The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) is urging Muslims to observe the month-long fast and other acts of devotion of Ramadan “with utmost sincerity so that we can achieve success in this life and the hereafter.”
Muslims view Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal, the ACIC said in a press release, and each year brings new opportunities for persons of other faiths to learn more about Islam, its benefits and the contributions Muslims have made to human civilization.
This year, the promise of renewal is particularly important to the nation and the world, and “we pray that we will usher in a new era of tolerance, respect and cooperation.”
As Muslims focus on self-restraint, prayers and acts of charity to achieve self-reform, these acts must be taken to the wider community, the ACIC said. “We cannot totally reform ourselves without reforming the communities we live in. This is the month were we must dispense with all anger, arrogance and hatred, while at the same time cultivating love, friendship, humility, patience and tolerance. This will give us everlasting peace, but, peace must never be held ransom to justice nor justice held ransom to peace,” the ACIC said.
The ACIC calls on Muslims to use this month of activities to build bridges so that with unity of purpose they can advance Islam and the nation.
