Kuwait (August, 07’ 2010): Indian Muslim Association (IMA) in cooperation with Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs had organized a public discourse on the subject of ‘Welcoming Ramadan’ at Masjid Yousuf-Al-Adsani. The function started after the Isha prayers with the recitation of Holy Qur’an following its translation in Urdu language by Qari Mohammad Sharif.

While delivering the presidential address on the subject of ‘Zakat & Islamic Society’ the eminent Islamic scholar from India, Maulana Taher Madni said, “Zakat is one of the five pillars which constitute the foundation of Islam, hardly ever is faith mentioned in the Qur’an without it being associated with Salat and Zakat and the need to fulfill both duties. Salat and Zakat are given precedence over other types of Islamic worship because prayer, which is offered purely for Allah’s sake, has an important role in restraining people from committing sinful and evil deeds, while Zakat has a greatly beneficial effect on both individuals and the society at large.”

He further added, “Zakat is obligatory upon every Muslim, in possession of wealth above a prescribed limit, to pay Zakat. Indeed there are many advantages such as it meets the needs of the poor of the society, strengthens the good relation between the rich and the poor, cleanse and purify the wealth, promotes open-handedness, generosity and sympathy towards the needy person. Also it draws Allah’s blessing; causes increase in wealth and replacement of spent wealth as promised in the Holy Qur’an that whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s cause), He will replace it and He is the best of those who grant Sustenance.”

In his keynote address IMA President, Mohammed Aslam said, “The month of Ramadan is far better than thousand months, furthermore Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).” He further added that the purpose of the month of Ramadan is to change the course of lives and to lead a good & just life.

BS Sharafuddin, IMA’s outreach coordinator delivered his meticulous lecture on the subject of ‘Ramadan & Qur’an’ said, “The month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for forgiveness from Allah and emancipation from our sins. It is the month for performing good deeds.”He added that the Allah ((SWA) draws our attention and said in the Holy Qur’an, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa (piety) (Al-Qur’an: 2-183).” While explaining the significance of fasting he referred that the Prophet (PBUH) proclaimed, relating it to Allah (SWA), “All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast for that is for me (Allah SWA) and I (Allah SWA) will reward it.

The function was convened by Abdul Azeem and the function was attended by several hundred men & women. Dinner was arranged at the end of the programme.