In his State of the Nation Address delivered in Cape Town last week, the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Honourable Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed, among other matters, the country’s ongoing water crisis. He cited poor planning and collapsing infrastructure as key causes.

Every human is gifted with the infrastructure of fitrah at birth, an innate recognition of the One Supreme Creator of the Universe, Allah Ta‘ala, a gravitation toward goodness, an abhorrence of what is impure and vile, and a conscience that senses right from wrong.

With time and external influences such as parents, upbringing, society and personal choices, this natural inclination can become obscured. The signal weakens. The transmission falters. Repair and maintenance then become necessary.

Ramadhaan is Allah Ta‘ala’s spiritual restoration programme gifted to the believers. Within it are acts that facilitate rehabilitation and reset, reviving and restoring one’s connection with Allah Ta‘ala by removing the negative influences that cause deviation from our natural and healthy state.

As we seek acceptance of our fasting and prayers, we are reminded of a fundamental principle. The purity of what we consume directly impacts the acceptance of our ‘ibaadah. A spiritual overhaul cannot succeed if its foundation is compromised.

Let us therefore be vigilant and deliberate in choosing that which is Halaal and wholesome. Ensuring that what nourishes our bodies is Halaal and pure is not seasonal, nor confined to Ramadhaan alone. It is a lifelong obligation and a continuous expression of obedience to Allah Ta‘ala.

We take this opportunity to thank you for your support over three decades of service and wish you well during the month of Ramadhaan. May Allah Ta‘ala accept all our acts of devotion and grant that this restoration continues well beyond the month, throughout our lives.

Aameen.