MADRID, SPAIN

This year we like to wish You Happy Ramadan from Spain.

There is a hint of excitement in the air as we in the European Muslim League approach the final countdown to Ramadan this year.

It is no exaggeration to say we have all been challenged in a way that could not have been imagined before the pandemic descended and so ruthlessly changed our lives forever.

Regardless of faith, skin colour or nationality, Covid-19 cruelly snatched away the lives of many of our loved ones, our friends and work colleagues as it swept through all of our communities without mercy. 

Life will never be the same again.

So this Ramadan let's pray for a better tomorrow and a world in which kindness as well as forgiveness becomes the byword of all Muslims.

Fasting is key for the purification of mind, body and soul and this Ramadan, we at EML respectfully ask all members of our great faith to use this blessed month purposefully.

For many of us, we will still be denied the joy of breaking our fast with fellow Muslims or going to the mosque to pray as lockdowns and self isolation are still being observed.

However, this wonderful holy month of Ramadan still gives us an opportunity to reach out to our fellow human beings with love, peace and purpose.

While Ramadan is all about seeking forgiveness for Allah and earning His blessings we can also use this time productively to think about how we can make the world a better place.

Charitable giving is already part of the DNA of all Muslims as is closeness to family but this year, at EML, we are asking our brothers and sisters to look beyond our immediate circles to extend friendship and solidarity further afield.

If this Pandemic has taught us anything, it is how to communicate with others through long distance channels and online communications.

We must extend Islam's message of peace, love and spirituality beyond our normal borders and, more importantly, let kindness be the key.

May this auspicious month bring us all countless blessings and smiles through good deeds.

Wishing you all a memorable Ramadan with your family and friends. Stay safe and stay blessed.