Pearls of wisdom for Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan has arrived.
A 30-day Islamic fasting ritual that is observed by more than a billion people worldwide from the end of March to the end of April, Ramadan is one the five pillars of the faith.
SQNews spoke with San Quentin Muslim Chaplin Imam Muhammad Fasih about the importance of this time of year.
SQNews: For the men and women across the state, what does Ramadan mean to you and what should it mean to them?
Imam: Ramadan is something that is a personal experience between you and Allah. Allah is the only one that knows how you feel when you’re hungry and how you feel when you are thirsty, so therefore this is personal relationship between you and Allah.
SQNews: How should Muslim (or non-Muslim) who are observing Ramadan conduct themselves in this holy month?
Imam: Try not to argue when faced with conflict. When you face a difficult situation, observe patience and when given a blessing, be grateful.
Another thing about Ramadan is that while we are fasting we get to feel a little bit of what it means to feel the hunger of people who are homeless or those who may be dying of hunger. So, because we know where our next meal is coming from we must be grateful and give all praise to Allah.
SQNews: What pearls of wisdom would you like to leave with the men and women to keep them focused on Allah in this holy month, and throughout the year?
Imam: This is truly a month of mercy. Be merciful to yourself and be merciful to others. After Ramadan is over we need to spread the mercy of Ramadan throughout the year. Lastly, be thankful to Allah that we get to breathe another day and that we are alive. Only Allah knows what is really in our hearts and minds, so let us be mindful that we must strive to walk a path of righteousness and continue to prepare ourselves for paradise (God willing).
SQNews: Thank you, Imam. Ramadan Mubarak.
Imam: Ramadan Kareem
