End of most memorable Ramadan

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- "This was doubtless the most memorable Ramadan in my life," said Sayid Sayeed, who claims to be a direct descendent of the prophet Mohammed, on Friday, the penultimate day in the Muslim holy month of fasting.

Sayeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, readily admitted that he was already regaling at the thought of having his first sumptuous breakfast in 30 days after sunrise, Sunday.

But like other U.S. Muslim leaders interviewed by United Press International, he reflected wistfully about this month when secular woes influenced his coreligionists' faith in an extraordinary way: "This has brought us closer to God," he said.

To Sayeed, the most impressive experience during this post-Sept. 11 Ramadan was the "love and respect we received from believers of other faiths."

"September 11 was a test of American social maturity. It was very moving to see in how many ways Americans have expressed their compassion."

However, in his greetings to Muslims about to celebrate the Eid al Fitr (Feast of the Breaking of the Fast), Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ, voiced regret that, "Muslims here continue to be the objects of suspicion and of acts of prejudice and hate."

Sayeed stressed how much Muslims appreciated the fact that many Christians had joined them in their fast. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, Cal., especially praised Pope John Paul II for his appeal to all Catholics worldwide to fast alongside Muslims Friday.

"This was a beautiful message," said Siddiqi who in his sermon before 15,000 faithful on the Costa Mesa Fairground Sunday morning will address the current breakdown in the Middle East peace process with a strong plea for unity among the followers of the three monotheistic religions.

"The Holy Land cannot be truly holy without bringing the family of Abraham together," he told United Press International.

The closing of ranks between Muslims, Christians and Jews in the wake of Sept. 11 is an international phenomenon, according to Tariq Ramadan, a Geneva-based intellectual coordinating the integration of Muslims in the French-speaking world.

Geneva is the seat of the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

On Sunday, their representatives will join Muslim and Jewish leaders to celebrate Eid al Fitr with interfaith prayers and a meal, Tariq Ramadan related in an telephone interview.

Before they can break their fast, though, Muslims must fulfill "zakat," their charity obligation. In the United States, Sayeed's Islamic Society suggested a payment of $8 per member of each household, babies and servants included, for the benefit of the needy.

Abdulwahab Alkebsi, executive director of the Washington-based Islamic Institute, said $10 per person would be appropriate.

This done, a feast resembling Christmas will commence. "After the 9 a.m. prayers, presents will be exchanged, toys and new clothes to the children," said Alkebsi, "this is a very kid-based feast.

"Then we will eat so much that we'll have to sleep most of the next day.

"There'll be lots of eggs with homemade bread and plenty of butter and cream, very heavy dishes and delicious sweets." Alkebsi, Siddiqi and Sayeed said Christians, Jews and others would be invited to the festivities.

That over, American Muslims, like their coreligionists everywhere, will visit members of their extended families.

"Come to think of it," mused Sayeed, "as troubled as we were by the shocking events this time, at least we weren't constantly offended by the media."

Two years ago, that was different. "It was the time of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and wherever we went we were treated to its unsavory minutiae.

"You know, during Ramadan we Muslims are expected to exercise modesty. It wasn't good to be treated to that kind of stuff day after day during our holy month."