Religious Respect

Jay and Andre were excited to be back at school after the spring holidays and during their first period today The teacher mentioned that today is Ramadan for Muslims. During break time, Jay notice Andre wasn't eating and Jay being curious and asked his best friend Andre, - What's going on, Andre? Why aren't you eating? Andre explained that it was because of Ramadan, as it is a Holy month for Muslims when they fast from sunrise to sunset, and at sunset we wake up for suhoor which is an early morning prayer called Fajr before we begin our fast.

Jay was fascinated but also confused. - So, you don't eat anything all day? he asked. Andre nodded and explained the importance of fasting during Ramadan. - It's a time for us to reflect and become better people and to give thanks to Allah for his greatness upon us and pray for greater blessings. Jay was surprised as he couldn't imagine not eating all day. He wanted to understand more about Andre's tradition.

At home that evening Jay decided to do some research and discovered how Ramadan is similar to Lent in Christian tradition. As we Christians dedicate a 40-day period of prayer and fasting in preparation for easter for resurrection of Jesus. Jay came to school the next day excited to share the news about what he found out. Jay - Hey Andre, I totally get it now! it's so similar to Lent as it is also a time for us to give up something and reflect and dedicate to God, he told Andre. Andre smiled, happy that Jay was making an effort to understand. But Jay wanted to learn more.

So, Jay decides to try fasting for a day to understand what Andre was going through. By afternoon, he felt dizzy and weak. - How do you do this every day? he asked Andre. Andre admitted it was challenging but also rewarding. Jay felt like giving up, but he was determined to understand his friend's experience. He realized that understanding different traditions and religious tasks aren't as easy as they seem to be. As they all require faith and belief to push through

Then, Andre had an idea. - Why don't you join my family for iftar tonight? after Maghrib to end fasting for the day, and iftar is the meal we have after we break our fast. Jay agreed, excited to experience it firsthand. That evening, Jay joined Andre's family for dinner and ending prayer at mosque. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere of the mosque was warm and welcoming as you could feel a calming spirit providing serenity as they end another faithful day of fasting. And after all of this did Jay finally understand the significance of Ramadan for Andre.

After that night, Jay felt closer to Andre. - I really appreciate you sharing this with me, he said. Andre thanked Jay for making the effort to understand. They both realized how important it was to respect each other's traditions. From then on, they supported each other in their religious practices. Their friendship grew stronger, teaching them the true meaning of tolerance and acceptance of one another.