This Ramadan of Tears

by Noor-Malika Chishti

Would that we could fast from hatred and mistrust

                          instead of taking children to their horrible deaths, tit for tat,

    with shocking numbers reacting with language not found in any scripture.

                    Too many calling out for unspeakable acts

that get filmed, Posted and Tweeted on the front pages of social media, adding up the Likes,

                    being Shared to prove how hateful the Other is,

                              with no awareness of the dark stain in their own hearts.

In the meantime images of Jews and Muslims linked arm-in-arm,

    joint statements issued calling for all life to be protected,

              get scrolled by in the daily searches for ways to express hatred.

    Walking the Straight Path is no guarantee of a walk in the park,

              but a reminder of keeping our hearts focused on the horizon,

                    not letting ourselves be distracted by the one who has vowed to lead us astray.

                        Looking around, I am blessed to be in community with those

                              strong in resisting deviations from the tenets of their faith,

                                  and invoking G-d’s Peace and Guidance in serving Him.

Noor-Malika Chishti, 11 Ramadan 1435