Wishes for Ramadan , Date: 2024.03.10, format: Report, area: Featured Topics

Photography of a woman standing next to a wall. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser. Source: Peter Jülich

Dear Muslim community,

I wish you all a happy and blessed Ramadan!

For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time of spirituality, contemplation and longing for peace. The desire for peace is also very close to my heart, especially given the many wars and crises that are currently unfolding around the world. One of them is Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which still has a firm grasp on us. In the Middle East, the situation is also harrowing. The terrible attack committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023 took countless lives and has brought extraordinary suffering to the people in the region. In particular, my deepest sympathy goes to all civilian victims of these conflicts, as well as to their loved ones around the world.

In Germany, it has become a tradition during Ramadan that many Muslim congregations open their doors to non-religious people and people of other faiths, inviting them to partake in their fast-breaking celebrations. These encounters enable people to interact with each other and learn from one another. They make religious practices visible and accessible for others. And this strengthens social cohesion in our country.

Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of democratic coexistence. The increasing pressure on liberal democracy in Germany and around the world is showing us what a precious asset this is. That is why I would like to thank all those who are using their empathy and openness to advocate for our peaceful coexistence.

I wish you all the best for a peaceful and blessed time in the coming weeks and I hope that by celebrating Ramadan, you will draw new strength from your faith.

Nancy Faeser