A Message for Ramadan

Ramadan Mubarak,

Ramadan is a powerful act of worship by the Muslim community whose spirituality of fasting and self-restraint sends such a powerful message to the world. It is also a time of solidarity, sharing and zakkat-giving that highlights the needs of the poor and needy. For this reason it is a fortunate accident that the General Assembly of the United Nations has chosen 25 September as the date for a Summit meeting to consider the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These were agreed by the nations of the world in 2000 as the necessary practical steps to reduce world poverty. The faith communities have much to contribute towards realizing these goals and already, often selflessly and unpublished, are doing so. I am thinking today particularly of the outstanding work of the Muslim aid, relief and development agencies and networks. This UN mid-term review offers all the faith communities a great moral challenge: to redouble together current efforts to achieve the MDGs.

A peaceful, prosperous and blessed Ramadan and a joyous Eid,

Tony Blair