Between March and April this year, three of the world’s largest religions celebrate important dates.
On March 1, the Muslim community started its annual fast of Ramadan, sometimes known as Ramzan.
This month-long time of prayer and renewal is a cornerstone of Islam and allows the faithful to reflect on the year which has passed and the months ahead. Fasting is not an easy task and, therefore, is an overt sign of dedication to and recognition of a creator who cares for the people.
During Ramadan it is common for families to pray together at the beginning of the day before setting out
to perform their tasks. At the end of the day, the family gathers to break the fast with a meal of thanksgiving and celebration. It is not unusual in today’s busy world for children to eat every meal during the week without one or both parents. This is how the family begins to lose sense of the importance of spending time together to share the joys or tribulations which each day has brought for every member of this group.
But every year the Muslim community is compelled to spend time together as families during this important event in the Islamic calendar. Every major religion—Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism—calls on members to fast at some time or another. But few followers of these religions
are as dedicated in this aspect of their belief as the believers of Islam. We have much to learn from Ramadan and the universal values which it brings to the people of this nation and the world. Ramadan teaches that self-discipline is important if we are to worship God in spirit and in truth.
It also teaches that all are equal before God. Rich or poor, every follower of Islam must fast during Ramadan – only the sick is exempt. And Ramadan teaches the need for individual sacrifice, sometimes to the point where one must do without the comforts of life. We should all reflect upon the important message Ramadan offers and be prepared to be true examples of whatever faith in which we believe. By doing this, we become tolerant, loving and accepting people with the potential to build great nations, no matter what our differences may be.
Colourful thanksgiving
Also in March, Hindus worldwide celebrated Holi – the festival of colours. Originally an agricultural festival, Holi—or Phagwa as it is sometimes known—marked the arrival of the new moon and the beginning of spring. It was and continues to be celebrated with general merry making, singing, dancing, the lighting of bonfires and spraying friends and family with coloured powder or water.
The festival was introduced to Fiji by the Girmitiya, who first arrived in 1879, bringing with them the rich and ancient cultures of a land with centuries of civilization. Today, Holi has become an integral part of Hindu religious and cultural life in Fiji, despite being considered a minor festival when compared to Diwali and Ram Naumi. Because of its significance to agriculture, Holi has greater importance in the lives of rural farming communities, where it is celebrated with fervour.
At the core of Holi, however, is the evil king Hiranyakashipu, who forbade his son, Prahalad, from worshipping Vishnu – whom Hindus deify as the creator. When Parahalad continued to worship, the enraged king challenged his son to sit on a pyre with the king’s wicked sister, Holika, who was believed
to be immune to fire. While Prahalad survived the blaze, Holika was not as fortunate.
In essence, therefore, Holi signifies the eventual victory of righteousness over evil. This message holds special significance for Fiji as it attempts to navigate through a particularly difficult time in its history.
Like Prahalad, we must never lose sight of our faith in God, despite the tribulations of daily life and the evil perpetrated upon us by groups or individuals. We must recognise the fact that each person who dwells on this earth has been created by God. As such, we are brothers and sisters who have a duty to do good to those with whom we live. Too often, however, we are blinded by racism, greed, religious or cultural differences, and become intolerant towards others.
As the Hindu community celebrates Holi, let us join their celebrations and look within ourselves at the evil which exists in each of us. This may not be an easy task because it is difficult to accept our shortcomings, no matter how obvious they may be. But for Fiji to move forward, it is imperative that we make a critical
analysis of ourselves – our thoughts, words and deeds. Let us destroy the evil in our lives as Holika was destroyed on the pyre. And may we then be able to celebrate with each other and live happily together in this land of vibrant colours, cultures and religions, which is our home.
A time of penance and remorse
Beginning in March and ending in April is the Christian season of Lent. This begins on Ash Wednesday and is spread over a 40-day period, which is traditionally dominated by fasting, almsgiving and prayer, culminating in the remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christians are expected to reflect on their lives, reconcile with those whom they have wronged, and begin a new life focused on love of God, neighbour and self. Too often, however, Lent has been confined to these 40 days, and once the season is over, many return to their previous ways.
The challenge is to arise at Easter, born into a new way of life in which the Christian attempts to do better than before and turns away from evil while seeking a closer relationship with God. Never before have the teachings of these three world religions been as apt as they are today.
With the continuing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, with the increasingly belligerent stance of the United States towards its neighbours and any who dare differ with the views of President Donald Trump, there is a need for the world to set a new course.
The world must become tolerant and respectful; it must seek the way of peace and justice. For that, we must turn to the teachings of our faiths.
