Blessed RAMADAN MUBARAK; at JAHANNAM, NAMAZ/PRAYERS will NOT help EVILDOERS; Islam on STEALING and CORRUPTION; ISLAM, the 3 HOLIEST MASJIDS with Dr. Shamir A. Ally’s “PICTURES’ SPEAK”; and Senegal’s PRESIDENT Bassirou Diomaye FayeI, age 44, A VISIONARY with SERVANT LEADERSHIP Management Style.

RAMADAN: A sacred month of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and community bonding for 1.8 Billion Muslims worldwide. There are 57 Muslim countries in the world, according to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) member list. Among these, 49 countries have a Muslim-majority population.

Ramadan is a SACRED  month that offers Muslims a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and community bonding. By understanding the significance and practices of Ramadan, NON_MUSLIMS  can build bridges of understanding and respect, fostering a more harmonious and inclusive community.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a blessed period. During this month, Muslims FAST from DAWN to SUNSET , abstaining from food and drink. This practice is known as Sawm (صوم) or Siyam.

Purpose of Ramadan

The primary goal of Ramadan is to develop self-control, empathy, and compassion. By fasting, Muslims aim to:

1. Develop Taqwa (تقوى): God-consciousness and self-awareness.
2. Purify the soul: Through self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.
3. Strengthen community bonds: By sharing meals, prayers, and acts of charity. 

RAMADAN PRACTICES:

1. Fasting (Sawm): Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
2. Prayer (Salah): Performing the five daily prayers, with additional Taraweeh prayers in the evening.
3. Charity (Zakat): Giving to those in need, with a focus on generosity and compassion. RECOMMENDED: 10% of NET WEALTH
4. Recitation of the Quran: Reading and reflecting on the Quran, with many Muslims aiming to complete the entire book during Ramadan.

RAMADAN TRADITIONS:

1. IFTAR: The meal eaten after sunset to break the fast.
2. SUHOOR:: The pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting.
3. 3. TARAWEEH: : Congregational prayers performed in the evening.
4. 4. ITIKAF: : Spending the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion, devotion, and contemplation.

RAMADAN SPIRIT:

1. Increased charity: Giving to those in need, with a focus on generosity and compassion.
2. Family gatherings: Spending time with loved ones, strengthening bonds and creating memories.
3. Spiritual reflection: Taking time for self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.
4. 4. Community service: Volunteering and helping those in need, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

RAMADAN AROUND THE WORLD:

1. Cultural Variations: Diverse cultures and countries have unique Ramadan traditions, such as special foods, decorations, and celebrations.
2. Global/UMMA UNITY: Despite cultural differences, Ramadan brings Muslims worldwide together in a shared experience of fasting, prayer, and charity.

RAMADAN ETIQUETTE for NON-MUSLIMS:

1. RESPECT FASTING MUSLIMS: Avoid eating or drinking in front of fasting Muslims.
2. USE RAMADAN GREETINGS: Greet Muslims with “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (Generous Ramadan).
3. 3. LEARN ABOUT RAMADAN: Take the opportunity to learn about Ramadan and its significance in Islamic culture.

By understanding and respecting Ramadan traditions, NON-MUSLIMS can build bridges of understanding and foster a more INCLUSIVE, RESPECTFUL,  and HARMONIOUS community.

RAMADAN and CHARITY:

1. ZAKAT:Giving Zakat, an obligatory charity, to those in need during Ramadan is considered a key aspect of the holy month.
2. SADAQAH: Voluntary charity, known as Sadaqah, is also encouraged during Ramadan, with many Muslims increasing their charitable giving during this time.
3. FOOD DRIVES and DISTRIBUTIONS: Organizing food drives and distributions to help those in need is a widespread practice during Ramadan.

RAMADAN and FAMILY

1. FAMILY GATHERINGS: Ramadan is a time for family reunions and gatherings, with many Muslims coming together to share meals and prayers.
2. IFTAR MEALS: Breaking the fast together as a family is an important tradition during Ramadan, with many families gathering for Iftar meals.
3. TARAWEEH PRAYERS: Attending Taraweeh prayers together as a family is also a widespread practice during Ramadan.

RAMADAN and PERSONAL GROWTH:

1.  SELF-REFLECTION: Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and introspection, with many Muslims using the holy month to evaluate their lives and set goals for personal growth.
2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Ramadan is also a time for spiritual growth, with many Muslims focusing on increasing their prayer, recitation of the Quran, and other spiritual practices.
3. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ramadan is an opportunity for personal development, with many Muslims using the holy month to work on personal habits, relationships, and character development.

RAMADAN and HEALTH:

1. HEALTHY EATING: Eating healthy and nutritious foods during Ramadan is essential to maintaining energy levels and overall health.
2. STAYING HYDRATED: Drinking plenty of water during non-fasting hours is crucial to staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration.
3. MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Muslims with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, need to take extra precautions during Ramadan to manage their conditions effectively. 

2 MOST POPULAR GREETINGS during RAMADAN:

1. RAMADAN KAREEM , May your days be blessed.”
2. RAMADAN MUBARAK,  I ask Allah to accept from us and from you.

At JAHANNAM, NAMAZ/PRAYERS WILL NOT HELP EVILDOERS:

A GENTLE REMINDER to ALL PRACTISING MUSLIMS in GUYANA and GLOBALLY, that “In ISLAM, JAHANNAM  is the place of ETERNAL PUNISHMENT for EVILDOERS in the AFTERLIFE, or HELL. This notion is an integral part of Islamic theology and has occupied a prominent place in the Muslim belief.”

Need for PERSONAL Spiritual and Religious Strength TO FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION.

Need for DIVINE LIGHT which shines from ALMIGHTY GOD,  to influence CORRUPTERS to cease and desist.

Islam on STEALING and CORRUPTION.

Islamic teachings STRONGLY CONDEMN STEALING and CORRUPTION, emphasizing the IMPORTANCE of HONESTY, JUSTICE, and FAIRNESS. 7 QUOTES are as follows.

1.  Condemnation of Corruption: “And cause no corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good”.
2.  Punishment for Corruption: “Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land”.
3. Prohibition of Stealing: ” Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of honesty and fairness in all dealings.”
4. Justice and Honesty: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do”.
5. Fairness in Business: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent”.
6. Consequences of Stealing: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘The earth will bear witness against those who unjustly took its wealth, and the hands that took it will be covered with shame and regret on the Day of Judgment'” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
7. Corruption and Greed: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Beware of greed, for it is a disease that has no cure. It is a fire that cannot be extinguished, and it is a sea that cannot be crossed'” (Sunan Abu Dawud).

https://myislam.org/quran-verses/corruption/

ISLAM, the THREE (3) HOLIEST MASJIDS:

These THREE (3) MASJIDS hold GREAT SIGNIFICANCE in ISLAM and are REVERED by MUSLIMS WORLDWIDE

1. Masjid al-Haram (Grand Masjid): Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it is considered the HOLIEST MASJID in Islam. It surrounds the KAABA, a cube-shaped building considered the House of Allah.
2. Masjid an-Nabawi (MASJID of the PROPHET : Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, it is the SECOND-HOLIEST MASJID in Islam. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and serves as his FINAL RESTING PLACE.
3. Masjid al-Aqsa (Al-Aqsa Masjid): Located in Jerusalem,it is considered the THIRD-HOLIEST MASJID in Islam.

Dr. Shamir A. Ally’s “PICTURES SPEAK” at ISLAM’s THREE (3) HOLIEST MASJIDS.

“ In 613, Muhammad (PBUH) started preaching these revelations publicly, proclaiming that ‘God is One’, that complete ‘submission’ (Islām) to God (Allāh) is the right way of life (dīn), and that he was a prophet and messenger of God, similar to the other prophets in Islam. “

April 17, 2017. EASTER MONDAY . Greetings from THE HOLY LANDS. JERUSALEM Palestine/Israel. Today. Easter Monday. Dr. Shamir & Dr. Maryann visited the following:

1. Mount of Olives. 2. Chapel of Ascension. 3. Garden of Gethsemane. 3. Church of the Holy Sepulcher. 4. Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer. 5.  Church of the Svstinete Hic Et Vigilate Mecum where Jesus Prayed at His End & Where Judas Iscariot Betrayed HIM. 6. Herod’s Gate. 7. VIVA DOLOROSA stations 4. 7, 10, et al. 8. Basilique Saints Anne where Virgin Mary was Born. 9. Church of Flagellation where Pontius Pilate Took Jesus and had Jesus Flogged then placed a Wreath in Jesus’s Head. 10.  Viva DOLOROSA Stations where Jesus met His Mom, and Station where Jesus placed His Hand on the Wall and Station were Jesus placed His Hand on The Ground. 11. Station where Jesus’s Body was Down and prepared for Burial. 12, Jesus’s Tomb. 13.  Dr. Shamir & Dr. Maryann Offered Prayers Many Times During the Day for ALL Families, Friends, Governments Leaders, Government & Private Corporations’ Officials, Parliamentarians, & People of Guyana, Kuwait & Globally. Caring Prayers & Blessings for the Poor, Sick, and Disenfranchised Persons Globally. Prayers & Blessings for PETS & Animals. Most Memorable Moments ALL Day. With Bhagwan. God. Allah. Yah. Jah. Buddha. & Jehovah’s Graces Will & Blessings.   Dr Shamir & Dr. Maryann from JERUSALEM on Easter Monday.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye FayeI, age 44 : A Visionary with Servant Leadership:

QUOTE “I don’t want my photographs in your offices because I am neither a god nor an icon—I am a SERVANT OF THE NATION . Instead, hang pictures of your children and look at them whenever you need to make a decision. And if the temptation TO STEAL EVER ARISES, take a good look at your family’s picture and ASK YOURSELF if they deserve to be the family  OF A THIEF who has BETRAYED THE NATION.”

“HOPES FOR A BETTER FUTURE”: Senegalese citizens are hopeful that Faye’s PRESIDENCY will bring about POSITIVE CHANGE. With His Excellency President Faye’s COMMITMENT to TRANSPARENCY, HUMILITY and ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES, President Faye has already shown that he IS DEDICATED to SERVING ALL the PEOPLE of SENEGAL with EQUITY

Government, Politics, Economy, Jobs with a Good Life with the New Young President of   Senegalese.

“ President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s first 100 days as Senegal’s president have been marked by a string of audits reviewing public finances and minerals contracts. But there have also been quick measures implemented to attract capital to the West African nation and to cushion the effects of rising living costs to sustain his early popular appeal.”

“The 44-year-old, who took office in April after a whirlwind couple of months that took him from a jail cell to the presidential palace, has implemented his plan for Senegal in a tone more measured than the revolutionary verve of his campaign. No contracts with multinationals have been canceled. His first foreign trip outside of Africa was to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Senegal remains a member of the euro-pegged CFA currency zone.”

The mood in Senegal is that Faye is “taking time to take stock of state affairs, refine policy plans, and learn the ropes of governance,” says Jeanne Ramier, an Africa associate at the Eurasia Group consultancy. “The administration is still drafting the ‘Project’ document, which will replace [former president] Macky Sall’s Emerging Senegal Plan and has been slow to produce and roll out concrete policies,” Ramier told Semafor Africa.”

https://www.semafor.com/article/07/11/2024/senegals-president-faye-marks-100-days-with-reviews-stability

https://wacsi.org/breaking-the-mould-senegals-youthful-president-and-the-future-of-leadership-in-africa/

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Servant leadership is a leadership approach that prioritizes the well-being and growth of team members, rather than solely focusing on achieving organizational goals. This approach was first introduced by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970. Servant leaders put the needs of others first, empower their teams, and create a positive work environment. They LEAD BY 

EXAMPLE, demonstrating HUMILITY, EMPATHY, and SELF-AWARENESS. By doing so, SERVANT LEADERS FOSTER a culture of TRUST, COLLABORATION, and INNOVATION trust, driving SUCCESS, SUSTAINABILITY, and EMPOWERMENT success for the Organization or Nation.

The 3 Cs of SERVANT LEADERSHIP are COMPASSION, CHARACTER, and COMPETENCE.

THREE (3) MAIN COMPONENTS of SERVANT LEADERSHIP and Characteristics of Servant Leadership that Truly Set It Apart from Traditional Leadership Styles, are:

1. Servant Leaders BUILD  authentic influence ROOTED IN TRUST.
2. Servant Leaders FOCUS  on the GROWTH, SUCCESS, and DEVELOPMENT of others RATHER THAN THE PURSUIT of POWER.
3. Servant leaders are COMMITTED to ACHIEVING GOALS SUSTAINABILITY.

5 LEADERS with SERVANT LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

FIVE (5)  PRESIDENTS  who embody SERVANT LEADERSHIP, some leaders have demonstrated characteristics consistent with this approach:

1. Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand):  This PRIME MINISTER, is known for her empathy and compassion, Ardern has prioritized the well-being of her citizens, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Paul Kagame (Rwanda):PRESIDENT Kagame has implemented policies focused on economic development, education, and healthcare, demonstrating a commitment to serving his country and its people.
3. Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore): PRIME MINISTER Lee has emphasized the importance of social cohesion and inclusive growth, prioritized the needs of Singapore’s citizens, and fostered a sense of community.
4.  Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya):PRESIDENT Kenyatta has launched initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and promoting economic development, demonstrating a focus on serving Kenya’s citizens.
5. Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh): PRIME MINISTER Hasina has prioritized poverty reduction, education, and healthcare, demonstrating a commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh.

2025 will be a GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY for NEW GUYANA LEADERS to practice SERVANT LEADERSHIP Management Style. Remembering, ” Where there is A WILL, there is A WAY.”

SENEGAL.    Population by Religion and Percentages.

Senegal’s population is predominantly Muslim, with approximately 97.2% of the population practicing Islam. The majority of Muslims in Senegal belong to the Sufi brotherhoods, with the Tijaniyya being the most important, followed by the Mouride and the Qadiriyya. It is  worth noting that Senegal is known for its RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE and HARMONY, with Muslims and Christians living together peacefully.

– Islam: 97.2%

– Tijaniyya: 60%

– Mouride: 28%

– Qadiriyya: 6%

– Christianity: 2.7 (mostly Catholic)

– Traditional African religions: less than 1% (including Serer spirituality and other ethnic religions)

– Other religions: less than 1% (including Shia Islam and other minority religions)

SENEGAL’S  HOPE with NEW PRESIDENT aged 44.

Senegal’s NEW PRESIDENT HIS EXCELLENCY, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has brought a sense of NEW HOPE, RENEWAL and RENAISSANCE to the country. With his impressive first-round win, Faye has shown that he’s committed to transforming Senegal’s ECONOMY, POLITICS and SOCIETY.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: President Faye has promised to RENEGOTIATE OIL & GAS CONTRACTS with foreign operators to secure more favorable terms for Senegal. This move is expected to boost the country’s economy, which is on the verge of A SIGNIFICANT TRANSFORMATION with the discovery of NEW OIL and GAS RESERVES.

Job Creation and Good Governance: President Faye’s administration has also pledged to create jobs and promote good governance. With youth unemployment rates at around 4.2%, President Faye’s focus on job creation is a welcome relief for many young Senegalese.

Regional Diplomacy: President Faye’s PRESIDENCY has also opened up new opportunities for regional diplomacy. He’s called for Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and has promoted African integration.

Hopes for a Better Future: Overall, Senegalese citizens are hopeful that Faye’s PRESIDENCY will bring about POSITIVE CHANGE. With His Excellency President Faye’s COMMITMENT to TRANSPARENCY, HUMILITY and ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES. President Faye has already shown that he IS DEDICATED to SERVING ALL the PEOPLE of SENEGAL with EQUITY.

OIC: Organization of Islamic Countries, Jeddah, KSA: MEMBERSHIPS: SENEGAL 1969 and GUYANA 1998 through efforts by Dr. Cheddi Jagan

IsDB: Islamic Development Bank, JEDDAH, KSA: MEMBERSHIPS: SENEGAL November 1976 and GUYANA July 2016.     

Left to Right: DEAN of ARAB Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency ABDULKADIR AMIN SHEIKH (SOMALIA);  His Excellency Sheikh Abdou Lahad MBACKE (DEAN of the Diplomatic Corps (SENEGAL) 33 Yrs in Kuwait 1988 To 2021; Ambassador Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally and Dr. Maryann Renee Beebe Ally.

Onward & Upward towards, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.