Friday, September 26, 2008

Canadian Leaders on Ramadan

Today I was pleasantly surprised to see an email from Stéphane Dion, the leader of the Liberal party and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition in Canada, in my inbox (I am part of the Liberal bloggers mailing list).
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of you who observe Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan.

As this is the holiest night of Ramadan, when the Qur’an was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad by God, I know that you and your families will be taking this opportunity to pray, to reflect and to meditate.

I would like to highlight the important lessons that come from this spiritual evening. This night teaches values of sincerity and forgiveness which I believe should be a part of every person’s life. Your culture and religion, which espouses these principles, help to demonstrate the richness of diversity that Canada has and our country is a better place for it.

As you gather at your mosques or in your homes with loved ones tonight, I wish you a rewarding day.[source]
It's really reaching out to Muslims. I have seen politicians greet us on Eid before, but this is details, man.

Of course, the New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton is no stranger to Muslims (he was at RIS last year and is very much involved with the community). He too has wished Muslims on Ramadan and Eid many a times.

And then we have Walmart with Ramadan specials to know we have truly arrived!As an aside you gotta love how Walmart has 2-for-1 (Ramadan AND Eid Mubarak) on one banner - truly lower costs!).

One person is missing in action though - our Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

10 comments:

'liya said...

Ooh I gotta check that out at Walmart, I wanna see that sign!

mezba said...

This is the one on the East end, am sure the ones on the West end will have a similar one.

They had dates and some other iftar food on sale!

Nadia_Rahman said...

Once a religious group or minority acquires enough power and wealth to start donating to political parties, they will be recognized. Besides the Conservatives/Republicans are not known for reaching out to non-Christian groups. :)

--Nadia

Adventurous Ammena said...

heehee.. my local price chopper had a ramadhan special in their flyer :D love it!!!

Ali said...

wow that is pretty impressive, he's well informed about muslim affairs.

mezba said...

Nadia: True, and true! But some of my friends are now making inroads in the Conservative party.

Adventurous Ammena: I wish I saw a picture of that! No Frills here has tons of Ramadan special.

Ali: oh yes, Dion used to go house to house in a Muslim-populated riding he represented - he's a class act.

Anonymous said...

That is pretty cool! Can't imagine that in the US unfortunately.

mezba said...

Working: and thus I *heart* Canada!

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to see that happening London (Where we do have Muslims in politics), but all I can see is the headlines 'Muslim bias' and 'The government sucks up to Muslims' etc etc. It seems that it's okay to call Muslims terrorists and blame them for everything and give them bad media, but as soon as anyone tries to reach out and bridge the gap, they become tainted with being 'Friends with radicals and showing a preference for Muslims'.

mezba said...

wow, that is very different from the London I know!