Ramadan-A month of peace?

According to About.com the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. During this period Muslims are to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. They are to strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits—essentially to clean up their lives, their thoughts, and their feelings. The Arabic word for “fasting” (sawm) literally means “to refrain” not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip.

They are also to make peace with those who have wronged them. But it appears that many are more concerned with the enforcement of Muslims and non-Muslims observing the does and don’ts of Ramadan, Islamic fanatics still find time to continue warring throughout the world. 

Channel 2 News reported that Kermanshah province’s Chief Justice Ali Mozafari said that every year the Iranian authorities issue warnings to respect Ramadan by not eating or drinking in public. Yet people ignore the warning. In Kermanshah five people were publicly flogged as punishment for eating in public in violation of the rules of Ramadan.

In Saudi Arabia an interior ministry urged non-Muslims to “respect the sentiments of Muslims by not eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan in daylight hours in public places, including roads and workplaces.” Those who violate the regulations will be deported or sacked, according to the statement. “They are not excused for being non-Muslim.” He said that “anyone living in this country should follow the laws of the kingdom. It is interesting that many Muslims in westernized countries preach following Islamic law not the law of the land.

Reuters reported that, in Iraq, Muslim insurgents had killed over 1000 people in the month of July (Ramadan) the highest monthly death toll since 2008, according to the United Nations. Since Ramadan is the month for renewing one’s piety, and jihadists see their jihad attacks as acts of worship, it is not surprising to see such attacks increase during Ramadan.

Ramadan observance in Indonesia seems to include detonating bombs at Buddhist temples during prayers. Muslims were angered over sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims.

In some Muslim countries, failing to fast or the open flaunting of such behavior during Ramadan is considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in Algeria, in October 2008, the court of Biskra condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines. A Christian man in Iran has been sentenced to have his lips burnt with a cigarette for eating during the day in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The punishment was carried out in public.

In Muslim countries, non-Muslims must conform their behavior to Muslim sensibilities. And in non-Muslim countries, non-Muslims must conform their behavior to Muslim sensibilities, or unleash Islamic violence.

(Reuters) – Islamist militant’s spokesman said they set off several explosions in the Somali capital to demonstrate al Shabaab’s ability to attack the heart of government and impose their (strict) interpretation of Islamic law on the country. al Shabaab managed to indoctrinate many fighters to die in the holy month.”

Boko Haram Islamic extremists killed eight people in an attack targeting teachers and Muslim clerics in northeast Nigeria. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Sagir Musa also warned that the Boko Haram terrorist network plans more such killings and “massive attacks” during the Eid al-Fitr.” That celebration marks the end of the Ramadan fasting period.

No Christian would insist that non-Christians fast during Lent. No Jew would insist that non-Jews fast on Yom Kippur. But Muslims have the cold-hearted audacity to demand that others observe their faith. It is time that we require that they conform to the laws of our freedom loving country.

Ed Ziegler can be reached at Brooklyn13@Embarqmail.com or 352-750-3298.