Ramadan Peace

Tonight, at sunset, Ramadan began.

Muslims believe that the night comes before the day. So, even though the first day of fasting is tomorrow, the month has started. We also believe that Ramadan brings a calm over the world.

What? Calm? Are you crazy? Are you telling me killing will end and there will be no more road rage, no more spousal abuse, no more chaos for the next month?

I wish I could say that. Ramadan brings peace, but humans are still entitled to resist peace and choose rancor. Killing won't end--though fighting may lessen. Abuse won't stop--though a few may feel shame. Chaos won't screech to a halt, but it won't reign either.

I've always thought it interesting when I hear politicians or new commentators equate Ramadan with violence. A true Muslim fasts from dawn to sunset and says special prayers during the evening hours. A true Muslim strives to read the entire Qur'an during this month, and come to understand the words better than before. Believe me when I say that a true Muslim is much too tired to go around hatching plots of murder and mayhem. Hypocritical Muslims can pretend to fast, skip their prayers, and plant enough explosives to kill innocent people. Every religion has its hypocrites, but that doesn't reflect badly on the religion, does it? People are people.

True Muslims find peace and personal growth during this month. And even on Eid, the day when the fasting ends, they may be too tired to celebrate with fanfare. But they will never regret this month of serenity and renewal.