By Samaoen Osman

End of Ramadaan... worshipers at the Sultan Balu Centre in Mayfair praying.

RAMADAAN is once again with us, evoking excitement, and anticipation about this Holy month in Islam. The very thought of Ramadaan conjures up images of a splendid month of fasting and guarding of the soul, highlighted by extra visits to the mosque for Salat-ul-Taraweeh and a general spirit of well-wishing, charity and generosity.

Ramadaan is a special month of fasting, praying, togetherness and spirituality. For Muslims around the world, this month brings with it experiences they savour for the rest of the year.

When the month ends, the holiest month for the world's more than 1.8 billion Muslims, they will recognise what a difficult year it has been. Xingiang (China), Kashmir, Gaza and Palestine are being torn apart by civil war and sectarian violence.

Afghanistan, one of the world's poorest Muslim countries, is teetering on the edge. The United States, France and Israel are committing Islamophobia and Genocide .The Arab Spring have also opened up new opportunities for the oppressed peoples in the Arab and Muslim Worlds. Muslims are demanding political and socio-economic change throughout the Arab and Muslim world.

In the wake of these challenges, Muslims seek and find strength in Ramadaan. Over the course of 30 days, from sunrise to sunset, we refrain from food and drink and refocus on strengthening our faith. It is a time of renewal, but also of reflection on the self and its broader surroundings.

Ramadaan is a month of intense spiritual training, patience and charity for the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. But, Ramadaan is also a month of solidarity for those who are suffering oppression, injustice, exploitation and poverty around the globe.

During this Holy month Muslims and freedom-loving people around the globe remember and stand in solidarity with the Oppressed Palestinian people who are suffering genocidal injustice

The Yemeni people who are suffering human rights abuses at the hands of the criminal Western military Coalition. Ramadaan is a time when we hear and answer the cries of the oppressed ,exploited and Suffering peoples around the globe! Let us all spare a thought for those suffering political, social, economic, racial, ethnic and cultural injustice around the globe. Ramadaan is also a time to share our religious and cultural heritage with our Christian, Jewish , Hindu and Buddhist friends and neighbours.

Ramadaan Kareem and Mubarak to all Muslims around the globe.

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Ramadaan: A time for serious Reflection