The true spirit of Islam
Muslims all around the world celebrated Eid last month. The festival of Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and is celebrated with the sighting of the moon crescent.
Eid is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon all the spiritual progress made by Muslims in the last month. Apart from abstaining from food and water, Muslims must exercise an extraordinary level of patience, humility, and kindness.
A critical part of Eid celebration is inclusiveness of all members and segments of society. Those who have the means are obligated to share their provisions with neighbors, family, and the less fortunate.
As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I believe this is the true spirit of Islam: spirituality, charity, and peace. I contrast this with the vile attacks falsely committed in the name of Islam during Ramadan.
Using this Ramadan as a point of departure, we should all strive to learn about true Islam and fight the fallacies that have taken root in the hearts of our youth. A pragmatic approach is needed to deal with this conundrum where Muslims should take charge of their legacy and raise a voice which echoes a narrative of peace, not war.
Nayyar Ahmed
Pittsburgh
Ahmed is a postdoctoral research associate at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and a member of the Muslim Writers Guild of America.