Jews and Muslims united this day through fasting

A day of spiritual solace, amidst a world polarized by the very Holy Books whose capacity is to unite mankind.

A day where both Jews and Muslims turn to the east, praying prayers pleading for forgiveness, purging themselves from all things "lower" in favor of all things "higher"

I am beautifully aware this day, as a practicing muslim in a family with Jewish/Catholic/Navajo religions, how united we are when we turn upward, as we do this day in the simple act of fasting.

No news stories will cover the symbolism and similarity of the faiths on this day, as it makes for nothing more to most than a sappy news story. (Though I am sure the next clash between Israel and Palestine will be blasted on front pages everywhere, including in the muslim and jewish worlds, where it will immediately be a symbol of the hatred that God wants us to have for each other)

I pray that we will simply recognize moments like these, not only when our faiths coincide by the calendar, but when we see other crying for help to One Higher...when we see others looking for guidance from above, when we see others in pain, or in need of help.

Break us free,
O Lord,
Adonai,
Allah,
Jehovah,
Om,
Creator,
Knower of all things,
Sustainer of life,
Most merciful
GOD
from all that leads us to see you, your names, and your attributes,
as disperate,
divided,
instead of One with Love bountiless,
With mercy restricted to no one
And restorative power for all.

only from this vision of One,
will healing for the world be won.