A blind man is being escorted across the street by his companions, he is protectively clutching a packet of dates (kajoor) - no doubt his Iftaar purchase. A content smile spreads across face. Even the handicapped submit to Almighty Allah’s command of Saum (fasting)

Mawla ya salli wa sallim daa’iman, abadann

‘Ala habeebika khayri khalqi kullihimi

The sound of Qasidah Burdah reverberates amidst the frenzied shoppers, tired salesmen and impatient children as yet another day of business comes to a close in the popular “Muslim” commercial square. I’m seated in the car awaiting my family’s conclusion to the pre-ramadaan shopping… Dates, milkshake syrup, new miswaaks…
How many ONLY dream of having these things before the fast?!
The sound of Arabic recitation fills the air.
A rush of joy passes over me, the feeling that reminds me: I am a Muslim.
Musjid-al-Quds stands tall ahead with Table Mountain framing the horizon.
It’s usually these moments that remind me: “Wow! I live in Cape Town”

Ramadaan unites us in Islamic brotherhood, in prayer, in salutation, in obedience to Allah (SWT). During our abstinence from food, it reminds us of the less fortunate, of starving children across the world. We fast for such a short time in comparison to days and weeks without nourishment that others are condemned to. Thirty days in an entire year to fine tune us back to spirituality and God consciousness. This blessed month brings the Muslim world to its knees in awareness, love, humility and prayer. Alhumdulillah! All praises are to Allah the most beneficent, the most merciful by who’s command the mountains stand still, and the days, seasons and tides change. None are left unaccountable to the obligations Allah (SWT) has set out for us.

Days turn to nights and back into days, marking the inevitable passage of time. A year has gone by so swiftly - Ramadaan to Ramadaan – a year of personal and spiritual growth as well as a year of regressions for some.
Fasting is a test of Faith linking us back to the core of our beliefs: the 5 pillars of Islam.
The month shows un-curtaining of our true character; alas hungry people are unhappy and grumpy.
If this is but a test of faith, how will we fare on a game of the Weakest Link?
If we are just links on the chain called ‘Ummah‘, NOW is a time to become stronger and more committed.These are some points we find ourselves reflecting on at the brink of Ramadaan.

Hoping the month ahead will refresh our knowledge of the concept of Saum. May our imaan grow from strength to strength, linking us proudly as the Ummah of our Beloved Nabi Muhammad (SAWS).

May our thirsty souls be quenched with the sweetness of spiritual awareness, binding us back to our core pillars of faith and our Lord, Allah (SWT).
Ameen.

Ramadaan Kareem!