oneness.

As the Ramadhan  passes off for another year, we must remind ourselves: can we maintain the discipline of Ramadhan  throughout the year? Can we continue to pray with the same focus? Can we give charity with the same generosity? Can we remain mindful of Allah with the same intensity? "The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small." (Sahih Bukhari).

As the sun sets on this blessed day of Eid, let us reflect on the journey of the past month with gratitude. For the hunger that taught us empathy, for the thirst that reminded us of our dependence, for the prayers that brought us peace, for the Quran that illuminated our path, for the charity that purified our wealth, and, for the community that strengthened our faith.

Ramadhan  is not an end but a means, not a destination but a journey, a training for the life that continues beyond these blessed days. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would pray: "O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha'ban, and let us reach Ramadhan ." (Ahmad).

As I end this soliloquy, I whisper: Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum (May Allah accept from us and from you) Eid Mubarak.