Happy EID-UL-FITR Ramadan ended with the sighting of the rising of the moon. The Islamic faith is marked by the period of sacrifice and the joy thereafter! It epitomizes what all significant religions demand. The sacrifice is real. For those not of Islamic faith they have all shared the pain and joy of sacrifice with Muslim friends. We share their joy when they break their fast as well as throughout the day as they exercise religious discipline. The exercise of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid can be seen both as an individual as well as societal exercise. In preparing oneself individually we help the collective and it is only the collective, which can effect positive or negative change. Eid after all is the combination of 3 meaningful words: E: Embrace with open heart I: Inspire with impressive attitude, D: Distribute pleasure to all. “*EID MUBARAK*” We need to move together in the light of the spirit of Allah if we are to save our world from intolerance, disrespect, violence and greed! And it is only through a constant association with the light that we can achieve this. Ramadan and Lent provide a source of strength in our belief of the Almighty without which we would be lost! At a time when people are looking to be led by others instead of by Allah and are despairing at the seemingly constant failings of fellow humans, only Allah has not failed us. In celebrating this unique occasion I am always reminded of some of the writings of a great scholar I’zac Hassan “O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of Allah’s signs, that they may take heed. [7:26] Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not rebuke them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. [17:23-4]. As Muslims all over the world, celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims after performing the obligatory fasting of a month, become more deserving of Allah’s forgiveness and protection from Hell. Thus, Allah has specified for the Muslims upon their completion of fasting, a festive day in which you gather to thank Allah, glorify and praise Him. Allah allocated also on that day for Muslims to offer specific prayer (Salat-ul-Eid) and a specified offertory (sadaqah). The day of Eid is a great and glorious day. It is an occasion of happiness and joy. Muslims’ joy and happiness in this world is felt when you apply all efforts to obey Allah and perform good deeds that gain reward and success in the Hereafter. The month of daily fasting is not only a sacred duty, it is also a powerful teaching, and in many ways a gift of Islam to the rest of the world, reminding not only Muslims, but all our people, of our shared values and obligation to alleviate the suffering of those who live in poverty and deprivation. The reminder here reiterated, is that we all endeavour to build a more humane community, nation and world. The Christian Bible says that people should love their neighbour as themselves. But it's quite refreshing to note from the Quran that ‘Allah created the nations and tribes that they might know one another better, recognizing people on how they organize their thoughts and categorize their ideas, but that does not mean we should be divided one from another. Our common future is at stake. The very survival of the world itself is perhaps at stake and finding common ground between Muslims and Christians is not simply a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between leaders, but an ongoing communal discourse at all levels of our society. As we celebrate this festive occasion, may the spirit of (not the letter) Ramadan endure the whole year round. It is important to observe also that there is so much our nation, and the world at large could learn from Islam. It (Islam) is now practiced by one of every four people on Earth. Muslims are at cornerstone of our Ghanaian community. They enrich our political and cultural life, they provide leadership in every field of human endeavour, from business to medicine, to scholarship. It is important that we as a people appreciate that we all share common aspirations for a better future, for greater opportunities for our children, for the importance of work and family and freedom to worship. But like other groups past and present, Ghanaian Muslims also have faced from time to time -- and continue to face, sadly, from time to time – discrimination and intolerance. There are still too many of us who know too little about Islam. And sadly, stereotypes fill the vacuum ignorance creates. That kind of bigotry is wrong and has no place in the little space we share together as a society. There is no place for intolerance against people of any faith -- against Muslims or Jews or Christians, or any other religious group: tribal or ethnic. So on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr may we rededicate ourselves in this coming year to making sure that others in this country truly understand and appreciate the faith you as Muslims embrace, its practices, its beliefs, its precepts and its inclusive humanity. The New Testament enjoins us thus: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. / And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31) In the Holy Qur’an, God Most High entreats Muslims to invite Christians and Jews- as follows - Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between you and us: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him). (Aal ‘Imran 3:64) Together, we could create a world in which the fruits of faith – tolerance, understanding, and compassion - enrich and safeguard our planet and worldview of our children, and our children's children.” I am constantly reminded by a dear and special friend Yusif Mustapha whom I respect highly that “we all believe in God and we try to live by the teachings of his book, the Qur’an/Bible. We must be true to ourselves and importantly, those in whom we trust and have given authority and power must start to show the way and practice what our religion demands…….” On the holy occasion of EID Here is wishing that May the blessing of Allah Light up your way And lead you to eternal Happiness, Success and Peace. Wish you a very happy Eid.