Asalaamu alaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatuhu Brothers and Sisters.

Ramadhan is fast-approaching; a month of deep internal self-reflection, extra worship and opportunity to reap rewards for the Hereafter.

Whilst many of us in the West are privileged to have Iftar and suhoor, the painful reality is that many across the world do not share this luxury. This Ramadhan, I would like to raise funds on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, in Maiduguri, located in NE Nigeria on the verge of the Sahara. It is amidst the area worst hit by Boko Haram in the last few years. A large part of the local population is living in abject poverty. They have only the bare minimum to keep them alive. It was so shocking to me when I learnt that eggs are a luxury for the poor people there, not to say meat, vegetables, fruits – the place is semi-arid; the rainy season lasts 3-4 months. Many people have neither jobs nor savings. They may try every means to get some little money. They live from hand to mouth.

This hadith, directed to myself first and foremost is very befitting during this crisis:

40 Hadith Nawawi 13

Let's come together to give our brothers and sisters in this part of the world the gift of a meal during this Ramadan Insha Allah.

[al-Baqarah 2:261-262]

May Allah SWT ease the suffering of our believing brothers and sisters in the entire Ummah.

May Allah SWT grant us all the ability to meet the month of Ramadan.

May Allah SWT keep us sincere.

Ameen Ya Rabb.