My dear brother and sisters Assalam O Alaikum

Today is the final Jummah in the month of Shabaan and I pray that All mighty Allah spare our lives to witness the holy month of Ramadan which will commence in a few days. I was with Sen Barak Obama a few weeks ago and at the end of his speech he said that he is "Fired up and ready to go", he was referring to his campaign. Our Prophet Muhamad (uwbp) reminded us that the months of Rajab and Shabaan, the two months that preceed Ramadan should be the months that we start "fireing up" and by now "we should be ready to go" for this blessed and holy month of fasting.

Let's spend some time to reach out to our neighbors and educate them about Ramadan, invite them to the breaking of the fast, let them see what fasting is all about and at the same time lets not go overboard with too much food for wasting is not allowed in Islam.

For all you New Yorkers and folks who are living close to NY , don't forget the Muslim Day 22nd Annual Parade this Sunday starting at 12.30 pm at 41st street and Madison Ave. After the march there will be the closing ceremony at Madison Ave and 23rd Street with a mini street fair with lots of food, so please make an effort to attend, call your friends and families and encourage them to come out and show Muslim unity, insha Allah I will see you folks on Madison Ave.

Take care and all of you do have a nice weekend and wonderful month of fasting.

Your brother