SubhanAllah, we are just a few hours away from the first night of Ramadan.
It is a surreal feeling. The great guest is almost with us. I ask Allah to allow us to make the most of its companionship.
Friend I wanted to use the chance to write to our beautiful community, supporters and donors today. Firstly to wish you all Ramadan Mubarak (as of tonight!) but second to talk to you about what we're facing right now in our work.
This Ramadan for me seems like Ramadan 3 years ago, at the peak of COVID-19. The "Ramadan of lockdown" in 2020 was an extremely difficult time. So many people in our community had lost their jobs, and found it difficult to get by and survive.
But I will also never forget the way our community responded. With the passion, generosity and giving that is at the heart of our deen. The support we saw then was incredible.
Friend We need that sort of response this year. I won't mix my words - people are finding it tough out there. The needy in our community are large in number and social security is never enough.
3 years ago, we opened up the "Daily Sadaqah" option in Ramadan, not knowing how it would go. But people's desire for reward, and their generous nature, was amazing.
The cost of living pressures the community is facing are very challenging, and need us to rally to the community's support. That's why I'm asking you to commit to our Daily Sadaqah option this year. Even if it's a small amount, the consistency of this deed will be worth mountains through the blessings of Ramadan.
The verse of the Qur'an always resonates with me:
And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (Surah Al-Munāfiqūn, 10).
Sadaqah is what we would wish we had given more of if we do not find favour with Allah on that day. SubhanAllah. I encourage you to be of those who race to this reward, support their community through it, and are counted among Allah's most beloved for doing consistent deeds through this great act of Sadaqah.
May this month bring you immense blessings, forgiveness and spiritual growth and help you become closer to Allah (SWT) for the long-term.
Friend Ramadan Mubarak for tonight and the month ahead.
