Message of the President of HALUAN Malaysia
In Conjunction with Ramadan al-Mubarak 1433 H

In the Name of Allah Most Beneficent Most Merciful.

Let us come together and offer our highest gratitude with utmost faith and servitude to the Almighty Allah for all his grace and benevolence to us all. Salawat and salutations unto the beloved Noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his family and all his companions and the upholders of the deenul Islam who constantly strive to uphold Islam in this world.

Alhamdulillah, all praises be only to Allah SWT which bestowed us this opportunity and chance to once again welcome this blessed month of Ramadan al-Mubarak 1433 AH.

Indeed the arrival of Ramadan is very much awaited by those who are believers. It has been mentioned in the seerah that the companions of the Prophet pbuh are an exemplary group of people who yearn and love the coming of Ramadan al-Mubarak. The Prophet and his companions always supplicated to Allah with hopes to enter and be absorbed into worship of this blessed month.

It is a supplication that is said repeatedly so that they may inhale this servitude in Ramadan. Why is that the companions are extremely excited by the presence of Ramadan?

Nonchalantly, it embodies lots of advantages and privileges which are numerous as well as precious. It is clear to us that Ramadan is a blessed and special month in the hearts of those who believe. This is the month of education and where faith is being elevated.

Allah SWT says:
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Al-Quran, as a guidance for mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)….” (Al-Baqarah 2: 185)

The scholars regard Ramadan as a madrasa (educational institution like a college or school). As a school, it would surely have objectives and its own system of curriculum. The main role of Ramadan is to produce graduates who are of high piety standards once those individuals undergo its system and curriculum while in this college.

Adroit while in Ramadan one should make preparations and provisions covering various aspects and understanding the true virtues of Ramadan’s presence as an institution for mental edutraining (tarbiyah) and educating Muslim believers to attain taqwa. If we look at the generation of the companions of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, their hearts and souls were always afresh in remembrance of Ramadan. During the first six months before the arrival of Ramadhan, his companions will earnestly supplicate for the opportunity to be in the month of Ramadan.

The madrasa of Ramadan traversed with sincerity, faith and determination will result in one who is righteous and educated to nurture faith in Allah Almighty. This is the “outcome” of the madrasa of Ramadan. Allah says which means:
“O you who believe, fasting is compulsory for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may be righteous.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)

Ramadan brings forth characters who are faithful, free and independent. Ramadan is the moment in time long-awaited by those mukmins (true believers) who will train themselves to attain taqwa (high piety), as required by Allah. These are the desired outcomes so that all that were performed during Ramadan bear succinct outcomes that are blessed by Allah SWT.

These pious believers are the dreams and ambitions that we endeavour. It is not a mere illusion. Gaining high piety requires dedication, sincerity, confidence and understanding based on knowledge so that all those which Allah SWT aspires for us will be embedded in our lives. Hence, let us compete in doing good deeds with passion.

Hopefully the process of tarbiyah or edutraining in Ramadan will produce piety in the fullest sense and fulfill the requirements to establish an individual as a servant of Allah SWT. Thus, this is the intrinsic fact of servitude to Allah SWT wherein ubudiyah or absolute servitude occurs at all times, moments and lapses.

And, as a result of piety, what we endeavour from Ramadan is to obtain forgiveness from Allah SWT. It is very unfortunate and bankrupt for those who undergo the month of Ramadan but his sins are not forgiven by Allah SWT. Rasulullah pbuh said in a hadith:
“Indeed the Archangel Gabriel a.s. has whispered a supplication to me, he said: Woe be to the person who enters Ramadan but his sins are not forgiven. Hence I amen the supplication….” (Narrated by al-Hakim)

In addition to increasing good deeds this Ramadhan, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who are unfortunate, in hardship and in war. Our brothers of Rohingya Burmese, in Cambodia, brothers in Islam in Somalia, Palestine, Syria, southern Thailand and in other places around the world should be included in our daily supplications and for us to lend our sincere support to ease their burdens. Those charitable and humanitarian efforts that were initiated should be enhanced by and by.

It is hoped that Ramadan this year will leave a deep impression on us all, especially in the spiritual sense. May the spirit of Ramadan make us all victorious by the break of dawn in the blessed Shawwal month, continuing through into the forthcoming months of the year.

Dr Abdullah Sudin Ab Rahman
President of HALUAN Malaysia
1 Ramadan 1433 H