Yesterday I was invited to speak on 1 Ummah FM - Ramadan Radio, Reading about our recent event in South Street Mosque. This was a welcome and very interesting opportunity to tell a wider audience of Muslims living in Reading about what our group is trying to achieve for the community, the opportunities to learn something worthwhile from listening to each other and why we consider it so important to set an example of toleration and inclusion.
Half way through the afternoon there was a phone call followed by breaking news that the new moon had been sighted in Australia. It was a privilege to share in the joy and anticipation of Eid being immanent. You could sense the excitement as the month of Ramadan was drawing to a close, but also respect the commitment and self discipline of Muslims who had been fasting for the past month.
This morning as we drove along Oxford Road to the Quaker Meeting House I saw several members of our Muslim community having a wonderful time with their friends and family besides looking exceptionally smart in their new clothes.
Whatever our faith background or belief we could all understand the anticipation and joy of a festival. It seemed through the welcome and generosity of so many Muslims over the past few days some part of the Ramadan fast and now this very important day was shared.
Pascal \o/
