My dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam and Humanity, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh.
May the Peace, Guidance, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah (swt) be upon us all!
Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join you in celebration.
Alhamdulillah, by the infinite mercy of Allah (SWT), we were blessed to graduate from the University of Ramadan- a month of patience, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Throughout this sacred time, we engaged in both private and communal worship, deepened our reflection and introspection, strengthened our compassion and generosity, and refined our character — all in pursuit of drawing closer to our Creator, Allah (SWT). Now, as we conclude this month of fasting, we celebrate with hearts full of gratitude, striving to be among the truly thankful servants.
Allah (SWT) reminds us in Surah Yunus (Jonah) Chapter 10, verse 58 of the Holy Quran:
In the grace of Allah (swt) and in His (swt) mercy, in that they should rejoice; it is better than all [the worldly wealth] that they may amass!’
On this first day of Shawwal, the day of Eid, as we celebrate and rejoice in the grace and mercy of Allah (SWT), we reflect on the profound lessons of Ramadan. However, this year’s journey was especially difficult not because of our physical fasting, but because of the immense trials we faced as an Ummah. Our Beloved Prophet, Rasoolullah (peace and blessings be upon him), beautifully described the bond of believers, saying, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.
This Ramadan was particularly painful as we witnessed, with heartbreak and disbelief, the continued oppression of our Brothers and Sisters in Palestine, South Sudan and other parts. Yet, amid this immense suffering, they became our greatest teachers. Their unwavering Imaan (faith) and profound Tawakkul (steadfast trust in Allah SWT) reminded us of the true essence of submission and resilience. May their strength inspire us to stand firm in faith and action.
Emerging from Ramadan this year cannot be the same as before. The lessons we learned both inside and outside the Masjid must translate into action. True gratitude is not merely spoken; it must be lived. The self-restraint and discipline we practised must extend beyond food and drink to all aspects of our lives.
We watched our Brothers and Sisters break their fast with a sip of precious water, while others remained in a state of perpetual fasting, without even a drop of water to break their fast. Even with their homes and places of worship reduced to rubble, they still hung lights, stood in prayer through the night. I ask, what is their source of strength? What we witnessed was the embodiment of a timeless supplication— the dua of our Father, Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him.
“Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3:173)
Ibn ‘Abbas, a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and scholar of Islam, said in a hadith, “When (Prophet) Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, he said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did the Final Messenger, Rasoolullah (saw) when he was told: “A great army… [has] gathered against him, so fear them”. But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”. [Al-Bukhari].
Our Brothers and Sisters invoked the prayer of the Prophets (peace be upon them) often with a smile, Hasbunallu Wa Nia’ Mal Wakeel, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
This year, the lessons we have learned came at immense cost and sacrifice. Now, we must take them beyond the Masjid and translate them into transformative action. True belief is not just spoken it must be reflected in our deeds and way of life. This has always been the legacy of Muslims wherever we have gone. In a time overshadowed by darkness and despair, let us rise to our responsibility, upholding the rights of those around us, our Ummah, and by extension-the world. Be a beacon of light and hope for all people.
As we celebrate, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who continue to face hardship those enduring illnesses, hunger, and despair. Let us reach out, find ways to support, uplift, and sustain them, filling their hearts with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is Gracious, Merciful, and Abundant in His blessings.
Today does not mark the end of worship or a departure from the concerns of the Akhirah (afterlife). Rather, it is a call to sustain and build upon the spiritual growth we attained in Ramadan so that each year brings us closer to Allah (SWT), both as individuals and as a community.
Let us reaffirm the significance of prayer. The strength of our community and the quality of our lives will only improve as more of us commit to the five daily prayers, the spiritual nourishment of the believers. Let us continue to fill the mosques as we did in Ramadan, setting aside all excuses and delays. This simple yet powerful act brings immense blessings and countless rewards. Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Holy Quran Surah 2 verse 110:
“Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do”.
(Holy Quran Surah Al-Baqara 02:110)
Let us strive to cultivate harmony within our families, communities, and nation. I encourage you to welcome our non-Muslim brothers and sisters to partake in our Eid celebrations, fostering unity and understanding. It is our responsibility to embody and promote the core Islamic values of coexistence, tolerance, and khidma selfless service to others. Let us extend our love and protection to all of Allah’s (SWT) creation.
Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Holy Quran:
“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good.
Every one of you will return to God, and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Surah Al-Ma’ida 5:48)
May Allah (SWT) bless and have mercy on us all. May Allah (SWT) shower His mercy upon our nation and the entire world. We humbly beseech Allah (SWT) to accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings. Ameen.
May He grant us healing and peace. Ameen.
I close with the unwavering pillar of reliance and absolute trust in Allah (SWT).
“Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
(Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3:173)
Eid Mubarak!
Wa-Alaikumus-Salaam WaRahmatullahi-WaBarakaatuh.
Respectfully,
Al-Hajj Shahabudcen
Ahmad President
CIOG
