For those of you not familiar with an Islamic view of what Ramadan should accomplish in a Muslim's life I've cut and pasted an exhortation from a local Islamic learning center near my home. The people there are kind and I've visited a few times before. It will give you a sense of what Muslims feel Ramadan is and should be.
========================================================================
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullahi Wa Barakathuh.
Ramadan is over.
Yes, here we go again: Back to our "normal" lives, away from the obedience of Allah and back to disobeying Him, away from working towards the Hereafter back to working for something in this temporary glitzy world.
To attain Allah's Forgiveness and His Pleasure (i.e. Paradise).
Take Islamic classes as this will keep you in a religious environment. Volunteer in some Islamic/charity centre (okay, I'm heading somewhere with this, see below) so that you can continue to benefit others.
One of the signs that our Ramadan was accepted is that we continue to do good deeds after it, and one of the signs that our Ramadan was NOT accepted was that we continue with our pre-Ramadan ways and show no signs of improvement after Ramadan.
The Islamic Learning Centre has some ways for you to continue the "Ramadan spirit":
a) Send your children to our kiddie classes: Teach your child the beauty of Islam and complete your responsibility as a parent.
Aged group: 3yrs-4yrs. twice a week ; 3.30p.m.- 5.30p.m.(days will be notified later)
Aged group 5yrs - 6yrs. twice a week; 3.00p.m. - 5.00p.m.(days will be notified later)
Aged group 7yrs - 13yrs (girls) & 7 yrs - 10yrs. (boys) Saturdays 9.00am.-1pm.
Please call us for further information and register your child.
b) Volunteer to teach the kids: We are looking for committed volunteers, with knowledge of Islam and Arabic Language. You must be patient (you're dealing with kids, after all). Creativity is a bonus. Those interested are requested to email ____ giving a brief note on their credibility. Do remember an excellent command of the English language is a must.
c) Join our Arabic and Tafseer classes: One of the aspects of Ramadan was that it is the month when the Quran was revealed. It was revealed so that we could apply it and how can we apply it if we don't understand it? Arabic is a must as is understanding the explanation of the Quran (tafseer). Don't say "Tomorrow, insha-Allah". Say: "Today, insha-Allah!"
- Classical Arabic Module I starts on 3rd October, 2009
Fee AED 3500/-/per module
Time 2pm. - 5.00p.m. every saturday
All those interested are requested to make the payment and join us for this course.
- Tafseer class will resume on Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 7.30p.m.
Remember that there are only three things that will continue after we die:
1) A righteous child that does dua for us - How will he/she be righteous if they don't have any knowledge of the religion of Allah?
2) Beneficial Knowledge - For example, you take lectures and then teach others. Teaching kids is another way to benefit others with your knowledge.
3) Ongoing charity - Perhaps you can help out at the centre in some way.
