For many Muslims, Ramadan is like a dear friend—one that visits each year and reminds us of our relationship with our Creator.
This year, however, Ramadan has arrived not only as a friend, but as a celebration of community.
Why? Because Ramadan, Lent, and the Chinese New Year have coincided—a rare alignment last seen in 1864.
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Interfaith harmony was at the heart of Prophet Muhammad’s message. It was never about “me, me, me”; it was always about “all of us”—about humanity.
Prophetic teachings emphasise kindness beyond the Muslim community. One hadith says, “Do not harm people of the covenant” (including Christians and Jews). Another teaches, “Do not harm your neighbour”—often referring to non-Muslims.
The Quran similarly advises, “God does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who do not attack you.”
The overarching message is simple: find people who wish to live in peace—whatever they believe—and live with them in peace, safety, and security.
This is how Prophet Muhammad defined the ‘ummah’: not as a community of Muslims alone, but as a community of peace-seekers.
A Legacy of Connection
Some years after Prophet Muhammad’s passing, Muslims made their way to China, where the first mosque, Huaisheng Mosque, was established in Guangzhou.
While local traditions credit the Prophet’s companion Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas with founding it, other historians suggest he never left Arabia.
Whatever the case, the mosque was built with the permission of the Chinese authorities, marking the beginning of enduring relations between Muslims and China.
Today, the mosque still stands, its minaret rebuilt several times over the centuries. To me, this mirrors the nature of Ramadan itself: the core of the human soul remains constant, but each year it is renewed and strengthened with fresh resolve.
Peace and harmony function in much the same way. Establishing them once is not enough; maintaining them requires ongoing respect, communication, and renewal.
Communication: A Shared Responsibility
The Quran describes Prophet Muhammad as unlettered—unable to read or write. While he memorised the revelations, his companions preserved them in writing.
There is a profound lesson here: if the Quran is for all of humanity, and if God created humanity in different tribes and communities so that we might know one another, then communication is essential.
Just as we must communicate with one another, we must also engage meaningfully with the Quran. Reading it in a language we understand is crucial. Without comprehension, the dialogue is incomplete.
In the 21st century, Muslims should not remain “literally unlettered” by avoiding the meaning of the Quran and clinging only to Classical Arabic. After all, a significant majority of the Muslim world does not fully understand it in that form.
This Ramadan, take time to read the Quran in a language you understand. Give the words life. Give them meaning.
Be Part of Something Greater
Whether you are a Muslim observing Ramadan, a Christian observing Lent, or celebrating Chinese New Year, community is the key to peace and harmony.
Respect one another. Learn from one another. Be part of the ‘ummah’ that Prophet Muhammad envisioned—a community of peace-seekers.
Celebrate what matters to you. Celebrate what matters to others. And above all, be part of something greater than yourself.
Happy Ramadan.