The Human Cohesion Project — 29 Mar 2024
Rukmini Iyer
Leadership Facilitator & Coach | Peacebuilder | Board Member | Vital Voices Fellow | Rotary Peace Fellow | Ashoka Changemakers Awardee
(Originally published at https://medium.com/rukmini-iyer/the-human-cohesion-project-29-mar-2024-654ecc458668)
Sacrifice and Hope
Dear Descendant,
Today, as the Christian world observes Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, we continue to be enveloped in the sacred month of Ramadan. This convergence invites us to ponder deeply on the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the enduring human (and beyond human) capacity for hope and renewal.
Good Friday reminds us of the profound sacrifice made by Jesus, a testament to the depths of self-giving love and the possibility of redemption from the suffering we create within our own realities. Within the Islamic tradition, sacrifice is also a central theme, exemplified in the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to submit to God’s will, and through the acts of charity and compassion that are especially emphasised during Ramadan.
Both observances call upon us to transcend our individual concerns, inviting us to connect with a sense of something greater than ourselves — whether it is in the act of fasting, prayer, or in remembering the sacrifices made by those before us. They encourage us to reflect on our shared vulnerabilities and the strength that comes from faith, compassion, and the pursuit of justice.
In your time, dear Descendant, I hope the essence of these observances transcends the boundaries of specific faith traditions, serving as universal reminders of our capacity to face adversity with grace, to make sacrifices for the greater good, and to continually seek paths towards healing, reconciliation, and peace.
Good Friday and Ramadan Kareem. May these periods of solemn reflection and spiritual renewal remind us of our shared journey as inhabitants of this planet.
#RukminiIyer #ExultSolutions #peacebuilding #interfaith #Ramadan #Islam