Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
The blessed month of Ramadan is now upon us, and on behalf of Cambridge Muslim College, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones Ramadan Mubarak.
Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and increasing our Taqwah, our God consciousness. This most blessed of months is a uniquely opportune time to pursue nearness to our Creator, through fasting and prayer and serving our brothers and sister in humanity through charity, good thoughts and deeds.
As I reflect on my time since joining the College in October 2023, and look forth unto our plans for the upcoming year, I cannot help but feel a sense of anticipation for the month ahead. This is a time of positive transition for the College; we are looking towards growing our academic programmes, research and continuing education, pursuing the modernisation and expansion of our campus and increasing the support available for our students.
We are also especially keen to serve Muslim communities across the UK and beyond by providing engaging and insightful educational programmes. In this vein, our Ramadan campaign this year has been dedicated to helping understand the Qur’an. Together, let us delve into the depths of Allah SWT’s final revelation and expand our understanding with a series of informed, expert talks from qualified teachers. Do be sure to join us for our Ramadan Live lectures and Ramadan Moments series online, insha’Allah. This year, we will also be hosting our first ever public iftar, let us break fast and worship together – do be sure to register.
Though I feel a sense of gratitude that Ramadan is here again, I also find myself struck by a profound sense of sadness. Indeed, our hearts are heavy from bearing witness to the ongoing suffering of our brothers and sisters in both Islam and humanity, whose lives are torn asunder by war, occupation, and oppression. Children dying and suffering beneath falling bombs is sadly ubiquitous on television and social media. We also lament the hardship of those experiencing acute poverty and hunger, and we ask Allah to give comfort to those who cannot escape these dreadful circumstances. It may not feel as though it is quite the eve of Ramadan, but if we consider the true purpose of this blessed month, what better time to immerse oneself in the worship of Allah SWT than this? Now more than ever, we must come together as one to pursue nearness to Allah SWT, try our utmost to ensure that all our dua’as are accepted and His mercy is bestowed in abundance unto all the souls lost, those struck by grief, suffering and injustice.
This Ramadan, I very much look forward to us drawing closer to Allah SWT, and to one another as Muslim communities. I pray that this blessed month is of great benefit to you and your families. May Allah accept it from us and grant His mercy and blessings unto everyone. Ameen.
Professor Joel Hayward
Chief Executive
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