A Report on Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr 1989
AAIIL(UK) Bulletin, May 1989 Issue (p. 5)
During the month of Ramadan, we arrange Iftaris on every Saturday when members gather at the Centre an hour before the Maghrib prayers. This time is utilized for Dars [discourse on the Holy Quran] or sermons. Meals are served after Iftari and Maghrib prayers. Tarawih prayer said after the Isha prayer.
On the 27th of Ramadan members again gathered when in addition to the Tarawih significance of Lailat-ul-Qadr [The Night of Majesty] was highlighted. The sight of Lailat-ul-Qadr was a spiritual experience and could not be witnessed with the physical eyes.
The Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with traditional fervour on the 6th of May 1989. The available space was filled to the capacity. Prayers were lead and Khutbah [sermon] delivered by the Imam. Some non-Muslim friends had also come by invitation. Main features of the Islamic teachings were discussed at length. Emphasis was laid on the place of Quran in the Revealed books, purity of its text, principles of justice in Islam, the conduct of the Holy Prophet [Muhammad (pbuh)] during peace and war and his treatment with the vanquished enemy when he was the victor with particular reference to the teachings of Jesus,
“Love thy enemy”.
Immediately after the Khutbah Mrs Samina Saleem read out a small but beautiful article regarding life of the Holy Prophet.
Eid Greetings were then exchanged by the members followed by a sumptuous lunch arranged for the occasion.
In a special gathering on 19th May 1989 funeral prayers were held for Begum [Mrs] Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the [wife of] late Imam and Missionary in-charge of the Berlin and Woking Missions.