During the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims everywhere in the world undergo a period of spiritual rejuvenation through fasting, prayers, and acts of benevolence. It is said that the good deeds done in the holy month is another huge step toward God, so every Muslim is encouraged to take his/her “game” up another level.
However, Ramadan possesses a different side not to be forgotten. As ignorance, intolerance, and violence tighten their vicious grips, it is more important now than ever that Muslims grasp that Ramadan is also a month of transformation. The month demands that its observer be a better person: a person of awareness, tolerance, and compassion. Mankind has witnessed too many evidences of how cruel a man can be to his brothers and sisters just because they look different, think differently, or call God by different names. I genuinely believe that Ramadan is an appropriate moment to reflect upon our actions, whether we really deserve to call ourselves Muslims.
As we celebrate our personal victory after going through the grueling days of fasting, yet another victory awaits to be claimed – together. Ramadan, with its call for Godly characters, must put Muslims in the frontline of establishing peace, fostering open-mindedness, caring for the Earth, defending liberty, and respecting equality. Or more precisely, we have to change ourselves so we may contribute towards a better world for all.
Have a blessed Idul Fitri, 2009.
No comments:
Post a Comment