Catholic bishops wish Muslims happy Ramadan

By Juliet Lukwago                                           

The Catholic Bishops have wished the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubajje, and the entire Muslim Community in Uganda a happy holy month of Ramadan.

In the bishop’s message signed by the chairman of the episcopal conference, John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of
Gulu Archdiocese, said;

“We, the Catholic Bishops of  Uganda, gathered for our June plenary session taking place here at St.  Augustine Institute in Nsambya, hereby wish to extend our solidarity with you, our Muslim brothers and sisters in Uganda and the world over, beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, climaxing into the great feast of Eid-Al-Fitr.

"we are aware of the common ancestry we share with you from Abraham our Father in faith. This Holy period you are about to begin, therefore, is an opportunity for us to renew and at the same time consolidate the common heritage the two religions share but more so, the common humanity that binds us together,  with all its joys and sorrows.

Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume (White), reads a verse as Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala and other Catholics Bishops look on. PHOTO/JULIET LUKWAGO

 

The Holy Month of Ramadan offers you a unique opportunity to not only recall but above all, celebrate the “month where the Holy Quran was first sent down to the Prophet Mohammad.” 

During this month you devotedly observe the holy period of fasting as a sign of repentance and purification but more so, total submission to ALLAH (Subhanahu WaTa’ala), the only God. It is a way to keep the mind and body focused on good deeds and attaining self-discipline.

He said that in the context of our Ugandan society today, we share the same sentiments with you. We register our solidarity with you especially during the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan and assure you of our support and collaboration in fighting against sin that is invading every sphere of our society.

The commitment to engage in acts of charity directed towards the poor and less privileged stressed in Islam is a clear indication of Islam’s dedication to promote social justice and the right of every person to live a dignified life.

This noble duty is equally emphasized by the Catholic Church and, therefore, calls us all together, to strengthen the bonds of unity and cooperation in order to build a society where justice is exemplified in all its aspects.

He said that there is no doubt; therefore, any Muslim faithful who commits himself or herself to prayer, reading of the Holy Quran and asks for forgiveness will attain paradise through ALLAH’s mercy, Insha ALLAH! This is a highest value and purpose of human life in which we all share.

Finally, as you start this Holy Month of fasting, prayer and charity, which will eventfully lead you to Eid-Al-Fitr, we would like to register our sincere support to you, promising to accompany you with prayers and love.

“Wishing you a fruitful Holy Months of Ramadan and a Happy EID-AL-Fitr. On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda in solidarity and love, I remain,” Odama said.