Opinion

Time to count our blessings, stay strong and create hope

Muslims and non-Muslims alike, must try to keep listening to the better angels of our nature.

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 01 Apr 2025 1:18PM

Time to count our blessings, stay strong and create hope
We are all merely human, we are all Malaysians, and we are all God’s children, said Vinod - March 31, 2025

by Vinod Sekhar

AS we have now ended this period of fasting for Muslims, as a non-Muslim I am deeply humbled by what the Holy month of Ramadhan represents, and its universal statement of declaring a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice humility.

We know that Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of God’s guidance.

They are to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends - essentially to clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

What an incredible, holy and noble challenge to all of humanity.

All of us, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, must now try to keep listening to the better angels of our nature.

As Malaysians celebrate this Hari Raya with our close family around us, whatever our differences, politics, and mistakes we may have made – let us in the true spirit of Ramadhan, forgive each other and forge ahead, refreshed and positive.

We are all merely human, we are all Malaysians, and we are all God’s children.

Surely within those three factors we can find the strength and power, to make Malaysia the country of all dreams.

To all my brothers and sisters, forgive me if I have hurt you in anyway, as I forgive you.

It has not been an easy 12 months.

And around the world we only see more chaos and injustice be it in Palestine, or parts of Africa.

This is why we must count our blessings, stay strong, destroy ignorance and create hope.

Even now we can, we must, as a people be a lighthouse, the shining bright home on the hill, a North Star, for the world to follow. With or without our politicians, this is what we are meant to be. This we will be.

A very blessed, safe and happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all, may Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala bless us all and may God bless Malaysia. – March 31, 2025

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