Happy Ramadan

The Temple of Allah: The magnificent Old Kampala Mosque

To all Muslim brothers and sisters, I wish you the best of the Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth-holy-month of the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, to Muslims, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

I have little attachment to religion but pray that all Muslims use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of God’s guidance, make peace with those who have wronged, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up thier lives, thoughts, and feelings. I pray that this month of "fasting" (which literally means "to refrain") – is focused on not only to refrain from food and drink, but from evil dealings, beliefs, and lexis.

According to Islamic teachings, during Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Warmest Ramadan wishes to Muslim brothers and let this not be a mere physical fasting, but rather total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. I pray that you all practice self-restraint, cleanse your bodies and souls from impurities and re-focus your self on the worship of God.