Malaysian bishop joins Muslims in breaking Ramadan fast on Good Friday

A Malaysian archbishop joins a Muslim community in their observance of Iftar-Buka Puasa, or the meal eaten at sunset to break their daily fast during Ramadan.

In his Easter message, Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh mentioned that the Islamic Information Center (IIC) at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee had invited him to the event.

Representatives from various religious groups, including the Bahá', Hindus, Sikhs, and Taoists, were also present at the event.

"I had also fasted in solidarity with Muslims that whole day," he said.

"It was a time of fellowship, friendship, and building up of mutual understanding and respect for each other," he explained.

The prelate said that their conversation at the table focused on fasting and the various celebrations being observed by their own religions during this time.

Archbishop Poh also presented to the ICC a Message from the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue for the month of Ramadan and Id Al-Fitr.

He writes an excerpt from the document, "Let us join in extinguishing the fires of hatred, violence, and war, and instead light the gentle candle of peace, drawing upon the resources for peace that is present in our rich human and religious traditions."

Furthermore, the archbishop expressed his gratitude to ICC CEO Dr. Hajah Asmah who helped him identify the non-meat dishes on the iftar table since Good Friday was a day of abstinence.

Reflecting on his inter-religious experience, Archbishop Poh called on the faithful to concretely express their faith in the Risen Christ by "being in service of our neighbors, contributing to the common good of society and nation-building."

The prelate concluded by inviting all to "work together to make our nation and our world a better place for everyone." - Luke Godoy