"Capturing the true spirit of Ramadan."(Arab News)

During Ramadan, mosques are full of worshipers, and acts of charity increase, ties of brotherhood are strengthened, tempers are controlled and an atmosphere of peace prevails. According to psychologists, these are several of the beneficial aspects of conscientious fasting.

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It is saddening to see that many people view Ramadan as a time for sleep, laziness and, therefore, of decreased productivity. If you go to an office and ask for someone, you are often told to come back later or the next day. If someone loses his temper, you are told he is edgy because he is fasting.

Many of us forget that fasting itself is an exercise in discipline. It is a total act of worship. You cannot fast and at the same time cause trouble to others. This is what we must realize.

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Our heart goes out to all those who suffer on account of their faith, occupation or simply because they find themselves on the wrong side of a border or are pawns in a game played by big powers for geopolitical objectives.

Let the families of those who lost their near and dear ones in terrorist attacks in the US, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bali and elsewhere have the fortitude to bear their suffering with dignity. But it is not enough to pray for the victims of terrorist fury. We should make a determined effort to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the face of the Earth. Nothing we do or say should even remotely encourage the purveyors of hatred. We should teach our children the virtues of tolerance and sympathy to fellow human beings. Those of us living in affluent countries and affluent societies should never forget that there are vast numbers of people living in poverty and without basic amenities of life.

Got all that? Super. How heartening to see that Arab editorial writers have as much effect as US ones. Gonna be a long month.