RAMADHAN is supposed to be the most peaceful time of the year in the Islamic world, but why have news about doubling security measures been disseminated?
Fasting in Ramadhan is practiced as a way to foster patience, tolerance, and empathy among Muslims. The reason that they neither bite nor sup during the day for about a month is for them to experience being in the shoes of those who are hungry, poor, and in need, as well as a way for them to focus on Allah.
Every Muslim who fasts also perseveres to observe good practices and deeds during these days.
If anything, we shouldn’t be too alarmed during these days. Shout out to the Islamophobes.
But I understand that last year, the Marawi Siege on May 23rd also happened a few days before Ramadhan. Still, it does not warrant to put the blame on the Islamic community.
Muslims have already denounced those who follow the ISIS-daesh ideologies. If there is a connection between Ramadhan and the ISIS, it is their dangerously wrong belief that the heaven will bless them for every life they take for their crooked ideology.
What they believe in is not Islamic, but just purely evil and destructive. This Ramadhan, I would like to encourage everyone to be courteous and considerate of those who do their best to follow the requirements of Islam. If you see a woman wearing a veil, or a Muslim fellow, please refrain from eating or drinking in front of them.
Also, these people have limited energy for the lack of food during the day. Please be kind enough to offer them any assistance you may offer.
Please help those who also do their best to become good persons during this time of the year. Some may slip up and get irritated a little bit, or be a bit sluggish, but do understand that working during the scorching heat of the day is difficult without enough food and water.
Please do so not because of fear, but out of empathy and love. Some of them have lost homes, while some are empathizing with friends, neighbors, relatives, or co-workers who have had their home and property destroyed last year.
The very least we can do for them is give them enough respect.
Happy Ramadhan to all!