“Religious diversity should be celebrated, not feared. By recognising and accepting the differences in each other’s faiths, we can create a more vibrant and enriched society.”
– Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish economist and philosopher.
Every year, as Ramadan approaches, my non-Muslim and Muslim friends ask me, “Where are we going to break our fast this time?” It has become somewhat of a running joke among us, and they usually reach out to me one week before the start of the holy month.
I can always tell when Ramadan is near based on these calls and discussions with my friends.
It brings me joy that even my non-Muslim friends are eagerly looking forward to breaking their fast during Ramadan, which is commonly referred to as ‘iftar’.
This irony is a celebration of the vision that our founding fathers had for this country, and I’m grateful for it.
Seeing people of all faiths come together to share in this tradition is a testament to the unity that our country stands for.
Last Tuesday, I accompanied a friend to Wisma Saberkas, and I noticed that he was expressing gratitude more frequently and emphatically than usual.
When he greeted his tailor, grocer, and acquaintances with wishes for a blessed month of fasting, he would always add, “Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed to see another Ramadan. God has been kind to us.”
Although the month of fasting may appear to revolve around sentimental expressions and practices, it is actually a period of deep self-reflection. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink; it’s also about purifying the soul and reflecting on one’s thoughts and actions.
As my friend pointed out, Ramadan is like an annual circuit breaker in life, providing an opportunity to pause, reflect, and work towards becoming a better Muslim throughout the year ahead.
It is a month when Muslims pray more, read and better understand the Quran, increase their ‘ibadah’ and good deeds, and are expected to speak less.
Muslims are rewarded many times over for their good deeds, making Ramadan a valuable opportunity to accumulate a wealth of merit.
It is important to collect as many ‘merit points’ as possible, just as one invests early to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Muslims, including non-Muslims are also encouraged to avoid nonsensical debates and arguments, and to not spread lies that can cause disunity and political instability.
Thankfully, this year’s Ramadan is unique in that there are no major elections or political campaigns to distract Muslims from their spiritual duties.
In a politically toxic Malaysia where lies, misinformation, and disinformation run rampant in the cyber world, Ramadan serves as a timely circuit breaker to cool things down and prevent harm to racial harmony.
However, I find it difficult to believe the argument that Muslims are easily influenced and may abandon their faith.
Many of my Muslim friends are not strictly pious or do not strictly adhere to Islamic rules, yet they still hold Islam close to their hearts. I often cite my personal experience as an example.
During my last year in university, I had many memorable ‘berbuka puasa’ at different friends’ houses.
We would sit on the floor, with a kain saprah (tablecloth) spread over the living room, and dozens of extended family members and colleagues would gather around it.
It was a joyous occasion where we could reconnect with loved ones we hadn’t seen in a while, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
Meanwhile, my friend Julia Goh always looks forward to attending it at her neighbourhood mosque every year. Goh volunteers in a leadership role at her church, where she promotes community ties and interfaith understanding.
As the head of her church’s surau committee, she helps to foster positive relationships with the Muslim community.
During one of our conversations, Goh shared with me how her involvement in the surau committee has deepened her understanding of Muslim faith and helped her connect with Muslims in her community.
So every year, church committee members receive invitations from local imams to join them for breaking the fast at the mosques during Ramadan.
However, this year, the church committee decided not to attend due to concerns over political tensions and religious sentiments being spread by some politicians. They wanted to avoid causing any trouble for their Muslim friends.
When she called me last week, she expressed disappointment that she wouldn’t be able to attend such gatherings at the local mosque this year.
“It’s not like we invite ourselves to these gatherings. The mosque people invite us, you know,” she lamented.
In recent weeks, questions regarding racial and religious issues have resurfaced among some Malays, including politicians, as if they, as the majority and in control of the government and country’s administration, are under threat.
Of course, in a democracy, such issues can be raised, but it should be done through healthy discussions and not in an offensive manner, particularly on social media, where hatred has overtaken rationality.
My sincere hope for this Ramadan is that politicians and other divisive figures in our society will take a hard look at the true meaning of ‘silaturrahim’ and tolerance, and either help build bridges or step aside and let the rest of us do it.
