Ramadaan in a time of conflict

TO ALL readers, a warm welcome to the blessed month of Ramadaan.

Ramadaan 2017 is here, but the Middle East parts of South Asia and Africa are riddled with violence and conflict, instead of peace and security. That is nothing unique to this year, as wars and conflicts have taken place during Ramadaan in the past.

Fasting in Ramadaan helps one to be more sensitive to the suffering of the poor. It helps one to feel compassion for the less fortunate and underprivileged, since each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of feeling hunger and thirst.

Ramadaan is a month of intense spiritual training, patience and charity for the world’s Muslims. But Ramadaan is also a month of solidarity for those who are suffering oppression, injustice, exploitation and poverty around the world.

Ramadaan is a time when we hear and answer the cries of the oppressed, exploited and suffering people. Let us spare a thought for those suffering political, social, economic, racial, ethnic and cultural injustices.

Ramadaan is also a time to share our religious and cultural heritage with people of other faiths. A blessed Ramadaan to all. Durban