As a tolerant religious man who lives in a religiously tolerant country, the wise bird loves both my Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters as we have cohabited peaceably from creation.

The importance of both religions cannot be overemphasized, given that leaders of the two faiths have continued to play key roles not only to spread their messages but have been actively involved in shaping the country’s future.

As a result of religious tolerance in Bra Parrot’s little kingdom, it undeniably led to the formation of one religious body over the years called Inter-religious Council which by all indications is playing pivotal role.

For instance, it was part of wide range of other organizations that played active role to ensure that the brutal eleven years civil armed conflict come to a logical conclusion.

In that light, the God fearing animal will continue to embrace his Muslim and Christian brothers as we are all equal in the sight of God Almighty.

Against this backdrop, the bird wants to express his heartfelt felicitations to both Muslims and Christians as they both observe their months of fasting (Ramadan and Lent) together.

As usual, Parrot always seeks the views of the people because he has no monopoly over knowledge.

So, many a time, he listens before making comment for fear that he might mislead or misquote them.

Most of the people the bird came in contact with especially the Muslim community, expressed happiness over the month of Ramadan more so when they are at the closing stage. They described the month as one of the most important months in the Muslim calendar, given that it has a lot of blessings.

The bird noticed that, the month is divided into three segments each carrying its own special blessings the first ten days, the second ten days and the last ten days in which Muslims all over the world spends the last ten days in Mosques praying, asking for God Almighty for His mercies and forgiveness.

During Ramadan all bars, pubs, carnivals and other beatings are reduced or put on hold in certain communities, in fact in some houses particularly in devout Muslim settings, children are not allowed to talk loudly.

Bra Parrot also specially talked to some women on how they cope with their spouses during this period. Good number of them expressed appreciation to Allah, saying that during that time their husbands will return home very early to spend time with them (wives) and their children, noting that hardly happens after Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan they stressed, makes most people go closer to God even though the bird believes such cannot make one holy, because immediately after Ramadan, than they return to their old tricks.

During Ramadan Muslims express the fear of God to do evil because they believe Allah refines the lives of those who go closer to Him and worship Him.

Of course, this year’s Ramadan is relatively quiet and peaceful except for the general hardship coupled with the massive blackout particularly in the capital.

However, the patriotic bird once more wants to express his sincere thanks and appreciations to Allah/God Almighty for guiding those Muslims and Christians, who defied all odds to observe the month with all sincerity. Bra Parrot also wants to thank you for your continued blessings and provisions throughout this period.

As Ramadan shapes the lives of the people, we prayed that our transformation during this time will remain permanent.

 

Congratulations to all of us for a job well done.

Thanks to God!