It’s ungrateful and disrespectful to cause harm in a country has given you safe passage – especially at a time of peace and reflection.
Enraged and disgusted are just some of the sentiments I felt reading how a refugeecamp was allegedly burned down by Muslims.
They did it, apparently, because they didn’t get an early enough Ramadan breakfast wake-up call.
I am left shocked and in disbelief at the hypocrisy of those who call themselves Muslims. How can anyone set fire to a camp which is home to the vulnerable and displaced?
And how ungrateful and disrespectful to cause damage and harm in Germany, a country which has kindly given you refuge and safe passage. But to cause arson in the Muslim calendar’s holiest month is beyond comprehension.
There will be many trying to reason why the fire was started, “well it’s hard… they were hungry and not thinking straight…” and the appalling act will be justified. But this is criminal behaviour and those responsible should be brought to justice.
Growing up, I remember my parents telling me Ramadan is a time of peace, meditation and reflection. Muslims refrain from eating food, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. They are also instructed to refrain from sinful behaviour such insulting, cursing and lying.
My parents also focused on those less fortunate than ourselves. My mum would invite non-Muslim neighbours round after the fast broke to share food and we would always give money to charity. Although fasting is incredibly hard, for me and my family it was a time which pulled us together and helped us be grateful for what we had.
So I was dismayed at being trolled last week by certain Muslims after I wished people fasting “Mubarak” (congratulations) because I am not fasting. I got the usual “well you’re not a proper Muslim’ and “you are a disgrace… I hope you can explain to Allah why you are such a wimp”.
These were the so called “Muslims” who were fasting and felt the need to lash out, judge, and condemn someone who had decided not to.
It goes against all Ramadan stands for.
But at least I have the balls to admit I’m not up to fasting and not stuffing a McDonald’s down my throat when someone is not looking or trying to cause an act of violence in a migrant camp. For me, my religion sets a code of behaviour that does not cause harm to others.
I’m not perfect, but I know I am a good person and I help others when and where I can.
I am always accused by other Muslims of being simplistic and naive about the complexities of what is going on around the Muslim world.
But I disagree.
For me during this holy month of Ramadan the message to all Muslims is very clear – use this time to be good, kind, nice, charitable, and peaceful.
And, above all, be grateful for your life and the hospitality of others.
By Saira Khan – The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflet that of Shafaqna’s.
source : Shafaqna
