Shun Religious Intolerance

Danny Meyer

Although the origin remains a mystery, annually April Fool’s Day is celebrated on 1 April in many countries and cultures. It is done by one playing harmless pranks and hoaxes on family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours.

We have seen over the year that it is not unusual, even here in Namibia, for the mass media to indulge in fun and joking on April Fool’s Day, and they will then reveal their prank the next day.

More seriously, the month of April is also a month of significance for many religions, and that’s no joke.

This includes among others, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Ba’háis, and Tamils.

Religion is part of humankind’s diversity and that makes us humans so special.

It is our personal belief and serves as one’s moral compass.

However, one must shun dogmatism and always remain mindful, tolerant, and respectful of the religions and beliefs of others.

Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holy period celebrated in the Hebrew month of Nisan, this year from sunset yesterday up to nightfall on 13 April.

Over this period, Jews commemorate the biblical Exodus when Jewish slaves were released from bondage in Egypt.

It is a celebration of freedom and dietary restrictions that includes eating unleavened bread because Jews fled Egypt in haste with insufficient time for their bread to rise.

For Christians, their Holy Week started over the weekend with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. On that day Jesus was lauded with palms placed in his path as he entered the Holy City.

During their Holy Week, Christians celebrate love, faith and hope.

As recorded in the Bible’s New Testament, later that same week Jesus was arrested by religious authorities on the day now known in Christendom as Holy Thursday.

Crucified on Good Friday, the Christian Holy Week ends with a celebration marking Jesus’s resurrection three days after his crucifixion.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and its significance for Muslims is that during their Holy Month the al-Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Although it started in March, Ramadan lasts 30 days and for Muslims worldwide it is a period of fasting, and a time to reflect, reset and focus on being grateful.

Fasting for a month has spiritual significance for Muslims. It reinforces an understanding of the pain suffered from hunger and thirst and the importance of surrendering one’s soul to the Almighty.

As for other religions observing holy days in April, although here in Namibia they are few, this includes Ba’háis, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Tamils.

Vesak on 8 April, is marked when Buddhists will celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

On 14 April, Tamils celebrate Puthandu, their New Year, the same day as Vaisakhi, a holiday with special religious significance for Sikhs.

For Baháis, 21 April marks the beginning of Ridvan, an important 12-day festival.

Religious significance aside, for Christians, the Easter celebration this weekend ushers in a special treat for the young ones, in the form of chocolate eggs. A reason to spoil the kids, hey.

Irrespective of your religious persuasion, here’s to wishing you goodwill, a blessed period of celebration, relaxation, and inspirational reflection.

• Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com

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