The Blessed Month of Ramadhan
Granada, October 2005.

For the muslim community of Granada, Ramadhan was, as always, a month full of Allah's blessing, full of reflection and stillness. The Mosque of Granada provided an environment full of activity and guidance for the men, women and children of the community.

Sheikh Muhammad Kasabi, apart from holding the 5 prayers and hisb of quran on a daily basis, provided an extensive program of teaching during each day of Ramadhan.

Everyday after Fajr, and again between asr and maghrib, Sheikh Muhammad Kasabi taught hadith, tafsir, and detailed knowledge of the month of fasting to a large number of men and women.

Ramadhan is a month to change ones daily rhythm, to take time to reflect on the mercy and the blessings bestowed upon us by our creator. Sheikh Muhammad Kasabi continually reminded the Jam at of the importance of knowing how to take benefit from this special month.

At Maghrib each day, after the Adhan (call to prayer), muslims gathered together in the mosque to break their fast with a short prayer to Allah asking for acceptance of the days fast, followed by milk and dates.

On breaking the fast one senses an immediate warmth, not only in ones own stomach, but also in the faces and the company of those with whom one has the blessing to share the moment.

Throughout the whole month volunteers are kept busy in the kitchen making hot soup for the large numbers of muslims who stay after the maghrib prayer to take advantage of a hot meal and good company.

Khamsa Bermejo is the son of one of one of the earliest members of the spanish muslim community. following in his fathers footsteps he ensures that the hot soup makes it way to the tables of eagerly waiting men and women without delay.

There is always a cheerful team of people who take it upon themselves to make sure that everyone who comes to the mosque is served and attended.

Sheikh Muhammad makes everyone feel welcome, sharing the hot soup and warm conversation with other men after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer.

Like the men, the women share the moment of breaking the fast, praying maghrib and partaking in a hot soup and warm conversation.

Its a good time to thank Allah for the blessing of his provision, of food and good company. Its also a time to reflect on ones day and share ones experiences with others.

During the nights of the month of Ramadhan, after spending time at their homes with family and friends, the muslims return to the mosque to spend quiet moments in worship and remembrance of Allah. Its a time to reflect on ones life, ones purpose and ones destiny.

We thank Allah for the blessings bestowed upon us and ask that the light of Ramadhan stay with us and change us throughout the year.