Muslims all
over the country will once again be celebrating another Eid-ul-Fitr. This is a
great and joyous moment for every Muslim. Its joy and happiness does not lie in
the fact that the month of Ramadan has ended but in the fact that, after a
month’s fast, Allah the Almighty has blessed man to revert to all lawful things
that have been forbidden to him during the days of the month of Ramadan. He is
also given a new spirit to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.
The institution of fasting is found, in one way or the other, among all the religions of the world with the sole purpose of salvaging man from sin and making him a beloved one of Allah Almighty. If every person adheres to the philosophy of fasting, the world shall be a better place. Islam, which is the perfection of all religious teachings, gives new life, spirit, and perfection to this institution. The Holy Qur’an says that the Muslim Ummah is the best of all, it is raised for the good of humanity, and that the Ummah enjoins the doing of good and forbids evil. This is a distinctive feature of Islam and during the noble month it is intensified and the entire society is electrified with sincerity, devotion to the religion, perseverance on Salat and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that at the time of heedlessness to the teachings of Islam, anyone who upholds the Sunnah shall have the reward of a hundred martyrs. He said that at such a time a single prostration to Allah Almighty shall be better than the earth and its contents. Therefore, we should continue practicing the good that we were doing in the Holy month of Ramadan. Allah the Almighty guides on His path only those who strive on His way.
Brothers and sisters in faith, a Muslim’s expression of joy does not accommodate any form of Shirk (association of partners with Allah Almighty), immorality or behaviours that may disturb the peace of the society. He should extol the name of His Lord and praise Him. This is the philosophy of the Eid-ul-Fitr. On the day of Eid, the atmosphere should be filled with the greetings of Salaam (peace). The poor and the needy should partake of the joy and happiness of the day. It was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) to distribute gifts among children, the poor, the needy and old on the days of Eid.
I once again convey the warmest salaam, love, prayers and EID MUBARAK of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA), the Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, I humbly wish you all EID MUBARAK.
May Allah the Almighty accept our humble efforts and endeavours on His path. May He make us all attain the objective of the blessed month of fasting. May He continue strengthening us on the paths of His fear and love. May He establish in our hearts the strongest desire and determination to serve the best of humanity, the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). May He continue showering peace, stability, security, progress and prosperity on our dear and beloved motherland, the Gambia.
Ameen.
Wassalam
Yours sincerely,
Baba F Trawally
Amir
