Asalamu Alaykoum
A few months ago, we celebrated the memory of the migration of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Mecca to Medina, which also marked the beginning of the new Islamic year (1442 H).
Two months ago, we commemorated the birth month of Prophet Muhammad, also known as the month of Rabii Awwal. Both events were an opportunity for the Muslim community to benefit and learn more about the contributions of the Prophet to the world.
As we now approach the end of yet another year of our life, this is a good time to re-evaluate our characters, our actions, and set forth new goals to better ourselves. This includes improving our spiritual connection with our faith via righteous deeds and prayers.
Let’s plan a good new year resolution that includes overcoming all the shortages we had last year, investing in more devotion to Allah and to understanding our religion, taking care of our elderly and needy, and strengthening the relationship within our own community as well as with our Tri-Faith neighbors.
By working on these goals, we strive to have our names enlisted among those who are seeking Allah and His pleasure, and therefore His paradise. Let’s remember His words in the Quran:
وَسَارِعُواْ إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ (3:133) 3:133 And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer’s forgiveness and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for the God-conscious الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاء وَالضَّرَّاء وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ (3:134) 3:134 who spend [in His way] in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and pardon their fellow-men because God loves the doers of good.”
I want to take this opportunity to wish our community members, our dear neighbors at Tri-Faith Initiative and everyone reading this message the happiest and most blessed New Year.
May Allah bring His peace on this earth. Be safe, well, and healthy.
Imam Mohamad Jamal Daoudi
Comments