Ramadan holds a unique position in the hearts and minds of our community. It is a special time of the year where the blessings of Allah are abundantly bestowed upon the believers. The whole community fasts with such enthusiasm that any outsider would think them weird! Every evening, the mosques across the world are packed with Muslims listening to the Quran and prayer.

Afghanistan is no exception to this with every Masjid filled with worshippers who are engaged in prayer, Dua or reciting the noble Quran. There is a general feeling of goodwill within the community, which is united on the principles of Deen. Everyone makes extra effort to read their Salah on time; do as many good deeds as possible and also to stop all their bad actions and habits.

Throughout the day and night, there are many new faces that pray regularly and are submerged in prayer and Dua. People make a conscious effort to pray regularly and read the Quran. You see people with their hands facing the sky asking Allah for forgiveness for all their many wrongs; asking for goodness and blessings throughout their lives; asking from guidance and understanding; asking for their troubles and heartaches to be removed; asking for success in the hereafter and protection from the fire of hell.

Many tears are rolling down their cheeks as they recount their sins and ask for forgiveness and salvation: asking for their children and families to remain on the straight path; asking for the suffering of the Muslims to be lessened. In Ramadan the doors of forgiveness are open to all as Allah listens to our plights.

Fasting is more than remaining hungry and thirsty for the sake of Allah. During the fasting we try and implement every principle of Islam within our lives. For example, we no longer fight, swear, argue, lie or cheat. Other qualities such as miserliness, greed, laziness, selfishness and apathy for the suffering are also purged from our lives.

We do as many good deeds as possible and are concerned for the wellbeing of all our Muslim communities throughout the world. In Ramadan people are more generous and give from their pockets and hearts to those less fortunate. There is an aura of love and compassion surrounding every individual as the self centeredness is refocused to those around them. Therefore, in this month of Ramadan, there is a great opportunity for the people to bring about real changes in themselves.