Tolerance Overcomes Fear During Ramadan

For Muslims living in Des Plaines and around the world, Ramadan is a time to fast, cleanse the spirit and reflect. But with this year's holy month ending on Sept. 11, national tensions have begun to surface.

Ibrahim Hooper, national spokesman for Council on American-Islamic Relations, recently told the Associated Press: "The issue I can sense brewing on hate sites on the Internet is, 'These Muslims are celebrating on September 11.' "

"For 30 days we start fasting by following the lunar system, but it seems this year the festival will come on 9/11," said Ghulam Farooqui, president of the Islamic Community Center in Des Plaines.  

"We cannot help it," he added. "This is the lunar system, and we follow it."

But the issue isn't just brewing on the internet. In what they are calling a warning against the threat of Islam, The Dove World Outreach Center in Gainseville, Fla.  has announced plans to burn copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, in response to the impending Ramadan celebrations across the world according to a recent article on Cnn.com.

Ramadan is part of the five pillars of Islam, and one of the reasons worshippers fast is to show their obedience to God. As a sign of devoutness, they do not eat, drink or smoke between dawn and dusk. After 30 days, the fasting ends in the form of a festival called Eid ul-Fitr.

Though some people across the nation consider the timing an issue, that has not been the case in Des Plaines. Farooqui is not concerned about any possible negative reactions toward the festival.

Today "people understand what Islam is about," he said. "I think they understand that [al Qaida] is not Islam; it is not the teaching of Islam."

In fact, Farooqui said, during the July 4th parade, many residents asked for copies of the Quran in order to gain a better understanding of Islam.

"Everyone has a right to their own religion and beliefs," said Des Plaines resident Greg Mathis. "[The] media is making the problem. They need to be more careful of their power."

As opinions differ over the media's role, people in Des Plaines remain optimistic.

"I think it'll be interesting to see, but I don't think it will be a problem. That's just been blown out of proportion," resident Melissa Dortch said.

 Spreading the message of tolerance and understanding is important, especially during these perplexing times, said Francois "Co" DuToit, pastor of the First Congregational Church.

"As a Christian, the biggest commandment in the Bible is that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves," said DuToit."I think [Sept. 11] will be a real peaceful day. Ideally, I think the church community should maybe make a big event of it and say that this is an ideal time to get together and heal some of the wounds that need to be healed."

Steve Kang, pastor at the year-old Evergreen Community Church, echoed his sentiments.

"Respecting other cultures and diversity is what the Free World is all about. Not only at church, but in work and everyday life," Kang said.

People with questions about Ramadan or Islam are invited to seek information at the Islamic Community Center, 480 Potter Rd., said Farooqui.

"They've got to come down and meet us. If you have doubts, you can ask about the doubts, and we can explain," said Farooqui. "From a distance you cannot figure out anything."