Saving Lives Around the World

The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, "Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor."

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the most sacred periods in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammadﷺ by Allahﷻ through the Angel Jibreel. During this blessed month, Muslims worldwide engage in fasting (Sawm), from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink, whilst avoiding any negative actions or sins.  

Beyond the physical actions, Ramadan is a time of profound spiritual reflection, and increased devotion and worship to our Rabb. It is an opportunity for the Ummah to purify our souls, refocus our attention to Allahﷻ, practice self-discipline, and strengthen our connection with the Qur’an. The holy month of Ramadan demands our compassion, generosity, and kindness, reminding believers of those less fortunate and the importance of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah). 

In Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to Allahﷻ. Fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation for every able Muslim. However, intentionally breaking a fast without a valid reason is a serious matter that requires atonement. This atonement is known as Kaffarah. This article explores the meaning, significance, and calculation of Kaffarah, providing clarity on how to fulfill this important religious duty.

Winter is more than a season for so many in our Ummah. It’s a relentless, bitter struggle for survival. And right now, our thoughts should turn to those in our global Ummah for whom the cold is not an inconvenience, but a severe trial from Allahﷻ.  
 
This winter, your Zakat and Sadaqah are so much more than donations; they’re lifelines, answers to the Du’as of millions of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, and Burma. They’re a fulfilment of our Amanah (trust) towards them, and the millions of families whose lives are threatened by the freezing cold this winter. 

Within their trial, there is a test for us too. What will we do about our Ummah’s suffering? Will we give what we can and share some of our warmth with them?  

These aren't distant tragedies; they should hit close to home. These are our brothers and sisters—families with names, innocent children with dreams, countless sick and elderly who, at the very least, deserve some warmth and comfort. And to truly feel their pain and suffering, we must understand what they go through.  

Here's exactly where your support is going during winter 2025, and why your donation to One Ummah’s Winter Appeal matters now more than ever. 

Winter arrives with a beauty that many of us celebrate—the first snowfall, cosy nights by the fire, hot drinks with loved ones. But for millions of vulnerable families around the world, winter brings something very different: a life-threatening battle for survival. While we adjust our thermostats and add extra blankets to our beds, countless families face an impossible choice: keep warm or feed their children. A choice no family should have to make. 

Understanding why winter is the hardest season for vulnerable families isn't just about acknowledging hardship—it's about recognising our duty as believers, as One Ummah, to respond with both urgency and compassion. It is our duty to share a little of our warmth this winter.  

Winter is here. For many of us, that means warm homes, hot meals, and cosy evenings with our families and friends. But for millions of our dear brothers and sisters throughout the Ummah, winter is not an inconvenience: it’s a fight for survival. But there is another perspective to consider... the perspective of the believer.  

Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī (raḥimahullāh) said: “Winter is the best season for the believer. Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in.” 

The first chill of winter air carries with it something more than the promise of cold days and long nights. For the believer, it carries an invitation—a divine opportunity that those who came before us understood and embraced. We are called to see this season through different eyes: the eyes of faith, gratitude, and purpose.