Ramadan & Society

ACJU/NGS/2021/044

08^th April 2021 / 25^th Sha’baan 1442

Ramadan is a month in which man is trained to control his desires and respect the feelings of others around. During this span of time, it is vital for us to fulfill our social responsibilities in the right manner. In particular, during this time, while conducting activities that are beneficial for human beings, it is also vital that we ensure that we handle our personal, family and social affairs in a manner which does not ensue harm to anyone.

Social guidelines to follow during Ramadan:

1. Paying greater attention to fulfill the needs of the poor and neighbours since Ramadan is a month of charity.
2. Engaging in charitable activities such as distributing home-made foods to both Muslim and non-Muslim households in the neighbourhood.
3. While engaging in worship during the night at home, particularly during Sahar time, conducting ourselves in a manner that does not cause nuisance to others around, in addition to it the volume of the radio and television should ideally be kept at a minimum that is sufficiently audible to those inside the house.
4. When organizing special activities of worship in mosques, ensure that households in the neighbourhood are not disturbed.
5. Those coming to the mosque by vehicles must park their vehicles in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to pedestrians, other vehicles and neighbouring households.
6. When organizing community-based events such acts of worship in mosques and distribution of porridge and dry rations, ensure that health guidelines are followed and related directions issued by the Wakf Board are compulsorily observed by the mosque administration without any disregard. It is also important to obtain the permission of the PHI of the relevant area. Further, in this regard, the residents of the area must act responsibly and also extend their co-operation to the mosque administrators.
7. It is noticeable that some youth stay awake in vain at night during Ramazan. Therefore, Religious scholars (Ulama) and relevant people in the area should pay special attention towards advising and guiding them, and make all possible endeavours for their time to be spent in ways which will please Allah.
8. In matters where there is difference of opinion, refrain from arguments and behave calmly in accordance with guidance of Religious scholars (Ulama).

• Reading the ACJU Declaration of Unity in relation to this and sharing it with others too.
• Benefitting from reading the book titled ‘சமூக ஒற்றுமை: காலத்தின் தேவை சன்மார்க்கக் கடமை’ published by ACJU.

9. Muslim community is requested to cooperate in the implementation of the above matters.

Let us make this Ramadan a blessed one for all the citizens of this country!

Ash-Sheikh M. Arkam Nooramith

General Secretary

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama