What was Ramadan meant to change - Part 1

 

Part 1: Ramadan, You, and the Ummah

Ramadan is always a time of reflection and exertion — a period where we push ourselves to become more conscious of Allah. But the year 1447 in the Hijri calendar brought with it real challenges, not just for individuals, but for the Ummah at large. It reminded us of something important: you cannot separate yourself from the Ummah. And that, in itself, is a blessing.

What you do as an individual matters. It reflects on the wider Ummah. The question is — what are you doing with that responsibility, especially in Ramadan?

Allah tells us in Qur’an 2:183 (interpretation of the meaning):

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous

That is the purpose of fasting — to develop consciousness of Allah, to become more aware of your actions, to actively pursue good and avoid sin. Now imagine if every Muslim truly lived this reality. The level of spirituality across the Ummah would be something else entirely.

Allah says in Qur’an 3:110 (interpretation of the meaning):

You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah

But this is not a title we inherit automatically. It comes with responsibility. You are only the best when you live by what Allah has commanded. Your background, your language, your ethnicity — none of that defines your status in the sight of Allah. Your actions do.

Now that Ramadan has passed, the question becomes more real. What changed?

Yes, physically you may feel a bit weaker after fasting. That’s expected. But what about spiritually? Did you grow? Did you become more disciplined? More aware of Allah?

The goal now is simple: hold on to that spiritual momentum while you rebuild physically. Look after your health. Improve your nutrition. Work on your fitness, even if it’s small steps.

Because being part of the Ummah is not passive. It requires effort — spiritually and physically. And it starts with you.

See next part:The Cape Muslim Dialogue: What was Ramadan meant to change - Part 2

The Condition of the Ummah - Part 5

 

Living the Truth of Islam in an Age of Noise

There is no shortage of negative voices speaking about Islam today. We live in a world where deception often presents itself as truth, and where the media amplifies whatever narrative suits it. As a result, Islamophobia is not an accident—it is nurtured. Whether one is committed in worship or Muslim in name only, simply being Muslim is sometimes enough to be labelled an enemy.

Yet the heart of our identity remains the kalimah: Laa ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah ﷺ. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is His final messenger. This truth alone unsettles those who prefer falsehood. Even in our current state of weakness, the ummah evokes fear. Allah reminds us in Surah al-Baqarah (2:217) that they will not stop trying to turn believers away from their faith. Strength or weakness does not change this reality.

Some believe that being a “moderate” Muslim makes them more acceptable. But the Qur’an teaches that their dissatisfaction lies not in our expression of faith, but in faith itself. The real lesson is not merely that opposition exists—it is that Muslims have not done enough to show the beauty of Islam. Instead, we have slowly absorbed the lifestyles around us, turning away from the values that once defined us.

Prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, and modesty are now treated with suspicion, as though devotion is extremism. Yet these practices are the foundations of kindness, justice, community, and inner peace. Their purpose is to connect us to Allah while uplifting society. Still, there will always be people who oppose goodness simply because it exposes their deception.

The Qur’an speaks of such people: When they are told, “Do not spread corruption in the land,” they reply, “We are only peacemakers!” Indeed, it is they who are the corruptors… (2:11–12). We have seen this pattern repeated—those who stoke conflict often blame Muslims for the fires they themselves ignite. Media bias reinforces these narratives, shaping public perception long before truth emerges.

But Islam remains a religion of peace. Peace does not mean silence in the face of injustice; it requires a foundation of fairness and truth. Only those who fear justice will fear Islam.

Some non-Muslims who read Qur’an selectively and out of context, will learn, through experience, the beauty and peace of Islam. For that to happen, does require that Muslims rise up to fulfil their responsibility. Just a cursory glance at the world, and the suffering in Palestine and Sudan, as examples, shows that Muslims have not fulfilled their responsibility.

Hatred toward Islam will not vanish simply because we wish to be accepted. But Allah’s help is near. To benefit from it, we must return to Him—repenting, learning, and living according to His guidance. When Muslims embody the message of Islam, truth becomes clearer than any propaganda.

Islam is peace, and peace begins with us.

See Next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-condition-of-ummah-part-6.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-condition-of-ummah-part-4.html

End Game - Part 1

 

 Stranglehold

Ignorance is often considered the best way to stay out of trouble or to plead innocence. Yet ignorance is just a means to avoid the truth. People gossip and readily take on that responsibility as if that is a minor sin. That already proves their ignorance about the laws of Allah, the ignorance of what it takes to do good. Of course, humans falter, but being ignorant will result in you not repenting. However much you think you remain ignorant, satan will abuse even that situation and cause you to slip further into sin. Whether it is the end of the world or your death, it will happen and it will happen soon. You have to prepare for both because, death will come, and the Day of reckoning will come.

The first sin committed by mankind resulted from the whisper of satan. Thus, know well that satan is ever whispering, be it the human satan or the one from jinn-kind. Mainstream media show images and whisper commentary, and it fills your mind while you are not sure whether or not to use a filter. And then it is what quality of filter do you have. Be educated on what the best of guides and teachers brought to us. That teacher, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought revelation from Allah. He taught us about a time like this. He also said that the best of places are the masajid and the worst of places are the markets.

“The most beloved of places to Allah are the mosques, and the most hated of places to Allah are the markets.”  - Sahih Muslim

Is this because Allah is remembered much in the places of worship and not so in the markets? What is your focus in the market? Consider your own position.

The Jews are preparing for the antichrist. How much do you know about the antichrist? Have you been dumbed down by the movie industry to imagine just another sci-fi horror movie? How much has that helped you and how much will it help you going forward. Ignorance is the void that satan will fill for you unless you make a concerted effort to learn and gain knowledge on the correctness of worship in its complete form. You should equip yourself with beneficial knowledge, starting, as Allah starts Quran, with the knowledge about Allah. There are many capable teachers. Your sincerity will guide you to the truth.

In this age of mass deception, a good starting point is to understand what the antichrist is about and then work back, from his prophesised time of appearance to now. How long will it be before his appearance? As for what is happening globally and more specifically in the Middle East, the arrogance of the Zionists is growing by the day. To this end, it is appropriate to raise again the issue of ad-Dajjal and share some information on him (in the next post). Always seek the Protection of Allah against the trial of dajjal for it will be a heavy test. And remember, when that time comes, it will not be a movie. Therefore, you must already be alert,

 See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/end-game-part-2.html

The Line in the Sand - Part 11 - The Task Ahead

 

The Task Ahead

Deviation is anything which is contrary to Islam and the Shari’ah. On the one hand, we have invited you to look at the evolution of Islamic legislation and to learn about methodologies and groups that have deviated. Does this deviation refer to following the ways of the Christian and Jews to the extent of following them into a lizard’s hole. What about the other sins which are committed because generally Muslims have started to follow their way of life in everything?

Using the word “bid’ah” scares many people while others go into panic mode, resulting in them mocking those who point out their innovations. Few take note and correct themselves. The detail of what classifies as innovation is for you to sincerely research through credible scholars. While these innovations may be apparent, it depends which group’s stamp of approval or disapproval you take. There really is not a choice, but that will be obvious for those who fear Allah, seek His love and that love is through the following of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As for those who follow the customs and traits of the non-believers, then some acts will be sinful (even to the extent of disbelief), while others are mere customs which does not clash with the Shari’ah. The simple acts of disbelief, which no sane Muslim scholar will deny, is fortune-telling which includes horoscopes. Other sins can become disbelief if you contradict what the main sources of the Shari’ah says. What is a grave worshipper? Is this something that Allah may question you about concerning yourself? Using the word grave-worshipper or idolator does result in the same thing – Mushrik. The pagan Arabs used to say that they use the idols only as their intermediaries to Allah. Is it acceptable to engage in acts and manners of worship that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not teach us? What did he say concerning this?

This was never intended to be a deep dive but merely scratching the surface in embarking on understanding “the line in the sand”. The solutions to the world’s problems starts with you. You need to be ready and equipped. It starts with you ready to face Allah and give a beautiful account of your devoted life in His service. That is what that line in the sand represent. The straight line is the line to follow. Any deviation has at the head of it a satan calling to disobedience and disbelief. Then, we look at the world with new vigour but with understanding and wisdom. There will always be a group of people, believers, however small in number, that will call to the truth. At this point, you will know to differentiate between opinion and correct beliefs.

Muslims have a huge task ahead. The implementation of justice and fighting oppression are key. Are we ready or do we need transformation to be that dynamic ummah Allah wants us to be. Will we be at the forefront of calling and establishing the good and preventing the evil? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ drew the line in the sand more than 1400 years ago. The straight line is the path he taught us while those lines that deviate off the straight path has a satan at the head of it.

We pray for guidance and protection.

Shall we march to Aqsa? See: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-10.html

 

In death, there is life

In death, there is life. Sometimes it takes a while to extract all the benefits of a statement, however small the statement may be.

Recently, I dreamt of an acquaintance of mine accepting Islam. I don’t know the reason why she accepted Islam – albeit a dream. Yet the ongoing genocide in Gaza has been the reason why many thousands of people, all over the world, have accepted Islam in recent months. Islam is a simple, yet comprehensive religion. At the core of the religion is faith. It is the religion and the faith practised and taught by all the prophets from Adam to Abraham to Moses to Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The credo that there is only One God, Allah. This is what the people of Gaza die upon. This is upon which they withstand the occupiers. Right now, Islam is spreading like wildfire throughout Europe, as an example. Muslims have no need to lie about the beliefs of others, because these people will confess to what is said about them and their beliefs. The same cannot be said of those who feel threatened by Islam and Muslims, making up lies about Islam and Muslims. And those who feel threatened by Muslims, for the most part, are ignorant of Islam and have fallen prey to the lies spewed by some non-Muslims. This is not the forum to be absolutely specific about the lies being spread, but you are welcome to arrange a forum for us to discuss further.

While many people are flocking to Islam, Muslims born into Islam need to reflect at the character of the people of Gaza and the many thousands that have recently entered into Islam. Islam starts with belief, and it is upon which you and I, as Muslims, should die. You and I have not yet been tested with our belief, yet for many that belief is already wavering. Consider whether those entering Islam in their hordes are replacing some of us or whether we will be blessed with a good ending, i.e. that we die in complete faith, upholding Quran and Sunnah, that our faith is never in question, by the Grace and Mercy of Allah, neither did we distort the religion in any way. In death there is life, for an eternal life of bliss is awaiting the believer in paradise and martyrdom deserves nothing else but paradise.

 

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/see-this-example.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/headlines.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/you-got-played.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/resilience-and-reversion.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-plot-thickens.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

 

Picture courtesy: https://www.thenationalnews.com

 

 

 

See this example

 

The greatest gift that a person can receive is the gift of faith (eemaan). And by faith it is meant “the belief in Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger (and Prophet) of Allah”. It also means to disbelieve any object, person or deity as being worthy of worship. Of the greatest exemplaries of true faith is none other than Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – peace be upon him. It is he who was instructed to call people to the hajj (pilgrimage) and Muslims still carry out this ritual to this day.

This is an example of what confirms Islam as the true religion. Muslims are far from perfect and, in their non-adherence to the pristine teachings of Islam, are not always good examples of Islam. However, what is true is that faith is about your belief in Allah and, in striving to overcome your shortcomings, have hope in the Mercy of Allah. A single man, Abraham – peace be upon him – called people to the pilgrimage and every year, about three million Muslims, from all over the world, descend on Makkah to perform the pilgrimage while two billion Muslims look on and, for most, have the desire to also perform the pilgrimage soon. This is reason enough to be grateful, but time and space can never do justice to list everything for which you should be grateful. Christians and Jews too accept Ibrahim – peace be upon him – but it is Muslims who follow him for he was neither a Jew nor a Christian but was one who submitted to Allah, i.e. one who submits to Allah is a Muslim. How then can any Muslim be anti-semitic when we are so strongly attached to Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him – that his way is our way. The pilgrimage is at the same time of the sacrifice of the ram in the place of Ismail. All this is an indication of how grateful we should be to be Muslim. The Palestinians have demonstrated their faith, living it and we are all witness to it. While we may not want to be in such a situation, imagine the level of their faith versus ours. But our tests are coming. South Africans have been deceived in believing good will come from the case before the ICJ. The case is likely to have challenges and perhaps fall flat as there is regime change in South Africa. It is not always possible to see every deception or to see the link between two points of deception. But it is easier when standing for the truth, you will be separated from those who believe in being colourful with the truth in their deceptive manner.

If truth be told, then the sacrifice of animals, mostly sheep, carries a profound lesson. For you to stand with truth, you have to slaughter the sheeple in you, i.e. the blind following and acceptance of government, political leaders, and people of dubious character. The same people that brought you the genocide, likely has a hand in every country in the world, include South Africa. The same people bring you scams and makes you believe that they have your best interest at heart. Don’t worry about conspiracy theories, concern yourself about the truth. The truth will reveal the conspiracies. And Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him – is such a great example.

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/headlines.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/you-got-played.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/indelible-ink.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/resilience-and-reversion.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-plot-thickens.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

 

Picture courtesy: https://www.thehansindia.com

 

 

 

 

#abraham #islam #ismail #ishmael #judaism #christian #muslim #genocide #palestine #hajj #conspiracy

Bold Question

 Sometimes you have to ask the bold question like “have you thought of how and when you are going to die?” Pretty morbid, right?

The story of the red heifer remains important as the expectant Jews and some Christians prepare for the imminent slaughter and sacrifice of the unblemished red heifer, a female cow. This event will signal that the third temple must be built on the site of Masjid-ul-Aqsa. Thus, it is expected that the Jews will storm Al-Aqsa in numbers to destroy it once the sacrifice has been concluded and the ashes strewn over the entire Aqsa precinct. For the Christians, they are looking forward to the return of Yeshu* (peace be upon him). Muslims expect Eesa (peace upon him too) but we do not have to do any ritual for that to happen. It is in Allah’s hands to decide. How we pray that the time is not yet here and that they find a white hair or two on the red heifer which will make it blemished and not suitable for sacrifice. Why might you want that to happen when the appearance of the Antichrist and the coming of Yeshu (peace be upon him) is inevitable. For starters, it will mean that evil is so widespread while there are only a few true believers. It means that we have not done enough to stem the flow of evil and consequently the world is fertile for the shenanigans of the Antichrist (ad-dajjal). The importance of Prophet Yeshu’s (peace be upon him) coming is because he is obligated with the responsibility to kill the antichrist. People have generally not been connecting the dots, but the minions of the antichrist really do have the world in its grasp. It is never too late to change things since a believer never despairs but continues to command with good and forbid the evil.  A believer knows that matters of the unseen is only in the domain of Allah. This includes, of course, when the world will end, and we don’t know this. It is our duty to proclaim and spread the truth until our last breath. The sad reality is that you don’t hear these matters being discussed from our pulpits. While some may wish to argue against such a need, then understand in the current situation in Palestine it makes every sense why these matters must be unpacked. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions, over 1400 years ago, how to seek protection against dajjal. How is it then possible that people are not reminded about it from the pulpit?  

The starting point for Islam was Tauheed, Belief in the Oneness of Allah. Coupled to that belief is the necessary disbelief in taghut (that which calls to worship other than the worship of Allah). It is in your firmness on this that will increase your eemaan (faith) which, accompanied with the correct good action, will gain you the satisfaction of Allah. And perhaps with our firm intentions, our repentance, and prayers, that Allah will bring clear victory soon.

Note: it is important to familiarise yourself with Al-Aqsa compound

 

*Yeshu is the Aramaic name while Jesus is the Roman name

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-honour.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

 

Picture courtesy of https://free.messianicbible.com

 

 

Entry Level

 

“Jam and bread” are often considered the minimum to survive on when times are tough. This got me thinking what the minimum needs are to get through life.

It is a tricky question. Parents today look at their kids and it as if they are merely providing them with a base. Daily they send them to school and then the kids return. Some kids go to “slamse skool” or madressa or madrassah in the afternoon. Others might go on a weekend. Some never go. The parents are proud when the pass this grade and the next and so on. So, some parents sit with the kids with their homework and even do their projects. Then there is that thing called exams. However, considering all this, many parents do not really have a clue what their kids learn, whether they fulfil their potential and where they are headed. Of course, people are more clueless when it comes to Islamic studies. The question is still “what is the minimum requirements to get through life?”.  Can you articulate this with respect to yourself and your children? Dare I say that if there is focus, then it is in the wrong place. Were you created to avoid eating jam and bread so that you are not at the poverty line? That is the physical aspect? What is the bread and jam on the religious and spiritual front?

The Muslims have been in the Cape for over three hundred years. How is there no plan, a culture in place that sets the basis for Muslims and those that share similar ethics and morals?  Are we in equipped to pass through this world and exit it into paradise? Are we lacking resources or is it about whether you and I are teachable and are prepared to work together for mutual benefit in this world and beyond? Perhaps, for starters let each one assess his and his family’s situation whether they meet the minimum requirements to go through life. A time to brainstorm, don’t you think?

 

Others also clicked this and read

Suicide at the Cape (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

Authentic us (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

 

Picture courtesy: https://depositphotos.com

 

 

Call to Faith

The current noise being made around the call for prayer is unfounded in a community that has practiced it for 100 years and more in Cape Town, and 1400 years globally. We respect religious freedom - laws cannot be a stumbling block to practicing our basics - the right to worship. We worship in peace and our call the prayer is one of calling to God's greatness and to success.

Interfaith Part 2 : Integration

Ask your Imam, ask your Mowlana, ask your Sheikh! They have studied the religion and should be in a position to guide us. Yet, we understand that they are not infallible and may make mistakes. I will try not to directly quote Hadith and/or Quran because the idea is for us to research aspects of our deen and get authentic guidance from our learned people.

A learned person, a Muslim who goes and partakes in a prayer meeting with people from other faiths, in, let's say a church, will send confusing signals to the layman. Is it permissible to pray with them and the argument will start with "tolerance" and "my sheikh said.." and "we must respect ...". And yet no one spoke any word of ill or malice towards anyone from the other faith.  But the new buzzword is integration and as Muslims we need to integrate and therefore interfaith is a powerful means for doing so.

I scratch my head and look around but few are willing to say anything. Perhaps, they will say something in the privacy of their homes or, when they do speak more "publicly", they don't draw a line in the sand as did our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ . Did he not draw a line in the sand? But where did we go wrong? A long story but here are just a few thoughts of how thoughtless we are in the seeds we plant. Easter has everything to do with paganism and there is a fair impact of this on Christianity. Christians largely believe that Jesus died for their sins on the cross. This happening is alleged to have taken place on Good Friday which, coincidently, falls in line with the Easter weekend which is synonymous with paganism. And, aaahhh, the easter eggs which are now made with chocolate. Lovely isn't it.  Except that, while the chocolate is halal (permissible), the now Easter-egg-formed chocolate is nothing but a dedication to a pagan god. We find it delicious while we consume nothing but that which at least taints our bodies and our very souls - do we go to buy meat and ask for halal meat or do we eat any meat. The sheep, while it was alive was halaal for us as potential meat until it was slaughtered and dedicated to other than Allah. Likewise, the chocolate was halaal until it was dedicated to a pagan god. And yet, you disagree, and you are inclined to stop reading and you say "it is only chocolate we eat...".

And as you carry on, you now attend their Christmas services in Church, you attend their Christmas meals, and you give Christmas gifts. All in the name of tolerance and shirk. "Well it is our Prophet too", I hear you say. Of the many questions that arise is "are they celebrating the birth of God or the son of God" - Is this not shirk? "Yes, but we don't do that" is the retort. The crazy thought that we love for others what we love for ourselves and then you tell them that you support them in going on their way to the place where people who commit shirk go. Of course, Muslims do believe in the Hereafter and in Heaven and Hell - right? So, you nudge them along to hell instead of leading them to the straight path. Interesting that people of tolerance and integration can do that. But some are just so confused and allow the non-Muslim to take your hand and drag you along all the while thinking that you still pray and fast then you are all good. And then there are also other religions like Hinduism, African Traditional religions, etc.

We are human and we are prone to error. The good news is that our Creator, Allah, sent to us a messenger who was the last of all prophets and who brought us Quran and his sunnah ﷺ. The best of teachers is none but Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Research, ask questions and be concerned with your standing in front of Allah on the Day of Reckoning. Seek the truth and live as a Muslim, inviting to good and forbidding evil.


To them their religion (to practice) and to us ours.

We pray for leaders who will guide us - seek them out and speak not of your own desire.

And Allah knows best.

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