Assalaam Allikum ‘May God’s peace be upon you’

Ramadan started last September and ends tomorrow. A special season of the year for Muslims, Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. This is a special time they devote to Allah, contemplating on their faith and spending less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. They also fast from sunrise to sunset. This is one of the five pillars of Islam, a chance to get closer to God and away from the mundane things of this world.

Those in war or caught in extreme conditions are excused from fasting, but many Muslims still insist on fasting. For those who learned a rigid discipline, the habit is hard to break. Harsh conditions make Ramadan more meaningful because doing a spiritual duty entails more sacrifice. It is a chance for them to feel for the poor and suffering, to learn discipline, and commitment.

In the many years of Christian-Muslim conflict in our country, there have been many attempts to bridge the gap and reach understanding through peace pacts and negotiations. The latest encounter and killing and mutilation of Filipino soldiers in Basilan involving the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf led to a war that continues up to now. Thus, whatever gains have been achieved in resolving the Muslim conflict have sadly been jeopardized by terrorist agenda. Lately, warnings to the public have been issued by Philippine National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales of possible terrorist attacks in the metropolis.

I cannot imagine how such a peace-loving, God-fearing and spiritual Muslim faith can be marred with violence and hatred. The Muslim and Catholic faith have many common practices and beliefs. Like Ramadan, Catholics celebrate Holy Week with fasting, penitence and sacrifice. Both believe in one God, the authority of the written word, the Holy Bible for Catholics and the Qur’an for the Muslims. Both recognize the prophets from writings as spokespersons of God. Both have a mission of peace in the world. But somehow, religion has been used through the years to wage war against believers and fanatics. I can only wish that religion will not be used as a cloak to hide the personal hatred of a few strong willed leaders and further inflame animosities among trusting followers of the faith.

On Eid al-Fitr, let me wish the Muslims of the faitha Ramadan Mubarak, “have a blessed Ramadan”. We join you in praying that the dove of peace will liberate mankind from an enslaving religion into a world of true justice and harmony.