Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago, in the middle of Ramadan, I was talking with a friend of mine who happens to be a Muslim. We talked about how difficult the fast is. He said to me, “Look, the purpose of the fast is to shed normal concerns of comfort, so that we can focus on God. But it is also for us to understand first hand the sufferings of the poor, the lonely and those who, for whatever reason, are not the winners in our society.” What a beautiful thought! What a wonderful lesson being spread by our Muslim friends especially during the month of Ramadan!
This is a lesson that must never be forgotten by those in authority. Those of us who hold positions of political responsibility must always remember that decisions made affect all, but in particular, the poor and disadvantaged, who often have no or few alternatives. How wonderful it would be, if the decisions made by politicians were made with a genuine empathy for all people, rather than for the purpose of furthering narrow and in the long run self-defeating political agendas.
The feast of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the fruits of Ramadan, following the will of our Creator and thus empathy with the poor and disadvantaged.
These attitudes are sorely needed today, and it is with a sense of profound gratitude that we offer our sincere congratulations to our Muslim friends on this special feast.
Yours faithfully,
Everall Franklin, MP
GAP-ROAR
