Ramadan month should strengthen peace

In an article called "Ramadan: Striving for Peace", a well-known lecturer on Muslim issues describes the Ramadan as the month of fasting for Muslims the world over. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk for the duration of Ramadan. Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation upon which the entire structure of Islam is built. As a ritual, fasting is a symbolic act and is not simply a time during which people deprive themselves of physical pleasures. It is an occasion for pursuing moral excellence and in the process, experience spiritual growth.

Islam uses a lunar calendar – that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar that is commonly used, Islamic holidays "move" at an earlier time each year.

Ramadan began last Saturday in most parts of the Middle East, according to reports, sadly "with bloodshed in Iraq, threats of violence across the region and many Muslims offended by statements recently made by the Pope against their Prophet, Mohammad".

Ramadan is meant to develop moral discipline. It is supposed to bring one’s consciousness beyond selfish needs to the plight of those who live in constant hunger and deprivation. It is supposed to lead people to care and share, the only way that true religiosity can be expressed.

The Bible itself, in the book of Isaiah, says that when God means to bless his people, He calls for transformation of character, which should be followed by love of truth, love of peace, righteous dealing and compassion for others. It tells us that God made the ultimate sacrifice when His Son died to show us the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

The preachings of the Qu’ran and the Holy Bible agree and complement each other. Disagreements arise from human interaction simply because everyone thinks they are right. Catholic Bishop Teodoro Bacani said "that the entire Muslim population should not be judged by the actions of Islamic extremists and that violent groups were not just present among the followers of Islam but also among Christians as well. Furthermore, the past two world wars were started by Christian nations". He rightly expressed that "even if we debate about issues, it should remain verbal, but in the end, we should strive to understand one another".

The Christians have the Lenten Season, while the Muslims have the Ramadan. Both should lead to peace.