Dear Community,
Assalamu Alaikum,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health, strong faith, and devoutness. I am writing to extend my congratulations to everyone for completing the blessed journey of Ramadan. Your sincere commitment to this sacred endeavor is a testament to your dedication, faith, and profound love for Allah. May Allah accept it!
As we come together to celebrate Eid, let us take a moment to reflect on the true essence of this blessed day. Eid is a profound expression of gratitude and obedience to the Almighty and a celebration of our spiritual growth. It is a day imbued with the spirit of unity, compassion, and kindness, extending to all Muslims and beyond.
As we bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadan, we must contemplate our duties moving forward. In Sūrat al-Baqarah, Allah provides clear guidance on our duties following the completion of Ramadan. He instructs us to complete the fasting period, glorify His name through the Eid prayers, and, most importantly, express gratitude for His countless blessings upon us. As Allah says, “You must magnify Allah (say, “Allahu-Akbar”) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (Q.2:185).
Expressing gratitude to Allah transcends mere words; it requires sincere reflection and action. How, then, can we truly show our gratitude after experiencing the spiritual enlightenment of Ramadan?
1. Let us acknowledge and appreciate the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by the Almighty. We must recognize that we have been chosen as His servants and honored with the opportunity to draw closer to Him through our worship and righteous deeds.
2. Let us strive to maintain our spiritual growth and connection with Allah beyond Ramadan, just as the Prophet (pbuh) maintained his acts of worship. When he was asked, “Didn’t Allah already forgive you all your sins?” his answer was “Should I not be a thankful servant?” (Bukhari) We should strive to follow his example by continuously engaging in acts of devotion and righteousness.
3. We should share Allah's grace with others as the Prophet was instructed: “And proclaim the grace of your Lord" (Q.93:11). The greatest blessing bestowed upon us is Islam. We must express gratitude to Allah by conversing with others about Allah’s message and assisting them in discovering the real divine foundation of their spirituality and connection with their Creator.
4. We must remember our Ummah in general and acknowledge those who are unable to celebrate this day because they lost their loved ones, or are under siege, or are oppressed. We must remember them and understand that our greatest Eid will be when all human beings coexist in peace, justice, and freedom, the occupied lands are free, the innocent captives and prisoners are liberated, and the bloodshed on earth ceases. We must remember and support the victims of injustice worldwide, helping ease their pain and ensuring their safety and comfort.
As members of the American Muslim community, let us take pride in our collective achievements. Let us continue to support our organizations and institutions, advocate for our rights with wisdom and exemplary conduct, and actively contribute to the betterment of society.
In conclusion, let us remain steadfast in our gratitude to Allah for His boundless guidance and blessings. May He accept our deeds, guide us all on the straight path, and utilize us as instruments of His mercy and compassion in serving His creation.
Sincerely,
Become a leader who contributes to a better society!
