Buka Puasa in Malaysia
While visiting family in Malaysia we went out to eat at a club frequented by Malays for buka puasa, the evening breaking of the fast during Ramadan. There was a general festive atmosphere as not only the Muslims but other groups found excuse to sample the generous buffet offerings – Penang laksa, nasi lemak,char kuay teow, and satay, as well as some western dishes.
Muslims adults fast during daylight hours during Ramadan, not only from food, but also from drinking and sexual activity. It is supposed to be time to slow down, take stock and do charitable acts. Which may be why things were a little quieter in the daytime during this last visit.
Ramadan commemorates the time when the prophet received the first verses of the Koran. This makes the decision of a small church in Florida even more incredible. The pastor had planned to burn the Koran on September 11, on the ninth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, to send a message to Muslim extremists. This weekend also marks the end of Ramadan, Hari Raya puasa or Aidilfitri. To desecrate a sacred object during a high holy time for Muslims makes about as much sense as burning the Bible on Easter Sunday because of the violence committed by Protestants and Catholics during the last few decades in Northern Ireland, or the two world wars between Christian nations during the last century that killed millions, or the atrocities committed by western Christians against Orthodox Christians, Jews and Muslims during the Crusades.
Rightly, military leaders trying to bring order in Afghanistan, are very concerned about such intentions. It also concerns me, as one living and working in Southeast Asia with its large Islamic populations. Those who claim to be c0mmunicating truth by such an act should question the "truth" that is actually communicated. To needlessly infuriate otherwise conscientious people is the height of folly not truth.
Muslims adults fast during daylight hours during Ramadan, not only from food, but also from drinking and sexual activity. It is supposed to be time to slow down, take stock and do charitable acts. Which may be why things were a little quieter in the daytime during this last visit.
Ramadan commemorates the time when the prophet received the first verses of the Koran. This makes the decision of a small church in Florida even more incredible. The pastor had planned to burn the Koran on September 11, on the ninth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, to send a message to Muslim extremists. This weekend also marks the end of Ramadan, Hari Raya puasa or Aidilfitri. To desecrate a sacred object during a high holy time for Muslims makes about as much sense as burning the Bible on Easter Sunday because of the violence committed by Protestants and Catholics during the last few decades in Northern Ireland, or the two world wars between Christian nations during the last century that killed millions, or the atrocities committed by western Christians against Orthodox Christians, Jews and Muslims during the Crusades.
Rightly, military leaders trying to bring order in Afghanistan, are very concerned about such intentions. It also concerns me, as one living and working in Southeast Asia with its large Islamic populations. Those who claim to be c0mmunicating truth by such an act should question the "truth" that is actually communicated. To needlessly infuriate otherwise conscientious people is the height of folly not truth.
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