Dont bomb during Ramadan, Muslim leaders
say
By NCR STAFF
The presidents of Egypt and Indonesia have led efforts to persuade
the United States and its allies to end bombing in Afghanistan before the
Islamic holy month of Ramadan, or, at least, to postpone the bombing campaign
until the month ends.
With all my heart, I hope the campaign can finish before
Ramadan, Egypts president Hosni Mubarak said recently at a news
conference.
Megawati Sukarnoputri, president of Indonesia, the
worlds most populous Muslim nation, was quoted in the San Antonio
Express News asking for the bombing, which has taken so many innocent
lives ... not to continue during the holy month of Ramadan and
Christmas.
Noting the plight of the thousands of homeless poor in
Afghanistan, mostly separated from family during Ramadan this year, many other
Muslims are calling for Bushs fragile international coalition to show
restraint during Ramadan, and at least limit bombing. Continuing the
military campaign is going to create tremendous pressures on Muslims worldwide
and, in particular, on the weak fragile international coalition, said the
American Muslim Council Nov. 5.
President Bush has rejected the pleas for a postponement of
bombing, saying, The enemy wont rest during Ramadan, and neither
will we.
This year, Ramadan is to begin Nov. 16 or 17, when the new moon is
first sighted. Muslims use a lunar calendar, so the start of the holy month
changes by 11 days each year.
Muslims believe the early verses of the Quran were revealed to the
prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Muslims who are able are expected
to fast during the month from dawn to sunset, abstaining from drink, food,
sexual relations and smoking.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars that form the
basis of Islam. The other pillars are: praying; performing charitable acts;
believing there is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet; and making a
pilgrimage to Mecca at least once.
Ramadan is a time for reflection, increased attention to the poor
and is traditionally spent with family in celebration of faith.
Islamic law does not strictly forbid war during Ramadan, however.
In 1973, Syria and Egypt launched an attack on Israel during the holy month,
and Iran and Iraq didnt end fighting during their 1980-88 war.
National Catholic Reporter, November 23,
2001
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