One world, one moon

Some Muslim religious leaders have met on May 15 in SM by the Bay for the supposed moon sighting. That event had a beautiful and meaningful theme, “One World, One Moon.”

The Muslim foreigners in the area were very glad to have such a gathering while in a city where the major religion is Roman Catholic. However, the moon was not sighted on that day because the clouds made observation of the crescent difficult. That meant that Muslims started this year’s Ramadan on May 17.

I feel so blessed to have shared that experience with my Muslim friends. It was only then that I found out that the date of Ramadan is subject to confirmation by a moon sighting close to that time. Interesting.

What I look forward to now is celebrating with them the end of Ramadan on June 15, an important holiday we commonly hear as Eid al-Fitr. Based on the astronomical charts, Ramadan ends on the evening of June 14.

Before, I never tried to befriend a Muslim as we were led to believe that they engage in terrorism and violent extremism in accordance with their religion.

I am completely mistaken, thanks to my colleague who was patient enough to share with me the proper interpretation of the Quran. One must really take time to examine it, before it could be fully understood. Extremists twist the teachings of the Quran  to justify their barbaric acts. Islam, in fact, is a religion of peace.

After the attempted moon sighting, we talked about the events that had transpired in Marawi. The conversation revolved around their own initiatives to attain just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

They, too, condemn the acts of some of their Muslim brothers who were radicalized by the Islamic State. Nobody was happy with what had taken place in Marawi as they also were victims of that siege.

Like us, they also wish that there would be no other war; they are one with us in desiring to live a happy and peaceful life.

So please, let us join them in their prayers as we are only worshipping one God after all. Let’s stop judging. Instead, let us start loving! To our Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan Mubarak.

JAC SORIANO, [email protected]