Assalamu alaykum,

As we stand on the threshold of another Ramadan, it is imperative that we wake up to the reality of our faith, and the profound opportunity this blessed month truly offers. For far too long, we have allowed ourselves to be consumed by the superficialities of Ramadan – the lavish iftars, the extravagant feasts, and the material excesses. But if the last few months, witnessing the heart-wrenching atrocities and genocide inflicted upon our brothers and sisters in Palestine and elsewhere, have not shaken us to our core, then what are we waiting for?

Now is the time for us to reclaim the essence of Ramadan – the pursuit of taqwa – the consciousness and awareness of Allah in all that we do. In this lies our commitment to social justice and compassion. We cannot accept anyone turning a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow Muslims while we indulge in frivolous luxuries.

The time for complacency is over.

This Ramadan, let us make a solemn pledge to simplify our lives, to reject extravagance, and to redirect our focus towards what truly matters. Let us remember that Ramadan is not about the opulence of iftars, spending the nights eating and socialising, nor the extravagance of our decoration, but about the sincerity of our devotion and the purity of our intentions.

Let us honour the spirit of Ramadan by reclaiming the purpose of the month, standing in solidarity with the oppressed, advocating for justice, and by using our blessings to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

Let us not forget that every morsel of food we waste is a betrayal of those who go hungry, every moment of excess is a mockery of those who struggle to survive.

This Ramadan, let us read the Quran with understanding, pray with humility, and make dua with sincerity. Let us open our hearts and our homes to those in need and let us strive to embody the principles of compassion, empathy, and generosity that lie at the heart of our faith.

The time for awakening is now. Let us seize this opportunity to reconnect with our true purpose and recommit ourselves to the path of righteousness and piety, which is the essence of the month of Ramadan.

In solidarity and with prayers for justice and healing,

Hajeh Maha Krayem Abdo OAM
Chief Executive Officer