Today is the last day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and tomorrow is Eid and I want to wish my Muslim friends “Eid Mubarak”, especially in these days of conflict and tensions.

According to Wikipedia: “Eid Mubarak or Blessed Eid (Arabic: عيد مبارك‎‎) is a traditional Muslim greeting reserved for use on the festivals of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. Eid means “celebration” and refers to the occasion itself, and Mubarak means “blessed”; for example, performing the Eid prayer. So Eid, meaning “celebration,” and Mubarak, meaning “Blessed” literally translates to wishing your friends a blessed holiday. The celebration continues until the end of the day for Eid al-Fitr and continues a further three days for Eid al-Adha. However, in the social sense people usually celebrate Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan and Eid-al-Adha in the month of Dhul Haj (12th and Final Islamic month), greetings like “Eid Mubarak“”.

As some who follow my blogs will note, I have often written about Islam, sometimes in the context of things going on that cause me and many others unease. I have tried to do so sympathetically and truthfully, from the point of view of a Christian with conservative views who unapologetically believes Jesus is the only true Way and as a political conservative that prefers national identity to globalism. While I show respect to Muslim folk and their beliefs, there is a disquiet over some of the things that happen under the guise of Islam and that government and other authorities do not understand Islam and Muslims well enough (or want to). Often they sweep under the carpet important concerns needing dealing with, adding to tensions. During this Ramadam period, I have been thinking and praying for Muslims throughout the world, using this helpful guide:

Over the years, I have gotten to know many Muslims, and some have become my friends. A number lead exemplary lives, because of love for family, respect for the poor and reverence for God that Islam encourages, and have inspired me. Besides wanting to understand better Islam, the Koran and the mind of Muslims (where there are huge differences), I believe the best approach is to engage with Muslims, winsomely seeking to befriend them, yet without ignoring some of the more contentious issues or ignoring my desire for them to know the Christ I seek to serve, and this I will continue to do.