Datuk bandar London menyeru bukan Islam berpuasa untuk memahami umat Islam

Fast to Understand Muslims: London Mayor

IslamOnline.net & Newspapers

"Muslims are at the heart of every aspect of society," said Johnson. CAIRO — London Mayor Boris Johnson has urged non-Muslims to fast a day during the holy month of Ramadan to help get a better understanding of their Muslim neighbors, the Daily Mail reported Friday, September 4. "I urge people, particularly during Ramadan, to find out more about Islam," Johnson said during a visit to East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre. "Increase your understanding and learning, even fast for a day with your Muslim neighbor and break your fast at the local mosque." In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset. Most dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through self-restraint, good deeds and prayer. It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur'an. Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque. Johnson said that having a better understanding of Muslims would help disassociate from negative ideas and end differences inside the society. "I would be very surprised if you didn't find that you share more in common than you thought," he said. The London Mayor praised the role of Muslims in challenging "traditional stereotypes." "Muslims are at the heart of every aspect of society," said Johnson. "Their contribution is something that all Londoners benefit from." Varying from officers, doctors and scientists, Johnson hailed Londoner Muslims for promoting the society. "Muslim police officers, doctors, scientists and teachers are an essential part of the fabric of London,” he said. "Islamic finance is contributing to the economy by changing the way Londoners invest, save, borrow and spend.” Johnson, who succeeded Ken Livingstone, one of Britain’s most colorful and popular politicians, who has been known for his strong defense of the British Muslims, also praised the Muslims’ social role. "There are valuable lessons that people of all backgrounds can learn from Islam," he said. He said that all good Muslim practices are perfectly reflected in the Ramadan's teachings. "Such as the importance of community spirit, family ties, compassion and helping those less fortunate,” he said. "All of which lie at the heart of the teachings of Ramadan." p/s: Terbuka hati Datuk Bandar untuk menyeru Bukan Islam berpuasa sehari di bulan Ramadhan yang mulia ini...beliau berkata nilai-nilai mulia termasuk semangat ukhwah bermasyarakat, ikatan kekeluargaan, kasih sayang dan menolong mereka yang tidak bernasib baik DITUNJUKKAN DALAM AMALAN DI BULAN RAMADHAN....SEMUA INI ADALAH INTIPATI AJARAN DI BULAN RAMADHAN.. Jika bukan Islam pun boleh tertarik dengan kehebatan bulan Ramadhan..sedih sungguh kerana masih ada umat Islam yang sudahlah tidak berpuasa, sanggup pula makan di khalayak ramai..cukup memalukan. Segolongan orang Melayu pula begitu ghairah menyambut hari raya..bergembira untuk berhari raya bukannya sedih kerana Ramadhan akan meninggalkan kita..awal2 lagi sudah kecoh tentang persiapan hari raya..bincang tentang baju raya lah..kuih raya lah..tak habis2...tidaklah salah bersiap untuk hari raya tetapi bukanlah sampai menenggelamkan kemuliaan dan kelebihan Ramadhan yang mesti direbut dan diambil iktibar..betapa Ramadhan ialah medan Tarbiyyah untuk melahirkan insan bertaqwa.