eLajna Times Ist Issue

My Dear Sisters,

Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu!

     Welcome to the 1st communication from eLajna Times.  As the Month of Fasting approaches us, let me take this occasion to wish all of you Ramadan Mubarak!  May this month bring peace, security and good health for all.   

     Allah Almighty tells us: " O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may become righteous" (2:184).

     Allah, out of His Infinite Mercy, provides us with this blessed month so that we can purify ourselves and come closer to Him.   The month of Ramadan provides us with greater opportunity to observe Prayers, recite the Holy Qur’an, invoke blessings on the Holy Prophet (saw), reflect on our weaknesses, repent for our sins and beg Allah for His Forgiveness and Mercy. During this month, our pangs of hunger and thirst make us considerate of others and more grateful for what Allah has bestowed upon us.  This is the month, where we once again cultivate the qualities of self discipline, punctuality, simplicity, humility, patience, compassion and kindness and we search for ways to help the needy, the poor and the less fortunate.  Thus, this blessed month not only cleanses our body and soul but it also sharpens our moral and spiritual consciousness that has become blunted during the rest of the year.

     So, let us welcome this blessed month with open arms and seize every opportunity to raise our moral and spiritual levels. Here are some simple remedies that will point us towards the path of righteousness.

1. Pay greater attention to Salat:  During this month, each and every Lajna and Nasirat should form the habit of observing her Salat at the appointed times. At the present time, we have ~ 60% of membership that prays regularly.  During this month, I pray that 100% of us can reap the blessings of Salat, Insha Allah.

2. Read the Holy Qur’an: Recite daily and ponder over the words of Allah so that they become a part of you.

3. Take care of each other:  The month of Ramadan teaches us to be especially considerate of those who may be less fortunate.  If you know of any sister(s) in your Lajna who may be in need, please let your Local sadr know so that we can help her.

4. Feed the hungry while you are Fasting:   I am sure that your Lajna has already identified a community shelter or soup kitchen or food pantry at which your members will volunteer to feed the hungry during the month of Ramadan.  What better way to spread the message of Islam and purifying your selves than by volunteering to feed the hungry while you are experiencing the same hunger pangs!

5. Practice Simplicity, starting with simple meals during Ramadan: The month of fasting teaches us simplicity, satisfaction and gratitude. The Holy Prophet Muhammad^saw taught us that, in order to reach a high spiritual and moral level, we should eat less, and eat simply. Therefore, prepare simple & healthy meals for your Iftars and Eid.  Avoid taking donations from members to order catered or restaurants meals. 

6. Abstain from wasting food:  When we are hungry, we take more food than is really needed.  As a result, we end up wasting food, supplies and creating more trash. Given that there are millions of hungry people in the world, this wastage decreases our spirituality, costs more and is harmful for our health as well as the environment.

     Let us pray for our brothers and sisters across the world, especially those who are less fortunate and those who are being persecuted, and pray that this holy month brings them peace, happiness and good health. May Allah out of His infinite Grace and Mercy Guide us on the right path so that we may develop greater love for Allah in our hearts and become the recipients of His blessings in this world and in the Hereafter, Ameen.
 

I remain your humble and loving sister
Shanaz Butt,
Sadr, Lajna Imaillah - USA
August 7, 2009