Ramadan: Splendid & Smiling

Ramadan Mubarak friends!

May this best of months be the best for you.  Yes, even with the 17+ hour fasts (here in the UK and US), the rising temperatures and the seemingly never-ending needs of young children – we know that Ramadan brings with it a sweet contentment.

In our home, we’ve been welcoming Ramadan by singing this qasida together and I love how Ramadan is described as a guest who is splendid and smiling – something about that visualisation inspires me to run down the proverbial garden path and watch out for it come striding up the road, radiant and shining with gifts enough for all!

The translation is below and the arabic words may be downloaded here.

Ramadan Appears Splendid & Smiling
by Sheikh ´Abd al-Wahhab al-Shamliyy al-Sabbagh

Ramadan appears, splendid and smiling
Blessed is the servant who reaps its benefits!
He will please his Master by observing [the acts of worship]
Blessed be the soul for its Taqwa!

Ramadan is a time for good deeds,
Ramadan is a time of blessings,
Ramadan an occasion for prayers,
By which the soul rises to its Lord.

Ramadan is a time for purifying the soul,
Ramadan is a time of joy,
Ramadan is the guide to put things right,
In this life and the life to come.

Ramadan amends the shortcomings
Of people, and their mistakes
May Allah by his Forgiveness
Fill the hearts of the Umma with His caring love.

 

Art Credit: Handmade Ramadan Moon Collage by Mininushka Ismail, age 5