RIYADH — Preparations to observe the holy month of Ramadan have started here at a "Welcome Ramadan" program, especially organized for the girls and women by the prominent community leader and writer Dr. Hina Ambreen Tariq. The program formally began with the recitation of some verses of the Holy Qur'an by young Kiswa Waqar and Hiba Tariq respectively followed by the Naats presented by Laiba Tariq, Safa Aziz and Zartash Nehal respectively. Amal Asim, Salwa and Maimona Khalid then talked about their preparations and described ways to observe Ramadan in their speeches that were highly praised by the audience. Renowned poetess from Pakistan Dr. Shahnaz Muzammil addressed the audience and talked about the benefits of Ramadan. She also presented some couplets from her poetic translation of the glorious Qur'an. Renowned Islamic Scholar Prof. Maimona Murtaza Malik urged the audience to forgive each other in her keynote speech. She emphasized to take care of the poor and needy ones especially those who did not have food at the time of sahoor. Prof. Maimona described the holy month of Ramadan in one word i.e. Patience. "Ramadan is the month of patience and it brings us the key message to be patient regarding acts of obedience and avoiding acts of disobedience, fasting is the greatest form of patience," she added. Dr. Hina Ambreen said, "I am arranging Welcome Ramadan program prior to the start of the holy month continuously for the last 15 years. Fasting is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam so we must prepare ourselves to observe this holy month in all of its respective manner," Hina said. Dr. Shahnaz Muzammil distributed gifts among the participating girls. The program formally ended with a special prayer by Prof. Maimona Malik.
