Bismillah
Last
June 9, 2013 I was fortunate to be part of a Pre-Ramadhan Symposium,
Alhamdulillah. This was organized by our Muslim Student Association-Alumni brothers and sisters from
different campuses and in coordination with the Islam in Focus (IIF)
Productions-Manila. The symposium themed: “Virtues of the Holy month of
Ramadhan” was held at Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc., at Sampaloc, Manila
from 1:30 to 5 PM. The symposium, although simple, was attended by more than a
hundred Muslim brothers and sisters throughout Manila.
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Sheikh Ahmad Javier (in black shirt) with the other
ulama during the symposium |
There
were two main lectures followed by the usual open-forum part. The first lecture
entitled “Virtues of Ramadhan” by Sheikh Ahmad Javier who is also the director
of IIF-Manila. He talked about the great value every Muslim should place on
Ramadhan and we should never let Ramadhan pass us by without us reaping its
bountiful rewards. He also emphasized that knowledge about Ramadhan should
always be renewed especially before it officially begins so that we will not be
unaware of what should be done during Ramadhan. Reading the Qur’an everyday and
striving harder in doing worship to Allah was also given emphasis in his
lecture. At the end of his lecture, he reminded everyone that Ramadhan is such
a special month reserved for the Muslims to partake, and every Muslim should
prepare himself or herself as early as possible before Ramadhan comes in.
The second
lecturer, Ustadh Ibrahim ibn Saleh talked about “The visitor that does not
knock on your door” in Bahasa Sug. As most of the participants came from the
ZamBaSulTa area and know Bahasa Sug, the lecture was also accepted heartily by
the participants. This “visitor” he was referring is “death” that comes at
every single soul without any signal or notice. And just as how we prepare for
Ramadhan before it comes, each and every human being should always be reminded
of death and what are the things he or she must do to prepare for its coming.
He reminded everyone that death is indeed inevitable and that this life is only
a temporary place for us and will always end. He also emphasized that this
worldly life will be followed by the next life in the hereafter: where the real
and eternal life will commence.
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The venue was filled with participants eager to listen
to our lecturers |
Before
the program was officially closed, questions were entertained by the speakers
and other 'ulama (Islamic Scholars) present in the symposium. Alhamdulillah,
through this symposium a great number of Muslims in the Metro were reminded of
Ramadhan and “death” and what should be done to prepare for both. The symposium
was a great success, through the blessings of Allah, for our Muslim brothers
and sisters who organized this event. May Allah reward all those who
strive—physically, financially, intellectually—in making this event possible
and for keeping the flag of Islam raised wherever we go.
 |
| Brothers and Sisters from MSA-Alumni |
Let us all wait for Ramadhan enthusiastically this coming July, in shaa Allah!
Peace
be upon you,
Anak
iluh
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