Let happiness and hope be part of us during this special time

Sep 16, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Allow me to greet our world of good citizens and spiritual revellers a special Ramadan happiness.
As we watch the world, again, unravel their layers of spiritual energy, I just want to reflect on some lessons.

With Obamania bouncing around us, it behooves the spirit to really take this quick teaspoon of “hope-filling” medicine. After 9/11 the world definitely hasn’t been the same.

And with all the despair, wars, disasters, racism, economic woes and everything else that spells doom encircle us, a thrust for hope and faith make the best appeal.

Ramadan gives us too that hope after a year long, and for some, more, of wallowing in sins, despairing of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Can we see ourselves rejoicing in the same spirit though?

Also the passing away of two important figures in the religious world recently in the West tells me that good and progressive scholars are so valuable; I still think the zealots and narrow-minded leaders can’t get the same value, regardless of how much they shout.

Imam Warith Deen from the States shouldered the legacy of the Nation Of Islam from his father Elija Muhammed with an astute scholarship and dedicated and wise endurance that he changed the landscape of America from a black racist movement into a mainstream, all embracing social order. He will be missed.

Moulana Shafee Akalwaya from Trinidad died in Tortula after a heart attack and will be remembered for his tireless years around the Latin America and the Caribbean. He brought joy and rejuvenation to the millions he touched throughout his long years here.

He has left those smiles still behind. And so too will your soul receive grace as you prepare in this sojourn all the good things Ramadan and otherwise bring with it. Lastly CARIFESTA X taught us, and proudly so, that respect for religion is ingrained in our genes.

We gave not only a day for our religious community and enjoyed each other’s presentations while making the world feel warmer and safer. Yes, our prayers have been answered.

Safe and happy is what life should be. After Ramadan is Eid – the time to rejoice at the harvest of good deeds and self sacrifice.

Maybe that’s what this long awaited CARIFESTA X projects to us discreetly. May it be good and easy and may the starving ones and helpless ones never be deprived from our charity and love.
Habeeb Alli