Today I was blessed by Allah SWT to be able to visit Babar Ahmad in prison one last time before the start of Ramadan. The last six years of detention without charge have clearly left their physical mark on him as I have seen the whiteness in his beard exponentially increasing with each visit.

The physical aging however has had no impact on his intellect - as always I found him razor sharp in his wit and analysis of the world outside the prison walls. It amazes me that our conversations always begin with his concern for others who are detained around the world, wondering as to their plight rather than complaining about his own predicament.

Ramadan is beginning tonight and meeting Babar was exactly the reminder than I needed to prepare for this most auspicious of months. The reminder for us all is that there are those who will not be spending the month with their families, that they have been separated from them in the worst of ways, and yet they continue to better themselves in their worship of Allah and their thanks to Him.

Leaving Babar behind however is never a depressing occassion, rather, I always leave hopeful that the help of Allah SWT will come, especially to those who are oppressed and make du'ah. This comes from the lack of despondency that is found in Babar's words and gestures - a confidence that somehow, whatever happens, there can only be good in the result.

During this Ramadan I pray that Allah SWT reminds us of the endless blessings that we have been given, particularly while we enjoy the blessing of being able to break our fast with our family and friends.

Ramadan kareem to you all and especially to those who are detained without charge or trial.