A Time For Reflection (For the Jews, Christians, & Muslims)
Dear Friends & Colleagues,
As the faithful believers of the three Abrahamic faiths observe their most
significant religious holidays - the Hanukkah (Dec 22nd to Dec 29th), the
Christmas (Dec 25th), and the Eidul Fitr commemorating the end of Ramadan
(Dec 27th) - all practically overlapping in the same week in a rare
incident, it is more appropriate than ever before that we extend to each
other congratulations and warmth, respect and recognition, helping hands and
solidarity, and friendship and empathy.
With the world now a global village where calamities - political, natural,
or otherwise - in one part of the world inevitably affect the other parts in
one way or another, it is more needed than ever before that we seek common
grounds, work together, and make this planet a better home for everyone.
With the threat of communism that hung overhead like an ominous cloud for
decades and the prospect of sudden annihilation by chain nuclear warfare
that weighed heavily on the nerves of many conscious citizens of the world,
now dissolved and carried away by a strong gust, it is time that we take a
deep breath and join hands together to do what is now needed most: saving
the institution of family that is rapidly disintegrating, practicing and
protecting the standards of God-given moral and ethical values, and thus in
turn saving our next generations. For the family indeed is a
divinely-inspired institution and a lesser unit of civilization, and if that
institution is lost the entire human civilization is threatened irrespective
of our material or technological advancements.
As I prepare myself to commemorate the end of Ramadan, I extend to all of
you my heartiest congratulations. Let us take this opportunity and
appreciate the bounties that God has given us and remember those who are not
as fortunate as we are. And let us reflect about the mercy and love that God
has implanted in our hearts that binds us together as children, parents, and
loved ones. And let us contemplate about the conditions of our society and
our human civilization and see if we are heading towards the right
direction. And let us exercise our conscience and promote peace, justice,
and stability for every people in the world who is suffering. And let us
seek common grounds and see how we can work together for our shared ideals
and goals for the betterment of every one. For nothing can be more common
than the fact that we are all created by the same God, we are all descendent
of the same couple (Adam & Eve), and we all worship the same God.
O mankind! We created
You from a single (pair)
Of a male and a female,
And made you into
Nations and tribes, that
Ye may know each other
(Not that ye may despise each other). Verily
The most honored of you
In the sight of Allah
Is (he who is) the most
Righteous of you.
Qur'an: 49: 13
- Mushfiqur Rahman, 23 December 2000
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