In the times of Umar (Radiallahu Anhu) there was a severe famine. All the people of Madinah were suffering due to the shortage of food. A caravan made up of a thousand camels loaded with a large stock of food grains belonging to Uthman (Radiallahu Anhu) arrived from Syria. Several merchants offered to buy all of it. He asked them what profit they would pay. “Five percent,” they said. He answered that he could get higher profit than that. They began to argue with him, saying that they did not know of any merchant who would offer him more than their quote. He said to them, “I know of one who repays a profit of more than seven hundred to a dirham.” He then recited the verse of the Noble Quran in which Allah Ta’ala mentioned this profit. “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain of corn; it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” “O traders! Bear witness with me that I donate all this to the poor people of Madinah!” said Uthman (Radiallahu Anhu). A story related by Shaikh Habibullah Mukhtaar in his book “Bringing Up Children in Islaam” in the chapter of Generosity.
Being a Muslim, I was fortunate enough, this year, to experience the beginning of my Ramadan in an Arab country, Dubai, with my daughter. We experienced such a different culture in every way, yet I discovered that the essence of the month of Ramadan was exactly the same. It made me proud and honoured to be able a part of this unique way of life, where one is capable of receiving such blessed gifts.
We have many Muslim families at Gaia that are celebrating this holy month of Ramadan. It is revered as the most honourable month in the Islamic calendar. Fasting, gentleness, humbleness and devotion are among some of the many virtues practiced in order for those of the Muslim faith to purify their hearts and souls.
I would like to wish these families in our community a blessed Ramadan and as the story goes, helping the needy ones in this blessed month of Ramadan. Al Mufeedah.
Hazhor Noordien
Class 5 Teacher