by Adil Khan

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting is being observed from June 5 to July 5 this year. This blessed month commemorates the revelation of the Holy Qur’an, and focuses on spiritual reflection, self improvement, and taking care of those in need. Muslims try to develop a closer connection to the Holy Qur’an, and many try to read it in its entirety within the 30 days. Muslims are also encourage to increase in charity during this time of the year.

In contrast to the emphasis on charity by the Holy Quran throughout the year and especially during Ramadan, the actions of so-called Muslims of this day and age who care not a bit for the welfare of their fellow man go completely against Quranic teachings. They hypocritically expect something from God Almighty, but he says to them, “Nay but you honour not the orphan,/And you urge not the feeding of the poor./And you devour the heritage of other people wholly,/And you love wealth with exceeding wealth” (89:18-21). For such people God has promised a day of punishment where they will have wished charitably to their fellow man instead of inhumanely. In my opinion this category of callous, uncaring people would obviously include the terrorists who recruit, and manipulate youngsters with false promises only to have them carry out suicide bombings and kill innocents. I, on the other hand, as an Ahmadi Muslim am a follower of True Islam. I ask the reader to be fair, and unbiased enough to consider our alternative view of what we believe Islam to be rather than blindly following the media hype and the false politicized Islam which the terrorists promote. They have hijacked my beautiful religion, and are a blot on its pristine face. Look into True Islam and be open to reality!

The Holy Qur’an unequivocally states regarding the criteria of true believer that, “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East or the West (i.e. while offering the Islamic prayer), but truly righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and spends his money for love of Him, on the kindred and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask for charity, and for ransoming the captives; and who observes Prayer and pays the Zakat (i.e. obligatory Islamic alms)…it is these who have proved truthful and it is these who are the God-fearing” (2:178). This verse perfectly highlights the true spirit of Ramadan which includes not just worship but earnest actions to benefit anyone in need.

Once a wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^pbuh (peace and blessings of God be upon him), Hazrat Ayesha was asked about his character. She said that his character was the Holy Qur’an. If there are any more questions as to what type of book is the Holy Qur’an, then it is fair to say that we can look to the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^pbuh for wisdom. About his example the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Khalifa of Islam has said, “During Ramadan the generosity of the Holy Prophet^pbuh towards the needy used to increase intensely and has been likened to fierce wind. His generosity during rest of the year was also peerless; therefore to liken its intensity during Ramadan to fierce wind is because there is could be no other apt analogy”.

In addition to an outward focus of charity and helping those in need, it cannot be forgotten that of the primary goals of fasting are self-reformation, and to rid oneself of bad habits or vices. Also one of the main goals is to engender sympathy for the less fortunate by temporarily experiencing the hunger that some perpetually endure. This sympathy will naturally lead one to be more generous towards that have to suffer through such trials on a year round basis. I call on our fellow Americans, regardless of religious affiliation, to join us in this effort.

Here I think is a good place to also clarify another misconception that Muslims, especially children are forced into fasting by pointing to an article in the Baltimore Sun which features none other than myself. This idea is totally wrong, and those who practice it are totally wrong. It not only goes against an adolescent’s growth cycle, but also the fundamental” (2:257).

I hope that this piece has planted a seed of curiosity in the reader, and has prompted him or her to learn more about True Islam in an unbiased, reasoned, and fair manner. If this task is undertaken with sincerity, then I am sure that he or she will be led to truth. This Ramadan, let’s all try to practice the motto of True Islam, i.e. the Ahmadi Muslim Community, namely “Love for All Hatred for None”. “