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Ramadhan Promotes Good-Neighbourly Ties
Compiled By: Syed Ali Shahbaz
We are all grateful to the Almighty for the blessed month of Ramadhan, the month in which we are the Guests of God, and as guests of our Loving Creator, we strive to promote in the neighbourhood and in society, amicable ties. During this month of spiritual renewal, prayer, and of re-commitment to bettering oneself, we enjoy the increased opportunities to spend time and strengthen bonds with our families, friends, and the community.Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) has attached great importance to the rights and care of neighbours – in order to foster peace and harmony and be kind to each other.
We read in many hadith the rights of neighbours. In one famous incident in the life of HazratFatema Zahra, the Immaculate Daughter of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA), her elder son, Imam HasanMojtaba (AS), says that once he heard his mother supplicating to God for the welfare of the neighbours and others, before beseeching the Almighty for her own household. He says that when he asked his mother the reason, she replied: “awwaljaarsomma ad-daar.” It means that before asking God for the welfare of one’s own household, we must beseech Him to grant the same blessings for the neighbours.
The month of Ramadhan with its emphasis on spiritual blessings as well as the spirit of doing good to others, especially to the have-nots of the society, particularly at the time of breaking the day’s fast, is an excellent opportunity for practically following the precedents set by the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt. This opens up the lines of communication, appreciation, and understanding between people, even of different cultures, something so important for Muslims, especially in this day and age.
Many people prepare and deliverIftar platters to the neighbors as a way of spreading the Ramadhan cheer and spirit. This is indeed a good tradition. A Muslim family in the US says that in order to promote the neighbourly spirit of Ramadhan, they even send Iftar to their non-Muslim neighbours. The food is wrapped up neatly and a card is attached saying: “Happy Ramadan from a Muslim Family”.
And of course there is brief message of the egalitarian code of conduct of Islam for the information of Christians and others. It is said, the neighbours were delighted on receiving these Iftar Packages from Muslims and felt happy at being included in the celebrating of this blessed month.
These kindsof messages and words really warm up souls and bring about smiles to the faces of neighbours. It creates the spirit of awareness about Islam through the simple act of sharing food. The beautiful impact is indeed priceless. If one hasn't already done so this Ramadhan, they should try to do it now by sharing something with neighbours – even if it be the traditional fast-breaking dates. This will make us feel closer to our neighbors and develop a better understanding. One family on receiving the Iftar Package and the note about Ramadhan, wrote back: “I especially liked the card that spoke about the purpose of Ramadhan— it is very heartwarming.You and your family have always been special, kind, and loving neighbours to us. We feel we can build trust in such a way.
Such kind of good-neighbourlybehaviour by Muslims in non-Muslim societies, removes many of the misconceptions that the Zionist-controlled media has created in the West. It shows that it is wrong to base views on racism, bigotry, and ignorance.May God Almighty purify our intentions, and make us all amazing neighbours and accept all our good deeds. Amen
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