Prayers for Ramadan

- 4 November 2003

Prayers for Ramadan

- Mary Elizabeth Hansen

As the media has reminded its audience over and over again., this is the “holy month of Ramadan.” Coalition soldiers in Iraq are not to drink, eat or smoke in public during the days of Ramadan. For the third year in a row, President Bush celebrated the breaking of the daily fast, Iftaar, at the White House with a group of prominent Muslims. In his remarks at this year’s dinner, the President emphasized the importance of Ramadan to the world’s one billion Muslims. For good measure, he also reminded everyone again of the prominent role that Muslims play in America’s diverse culture and (play it again, Sam) of the peaceful nature of “true” Islam.

After the horrendous incidents that the Coalition forces in Iraq have experienced during this past week of “holy Ramadan,” many non-Muslims might be forgiven for again questioning claims of the peacefulness of Islam. A not-so-few Muslims, victims of their own Islamic brothers, might be wondering the same thing. As prayer plays an important part in the discipline of Ramadan, a couple of requests are asked of thoughtful Muslims as they work their spiritual way through this time in the Islamic calendar year.

Say a prayer…..that the leaders in the “Islamic world” grant true justice, equal treatment and full respect to their fellow citizens who are not Muslim. Just as Muslims living in the West want equality, sensitivity and freedom to practice their religion, so do non-Muslims living as “dhimmis” in Islamic-dominated countries. The river should run both ways, so to speak. For every new mosque or Islamic school built in the West, reciprocal privileges should and must be granted to non-Muslims in the “Islamic world.” If not, Muslims should expect more resistance to their expansion in Western countries.

Say a prayer…..for the 22 or more Christian converts from Islam who have been intimidated, jailed and tortured by the “moderate” Egyptian government for the crime of “apostasy.” Egypt, like most countries in the world, signed the U.N. Charter years ago, not only guaranteeing religious freedom, but also guaranteeing the freedom to change one’s religion. Unfortunately, the fate of “apostates” from Islam repeats itself over and over in Muslim countries. To the rest of the world, Islam appears to be a religion with no exit visas. Can there begin a grassroots movement in the Islamic world to change these laws and catch up with the twenty-first century? Freedom of religion is basic, as is freedom of speech and freedom of movement.

Say a prayer…..for women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, living under the heavy yoke of shar’ia law. Quit sugar coating the facts. Women in Islamic countries have a tough time, from cradle to grave, living as second-class citizens, not just in their own communities but within their own families. And, say an extra prayer for those women who are in danger of becoming victims of “honor killings.” There are no religious, cultural, or historical reasons to justify these cruel, sick murders.

Say a prayer…..for fellow Muslims living in the West. Life can’t be all that bad in these countries of choice, rather than birth. Appreciate the freedoms that are available to all, regardless of religion. Contribute to the local community in as many meaningful ways as possible. Don’t whine about being a victim. And, speak out for justice and equality for all left behind in the “Islamic world,” whether Muslim or non-Muslim. The catalyst for positive changes can and should begin with those Muslims enjoying the fruits of democracy.

Say a prayer…..for all of the millions of goats, sheep, etc, that will be slaughtered in the most cruel fashion in celebration of the end of Ramadan. Yes, most of the world eats meat. But, there are more developed and less cruel ways to end the life of an animal before it is put on the dinner table. Get over the “halal” issue. Bring that part of Islamic celebrations into the twenty-first century too.

Say a prayer…..for true peace. True peace can and should be achieved in ways other than the endless struggle for Islamic domination of the world. Not everyone wants to be a Muslim. To quote from a 30 year old book, “I’m Ok. You’re OK.” Many people have a different view of paradise…or no view of paradise, but rather a vision of how they want to live on earth. For several billion people inhabiting this planet, Islam has no place in their personal life. Accept that fact and the world really will be a more peaceful place for all God’s children.

Finally, to all Muslims, have a meaningful and fulfilling spiritual journey during this time of Ramadan.