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By Hassan Cheruppa
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH – A noted Saudi Islamic preacher called on believers to seize the golden opportunity to reap the fruits of the fasting month of Ramadan in abundance. Addressing an iftar meet organized by the Shrafiyyah chapter of Jeddah Indian Islahi Center (JIIC), Sheikh Hamoud Muhammad Al-Shimamri voiced concern over the tendency of people wasting a lot of time in excessive use of cell phones. “Every day you spend five or six hours on your mobile phone. Stop this and spend the time instead to read and reflect on Qur’an at least in this holy month,” he advised the faithful.
Al-Shimamri, who is also director of JIIC Sharafiyyah, noted that Ramadan is the month of the holy Qur’an. “The most important specialty and significance of Ramadan is the revelation of the Holy Qur’an and Allah made Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power), in which the holy book was revealed, better than 1,000 months or 83 years. Allah may not enable any believers to obtain the benefits of this blessed night if they do not come closer to Him and if they are not concentrating in their worship and recitation of the Qur’an,” he said while reminding that all believers need to devote more time in the fasting month to memorize and learn more from the Qur’an.
Al-Shimamri urged believers to engage in more humanitarian and charity works in this month of charity. “This is the month for helping the poor, especially widows and orphans, and showing compassion and empathy to the fellow human beings who are in distress,” he said while emphasizing that only those who are helping others could be the best beneficiaries of this holy month.
In another Iftar gathering organized by Madinah Road chapter of JICC, Dr. Hussain Madavoor, vice president of Kerala Nadwatul Mujahideen, was the main speaker. He urged believers to become true models of Islam. “Our exemplary life should be the best means in the propagation of the religion.
To lead the life of a good Muslim in all walks of life is the first and foremost duty of all Muslims, and spread fragrance of the divine religion with lending a helping hand to the distressed people around you,” he said. Madavoor urged the believers to do good deeds for the benefit of all people and disseminate values of love and compassion in the society.
Several prominent Saudi and Indian personalities also addressed the Iftar gatherings. They included Sheikh Muhamamd Marzooq Ali Al-Harthy, director of JIIC Sharafiyyah, Sheikh Ameen Abdul Ghafour, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Saif, Maulana Abdul Rasheed Madani, president of Tauheed Education Society of Bihar, Isa Madani, vice president of Kerala Jamiyyatul Ulema, Salah Karadan, acting chairman of Saudi ad hoc committee of Indian Islahi Center, Chemban Abbas, general convener of Saudi ad hoc committee of Indian Islahi Center, Aboobacker Farooqi, president of JIIC Madinah Road, Muhammad Ali Chundakkadan, president of JIIC Sharafiyyah, Abdul Ghafoor Valappan, Noorisha Vallikkunnu, and Shihab Salafi.
