Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat: Eidul Fitr Message: Ramadan - A Source of Peace

Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu

EIDUL FITR MESSAGE: RAMADAN - A SOURCE OF PEACE

Alhamdulillah, we have come to the conclusion of another Holy and blessed month of Ramadan. Muslims across the country and worldwide will be celebrating the Eidul Fitr to remember the blessings that Allah Almighty has bestowed upon them by guiding them to Islam and prescribing the Holy month of Ramadan for the attainment of Taqwa (righteousness) and fear of Allah Almighty.

There is a global outcry for peace. Reports of instability and disorder always make the headlines on news. Unfortunately, all these instabilities and disorders are attributed to Islam, the religion that has no relationship with violence whatsoever. All Islamic commandments are aimed at establishing peace by making man a devoted and righteous servant of Allah Almighty. The commandment to fast is one of those commandments.

Individual peace is the foundation for the establishment of global peace. One has to be at peace with oneself in order to be at peace with others and the entire society. This individual peace is dependent on the attainment of peace with Allah Almighty which can only be attained through righteousness. The Holy month of Ramadan has been prescribed for the attainment of that objective. If a person sincerely observes the fast of the Holy month of Ramadan, he or she becomes upright and strengthened in the path of Allah Almighty. No one can be truly submissive to Allah Almighty and be at peace with Him without being at peace with his or her fellow human beings. The desire for committing evil and disrupting the peace of the society is suppressed in the heart of such an individual. His or her willingness to abstain from all lawful things for the sake of Allah Almighty creates in his or her soul the will and determination to abstain from everything that will create disorder in the earth such as greed, jealousy, hatred, injustice, falsehood, and immorality. The Holy month of Ramadan is a period of reformation in acquiring fear of Allah Almighty and achieve His grace, mercy and salvation. This reformation continues for the rest of the year.

Peace is the essence of Islam. Islam does not support any activity that will disrupt the peace of the society. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) was an embodiment of peace. He lived in peace with people of different faiths including Jews and Christian and protected their fundamental human rights. Therefore, no perpetrator of violence is justified in attributing such activities to Islam. In fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (SAW) has cursed the creator of fitna (disorder) and dissension (disunity).

As we celebrate the Eidul Fitr, we must remember the poor and the needy among us. One of the purposes of Ramadan is to reserve some food for the feeding of the poor and the needy. In order for the poor and the needy to partake in the celebrations of the Eid, the well to do, in fact everybody is instructed to pay the Sadaqatul Fitr. These show the importance that Islam has put on the service to humanity. The peace of the society will be a nightmare if the indigent are not given their rights. Therefore, let us make our poor and needy neighbours happy during and after the feast.

Let us also continue to remember countries encountering so much strife and disorder that Allah Almighty may make those countries stable.

I convey to you the salaam and Eid Mubarak of His Holiness, the Supreme and Spiritual Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA). He is always praying for the peace, security and stability of our beloved country. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, I convey to you my humble salaam and Eid Mubarak.

May Allah Almighty make the rest of the months after the Holy month of Ramadan a reflection of the blessings of the month. May He establish peace in our hearts so that the same peace and tranquility may permeate the entire society. May He fill our hearts with the light of faith and righteousness. May He continue showering peace, stability, security, progress and prosperity on our dear and beloved country, the Gambia. O Allah Almighty, Our Lord and Creator accept and reward abundantly all our sacrifices in this Holy month and beyond. Ameen.

Wassalam

Yours Sincerely,

Baba F. Trawally

Amir