The Holy See Press Office released the message of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue to Islamic communities for the Islamic holy month and the feast of Eid al-Fitr. It reads, “in a world in search of hope [. . .] Do we want to be simple co-workers for a better world, or genuine brothers and sisters, bearing common witness to God’s friendship with all humanity?”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue issued a message for Muslim communities around the world on the occasion of Ramadan.
In it, the dicastery writes that, “as our two spiritual traditions converge in celebrating Ramadan and Lent, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that faith transforms people and societies, and that it is a force for unity and reconciliation.”
Released today, the first Friday of the Islamic holy month, the statement is titled “Christians and Muslims: what we hope to become together” and is a reflection starting from the fact that this year Ramadan and Christian Lent overlap.
“This proximity in the spiritual calendar offers us a unique opportunity to walk side-by-side, Christians and Muslims, in a common process of purification, prayer and charity,” write Card George Koovakad, who was appointed recently the dicastery’s prefect, and its secretary, Mgr Indunil Kodithuwakku Janakaratne Kankanamalage.
“This year, we wish to reflect with you not only on what we can do together to live better lives, but above all on what we want to become together, as Christians and Muslims, in a world in search of hope. Do we want to be simple co-workers for a better world, or genuine brothers and sisters, bearing common witness to God’s friendship with all humanity?
The practices of fasting, praying and alms giving, “though expressed differently, remind us that faith is not merely about outward expressions, but a path of inner conversion.”
“In a world marked by injustice, conflict and uncertainty about the future, our common vocation involves much more than similar spiritual practices. Our world is thirsting for fraternity and genuine dialogue. Together, Muslims and Christians can bear witness to this hope, in the conviction that friendship is possible despite the burden of history and ideologies that promote exclusion.”
The goal is to recognise that we are “brothers and sisters in humanity who deeply esteem one another. Our trust in God is a treasure that unites us, far beyond our differences.” What is more, “We do not want simply to coexist; we want to live together in sincere and mutual esteem,” write Card Koovakad and Mgr Indunil.
“The values we share, such as justice, compassion and respect for creation, should inspire our actions and relationships, and serve as our compass in constructing bridges rather than walls, defending justice rather than oppression, protecting the environment rather than destroying it.
“Our faith and its values should help us to be voices that speak out against injustice and indifference, and proclaim the beauty of human diversity.”
The message ends with best wishes for Ramadan and the closing feast of 'Id al-Fitr.
“May this feast be an occasion for fraternal encounters between Muslims and Christians, in which we can celebrate together God’s goodness.
“Such simple but profound moments of sharing are seeds of hope that can transform our communities and our world. May our friendship be a refreshing breeze for a world that thirsts for peace and fraternity!”