Ammar Amonette, Imam of the Islamic Center of Virginia in Chesterfield County

Imam Ammar Amonette of the Islamic Center of Virginia has written a very timely op/ed asking some important questions about Ramadan and American culture.

…

What about Ramadan? Is it an exclusively Muslim holy season to be observed by members of the faith? Or is there a “Ramadan spirit” that may be shared with our neighbors and friends? Does this holy month of Islam have any meaning or value that could contribute to the overall American experience?

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran — the Islamic scripture — as according to the Quran itself it was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed. But according to the Prophet Muhammad, it is also the month in which Moses received the Torah and Jesus received the Gospel. Therefore, it is a month of contemplation of God’s divine guidance to all humanity:

“Fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, that you may acquire God-consciousness.”

Fasting is, therefore, a universal form of worship observed by all the prophets of God, and recognized by most world religions.

Through fasting we learn to give up things which may give us pleasure for the sake of higher principle. The Prophet taught us to spend Ramadan in acts of charity, feeding the poor, and assisting those who are less fortunate. In fact, the fasting is not complete until food or money is given to those in need.

The Prophet also spent the nights of Ramadan not in feasting, but in contemplation of the Quran through reading and prayer. Mosques are always full during the nighttime prayers in which the entire Quran is recited in a beautiful chant, followed by litanies of prayers on behalf of the community.

What a tremendous idea: the idea that the creator of the entire universe would actually care to guide us to a better way of life, a life of ethics and service to others. According to the Quran, we Muslims are not the only ones who have divine guidance, but the followers of the other faiths have also received revelation through their prophets. All of us agree on the basic message of universal brotherhood, peace, and charity toward others. Each prophet according to the Quran has taught his own particular “law and way of life,” yet they are all “one nation, one community.”

The Ramadan spirit should not be something exclusive, enjoyed within the confines of our private homes and in the assemblies of our mosques. It is a beautiful season with a message of unity for mankind. Let us wish a blessed Ramadan to all!

Critics are saying it would be disrespectful and insensitive to the 9/11 victims’ families since the proposed house of worship will stand as a reminder for those who practice the same religion as those who deliberately, intentionally killed innocent Americans at their place of work. Certainly it would be immoral to add any burden to the unimaginable pain already carried by these families for the past 10 years. However, this argument is in essence accusing all Muslims of participating in the 9/11 atrocities.

The reality is that Ground Zero is a sacred ground for all Americans and not a particular religious tradition. Indeed, numerous Muslims were among the innocent victims on 9/11. While it is hard to overlook the religious motivation of the 9/11 terrorists, it is critical to draw the sharpest possible distinction between Islam and a murderous terrorist organization that claims, but has no right or mandate, to speak in its name. Most American Muslims do not tolerate extremism in their mosques. They don’t want it, need it, or care for it. They are simply striving to practice their religion and get closer to God through the acts truly prescribed by Islam — charity, prayer, and justice.

…

The constitutional rights of Americans and the cohesiveness of their communities must not be left in the hands of those who exploit and promote fear of the “other.” Our faith traditions call us to love our neighbors and remind us that God calls for compassion, justice, love, and peace. No doubt, our religious diversity is at its peak and one wonders how all these different religious groups will live, study, and work together in American cities and towns without creating large and deep conflicts and tensions.

While Americans are generally living in peace with one another, this peaceful coexistence came after difficult years of struggle and suffering. What is certain is that fear and anxiety will not help but will simply perpetuate a vicious cycle of hate, suspicion, and division.

You can watch the entire halaqa below, divided into four parts:

Saturday ~ May 29th ~ 12pm

The 3rd Annual Muslim FunFest Family Carnival is organized in an effort to bring all DC Metro Muslim communities together. The Muslim FunFest is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy a day of out door fun with family and friends. The location is below:

High Point Farm
23730 Frederick Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871

We had about 5,000 people come out to the 2nd Annual Muslim FunFest last year. This year we are anticipating over 8,000 people, insha’Allah.