COLOMBO : Ramadan is a month in which man is trained to control his desires and respect the feelings of others around. During this span of time, it is vital for us to fulfill our social responsibilities in the right manner. In particular, during this time, while engaging in activities that are beneficial for human beings, it is also vital that we ensure that we handle our personal, family and social affairs in a manner which does not ensue harm to anyone.
During this month, Islam teaches us to set our speech and actions in such a way that do no harm any others. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving of his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)”. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Social guidelines to follow during Ramadan:
We are reaching the month of Ramadan at a time where our nation and people are facing many economic and financial challenges. During the month of Ramadan, which is a month of generosity, we should spend our wealth more to fulfill the needs of the poor and neighbors by reducing our extra expenditures.
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Engaging in charitable activities such as distributing home-made foods to both Muslim and non-Muslim households in the neighborhood.
- Everyone should plan and act to build themselves, their family, community and country economically and avoid luxury Ifthar and wastage.
- While engaging in worship during the night at home, particularly during Sahar time, conducting ourselves in a manner that does not cause nuisance to others around, in addition to it, the volume of the radio and television should ideally be kept at a minimum that is sufficiently audible to those inside the house.
- When organizing special activities of worship in mosques, ensure that households in the neighbourhood are not disturbed.
- Those coming to the mosque by vehicles must park their vehicles in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to pedestrians, other vehicles and neighbouring households.
- When organizing community-based events such as acts of worship in mosques and distribution of porridge and dry rations, ensure that health guidelines are followed and related directions issued by the Wakf Board are compulsorily observed by the mosque administration without any disregard. Further, in this regard, the residents of the area must act responsibly and also extend their co-operation to the mosque administrators.
- It is noticeable that some youth stay awake in vain at night during Ramazan. Therefore, Religious scholars (Ulama) and relevant people in the area should pay special attention towards advising and guiding them, and make all possible endeavours for their time to be spent in ways which will please Allah.
- In matters where there is difference of opinion, refrain from arguments and contact ACJU for Guidance. (ACJU Fatwa Hotline: 0117-490420 – On weekdays from 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM). Let us make this Ramadan a blessed one for all the citizens of this country Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
