In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The new moon could not be seen tonight, Tuesday May 15th in Southern California. Therefore, Wednesday May 16th is the 30th of the month of Sha’ban, and Thursday the 17th of May is the first day of Ramadan 1439. May Allah enable us to capture the true spirit and benefits of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadhan is a month of mercy and blessings. This is the month which the Holy Prophet has declared the best of months, its days the best of days, its nights the best of nights, and its hours the best of hours.
On behalf of the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California, as we welcome this blessed month, I would like to wish the community Ramadhan Kareem. We thank Allah (SWT) for granting us another opportunity to enjoy the bounties of this month, and we ask Allah (SWT) for His forgiveness. May this month be one of peace and strengthening of our relationship with Allah (SWT).
There are many people in the world who are experiencing hardships and difficulties due to wars, poverty and hunger. One of the most important ways to purify ourselves in this month is to help, support and offer services to those who are suffering and in need. Inshallah with these actions, Allah will overlook our shortcomings and reward us with forgiveness and mercy.
There are many events at the local mosques and centers during this month. I encourage the community to support and attend these spiritually uplifting programs. As guests of Allah (SWT) let us be the best guest and let us pray that our action will please our host in this blessed month.
Wassalaamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
Dr. Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini
President, Shia Muslim Council of Southern California
The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California is an umbrella organization of 15 Shia Islamic centers in the southern California area. It was established September 17, 2014. The current elected board members of the Shia Muslim Council are:
President: Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini
Vice-President: Hajj Khalil Dewji
Secretary: Dr. Fatima Hakkak
Treasurer: Hajj MehdiReza Hirji
Councilor: Sheikh Mujahid Abdul Karim
Councilor: Br. Javad Taheri
Councilor: Sayed Asghar Rizvi