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"When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way." (Quran: 2:186)

The above ayat is one of my favourite ... it is so beautiful and in it Allah again displays His mercy on us, He is reassuring us that He hears and answers our prayer, the prayer of every suppliant, meaning everyone of us whom prays to him.

All He asks of us is that we listen to His call and believe in Him, so that we may be guided aright. Wow, what a loving and merciful God. All of it is for our benefit, as Allah does not get or is begotten. He does not need us one iota.

Last days

For Muslims in Bermuda and around the world, these are the last days of Ramadan; a most revered time, due in part to God's mercy in multiplying our blessings on Laylat Al Qadr (the Night of Power).

Laylat Al-Qadr is the anniversary of the night Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic). It is also the anniversary of the night in which the Quran is believed by Muslims to have been revealed in its entirety. The Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is also known as the night of excellence. This is also the night of honour and prestige, which a faithful servant is rewarded with. All his or her good deeds will be multiplied through the mercy of Allah.

Although we cannot determine the exact date, there is evidence that the night falls on the last ten days of Ramadan, specifically on the odd numbered nights. As reported by Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."

Celebration

Muslims in Bermuda will be joining other Muslims around the world early next week when we will be celebrating the Feast Eid al Fitr to commemorate the beginning of Allah's mercy and favour to us ....by giving to us the book of Guidance, the Noble Qur'an. This gift of the Qur'an is the essence of our Lord's favour to us - "Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." Surah al-Baqarah 2:185.

Renewal

The month of Ramadan is leaving us; but we do not have to leave Ramadan. In fact, Ramadan should be the template of which we live our lives throughout the year; indeed Ramadan is a time for renewal. How merciful God is to give us this chance, to once again, redeem ourselves. We must express our thanks to Allah (swt) by being upright and productive citizens, in our faithful devotion to our Lord, and in our demonstrating to others the nobleness of our religion through our actions and not mere words. How do you know a man? - by his actions! We all know that talk is cheap (unless you're talking to a lawyer!).

Blessings

Let us proceed until the next Ramadan with consciousness, willing devotion, and sincerity. By doing so, inshallah we will express our appreciation to our Lord, and work to perpetuate the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. Inshallah, our Ramadan and fasting would not have been in vain. May we accept the common bonds of humanity that connect us all and may we collectively make this world a better place. May Allah (swt) accept our fast and our prayers - Ameen.

Come celebrate with us next week The Feast of Eid al Fitr being held at either Masjids in Hamilton and Southampton. All are welcome. Eid Mubarak!

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