Once again we welcome it, once again it welcomes us. The first sighting of the new moon 11 days ago signaled the beginning of the 30-day period of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection for the more than one billion Moslims around the world.

It’s also a time with increased emphasis on fellowship among relatives and friends.It’s a month of return, introspection, meditation, brotherhood and love. A month of mechanical fast, almost unaware, that hurries to turn upside down nights and days.

This month is a feast, not of noise, but silence; not of banquets but restraint; not of forgetfulness but remembrance. This month is a feast for the faith.

Last week President Paul Kagame wished all Moslims in the country and the world a happy month of Ramadan and we would like to take this opportunity also to wish everyone a beautiful month too.

May it be a month of teaching where gift wins over avarice, generosity over selfishness, love over hatred.

Let it be a month where everyone tries to master one’s  anger: the Prophet advised once to respond to adversity during these days of meditation. Be it a month where every one of us cares more than usual for the needy people in their nearest environment.

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. It serves a dual purpose of helping cleanse the body in a western society where overindulgence is rampant, while creating a profound, personal awareness of the plight of the worlds poor.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Moslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind.

And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.

Happy Ramadan to all of you! May your fasting be accepted and blessed. May the Most-High and His Light go along with you, protect you and love you.

Editor