Photo of keyhole window and arch at a Paris mosque by Jordana Shalhoub.
In much of the world, today marks the beginning of Ramadan, a 30-day period for fasting, reflection, prayer and charity. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, also began this week. I am neither Muslim nor Jewish, but my hope is that each religion - including Christianity - shuns the politics of division and looks to the true meaning of their faiths, to forge a path of reconciliation and peace. This is particularly important in Jerusalem and in the West Bank and Gaza, where Arabs and Israelis share a long and troubled history. I've written this previously, but it bears repeating: the late King Hussein of Jordan and Yitzhak Rabin of Israel ultimately came to the same conclusion - either the Arabs and Israelis learn to live together, or they will die together. This philosophy applies to us all.
Perhaps during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim clerics will reiterate that the policies of killings, kidnappings, suicide bombings and sectarian violence adopted by extremist and terrorist groups - in the name of Islam - go against every single tenet of Islam. Those people who perpetuate violent and deadly acts around the world are criminals and murderers, not martyrs destined for heavenly reward. No religion endorses such barbarous and inhuman behaviour.
Peace. Paix. Assalam alaikum. Shalom. Paz. Vrede. Pace. Frieden.
Thank you for this. There is a wonderful book by the name of "The Faith Club" that was written by three women, each one practicing one of the three Abrahamic faiths. They write of the experiences and ways each grew as they came to know one another through their faith club.
Marianna
Posted by: Marianna | 15 September 2007 at 03:54
You hit the nail on the head. Religious intolerance is hurting us all!
XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 14 September 2007 at 19:09
Well said. Our next door neighbor is from Lebanon and he is appalled at the violence done in the name of Islam. Education and tolerance are needed on all sides of this dilemma.
Posted by: Janet | 14 September 2007 at 18:32
I love this tara* peace we all just need peace. come see me I've missed you and I'm moving:) also sorry for your loss of your aunt...a loss is a loss. it's me berriehead:) (I never give out my email addy anymore, so if you've tried to email me I never get them) seems we've lost touch but I still come here to read. Jordana is a fabulous girl btw!
Posted by: mgm | 14 September 2007 at 16:46
peace...well said...much needed today...warm thoughts to your family...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 14 September 2007 at 16:05
Hi Tara.
I wanted to comment on your most recent post - Glennies are so important. By knowing one we learn to become more like a glennie ourselves. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 14 September 2007 at 13:24
Amen.
Posted by: tinker | 14 September 2007 at 11:47
Wonderful post about peace and tolerance.
Thank you for helping us to have reflection about it !!
Posted by: Mélanie | 14 September 2007 at 09:01
Gracias Tara por este post. Paz.
Posted by: Catalina | 14 September 2007 at 08:33
Well said Tara. Thank you.
So sorry for the loss of your Aunt Glennie, you wrote a lovely tribute to her.
All the best~ Robyn
Posted by: robyn | 14 September 2007 at 05:56
Yes. Peace, please.
Posted by: Becca | 14 September 2007 at 05:18
Yes, I have never understood that fully. To die in the name of God like that isn't martyrdom. It's selfish, stupid, wrong.
That's about as far as I am qualified to say. My knowledge is limited in these matters. But from my heart I disagree with all of it.
(Sorry, I know you closed comments on your recent post. But I want you to know...my condolences to you for Glennie. The way we treat our children matters so much. Look at the impression she left on you. I try to keep that in mind each day when I speak to my own kids.)
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian | 14 September 2007 at 04:56
thankfully we have your voice making a difference - so Tara -
peace and love...
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 14 September 2007 at 03:53
Beautifully written... violent acts are not in line with either religion - if everyone could find their faith and hold onto it, what a change it would make in the world.
I hope you're doing okay. I'm sending my love.
xoxo
Posted by: holli | 14 September 2007 at 02:04
Hello!
Just to say hello and wish a good weekend.
Posted by: mauricio | 14 September 2007 at 01:14
Beautifully said, Tara. And Peace to you and your family on the passing of your cousin, who sounds like she was a perfectly delightful person to have known.
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 14 September 2007 at 01:03
This is why I wrote to you... I felt a connection... It's so true what they say "women are the peacekeepers" and you my dear are a beautiful one... V x
Posted by: Vida | 13 September 2007 at 23:32
thank you for posting your last paragraph.
now,
how do we get the rest of the world to read it?
Posted by: somepinkflowers | 13 September 2007 at 21:45
When I took an Anthropology 101 course I learned that ALL wars are fought over resources. They might be perpetuated with religious overtones, but in the end, it always boils down to resources. I really think it's going to take a step in human evolution to get us to stop warring. Violence is, sadly, heartbreakingly part of human existence.
Even though my college education is killing my ignorance and my bliss, at heart I'll always be an idealist. These people are idealists too: http://www.theparentscircle.com/
Every little bit helps. Here's to wishin' and hopin'
Posted by: Literary bohemian | 13 September 2007 at 21:06
Well Put!
The Key hole in the photograph works well with your words. WE ALL OWN THE RIGHT KEY, and have the choice to use it each day. When we choose peace we choose to live in heaven not hell.
Posted by: rochambeau | 13 September 2007 at 20:48
AMEN sister. Well said. Peace & love, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 13 September 2007 at 20:44
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Posted by: jzr | 13 September 2007 at 20:18
peace to your beautiful heart Tara and
so well said as always:)
Posted by: maddie | 13 September 2007 at 20:06
I completely agree Tara. Thank you for speaking so eloquently.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Brian | 13 September 2007 at 19:48
Tara, being born and raised as a Muslim and now agnostic, I share your sentiment. I like this entry, very much.
Ramadhan Mubarak.
xoxo
Posted by: Nina | 13 September 2007 at 19:48
Thanks for putting into words what we all hope and pray for, Tara...
Where did things go so wrong? How did peace-loving religions get it all so wrong?
I hope that with the new spiritual year we can all try a little harder to love the one person we have the most trouble loving- it all starts there... we need to set examples, especially to our children. Or else it is hopeless...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 13 September 2007 at 19:02
Oh..i have missed coming to your blog every day! I missed your birthday! Happy belated! I am trying to catchUP! Kate was here for a week and I am so exhausted! Today is R&R! ha!
Posted by: Pam Aries | 13 September 2007 at 17:33
Very well put Tara...it is up to all of us as well to put these thoughts out there, compassion and reconciliation.
We watched a very disturbing movie, Obsession, that I believe everyone should see. Their website gives some ideas on what we all can do to bring peace, each in our own small way....you have done that here. The website is as follows and I hope you don't mind me putting it here....you can delete if you don't feel it's appropriate.
www.obsessionthemovie.com
love and peace,
stephanie
Posted by: stephanie | 13 September 2007 at 17:18
Sigh ...
I agree. That is why I am trying to do a basic course in Islam (but somehow my paypal log in isn't working) at www.stethelburgas.org, which is an amazing institution for the reconicilation of faith.
Will keep trying, but it reminds me that all our faiths are peaceful and that we are poorly living the paths they prescribe.
Posted by: lacithecat | 13 September 2007 at 16:07