Respected elders, dear brothers and sisters

As we gather to welcome the holy month of Ramadaan, the time for reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth is upon us. Ramadaan – as we know – is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to purify the soul, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and show compassion towards others.

During this blessed month, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline, patience, and empathy. Fasting from dawn until dusk teaches us to control our desires and focus on our spiritual well-being. It is a time to be grateful for the blessings we have and to remember those who are less fortunate.

Ramadaan is also a time for community and togetherness. We come together for iftar, breaking our fast as one family, one community. We share our blessings with others, reaching out to those in need and spreading kindness and love.

May this Ramadaan be a source of blessings, peace, and plenty reward, for all of us.

Alhamdulillah, we have concluded another successful Cape Town Ramadaan and Lifestyle Expo, an initiative of Radio 786. Thousands of patrons from diverse backgrounds engaged the culture of Muslims in the Cape as we prepare for the blessed month of Ramadaan. The annual event that has grown to be the biggest of its kind, reminded us once again about the entrenched community support shown for the work that RADIO 786 does; on and off-air. An expo of this magnitude is integral to enable Radio 786 to continue to be the difference.

During this month, we commit ourselves to continue bringing you quality radio with a clearly stated aim of building Tawakkul, an ultimate sense of reliance on a force much greater than any of us can comprehend. Our efforts are motivated by the level of resilience Palestinians have demonstrated by showing the world that while they may have very little to no external practical support to resist a settler colonial regime, that their noble fight is one of truth and justice. We are humbled and in awe about the embodiment of Qur’anic values and principles – as demonstrated by the Palestinians in Gaza.

Radio 786’s foundation is built on a legacy of seeking truth and the attainment of justice. Be it through the example of Imam Haron (may Allah be pleased with him) or its nearly two decades long fight against Zionism in the courts to its near three decades long commitment to fighting injustice, be it Palestine, the DRC or even at our own doorstep. That is a commitment and a set of values that we will continue to strive for.

And so, as we embark on this month, let Radio 786 be your companion. A series of specialized programming together with crisscrossing the Cape to bring you Taraweeh and other new and specialized focused programming that can be expected during this month.

Our collective goal is to work towards an Ummah of conscience, a community in service to those that need assistance most, and more resolutely, a society of Tawakkul with ultimate reliance on our creator.

And so, we present to you the guiding theme that will inform Radio 786’s programming for the month of Ramadaan – trusting in Allah’s plan, a concept that not only shows up all over the Qur’an and hadith but has been recognized as one of the most admirable traits of the Palestinian struggle. While this struggle has been ongoing for 75-years, October 7th, destined the world to never ever remain the same.

Al Aqsa flood has not only become a global rallying call and pivot in the ongoing efforts to liberate one of Islam’s most revered artifacts of heritage but has led to so many victories on levels that we may not even fully comprehend. A swell of reverts have embraced Islam, all curious about this faith that has led Palestinians to not only resist, but remain steadfast in the face of a brutal, genocidal white colonial settler entity. Victory is promised for the oppressed and as an institution, we remain more committed than ever to educate, advocate and work towards establish truth and justice for wherever injustice breathes.

We pray that this Ramadaan enhances our resolve. May we reach the goals we set for ourselves and may we always remain under the protection of our creator and guided by his scripture, the Quran.

Ramadaan Kareem from us at Radio 786.