The interfaith dialogue, organised by Klang MP Charles Santiago, saw speakers such as Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Buddhist speaker and writer Vijaya Samarawickrama, Methodist pastor Gary Yeoh and Malaysia Hindu Sangam religious bureau head M Bala Tharmalingam.
All speakers noted the importance of fasting and the “true meaning” of fasting in their own religions.
Mujahid said one of the main purposes of fasting for a Muslim is to find peace in his heart.
He said if Muslims achieved this, then a peaceful society was easily achievable.
“When you are fasting, you should not be cursing other religions or destroying places of worship. We should fast to have peace in our souls.
“Unfortunately, some Muslims don’t see this and so this Ramadan has been tarnished by events, both internationally and locally.”
Similarly, Yeoh said proper attitude in fasting is more important than the act of fasting.
“In the Book of Isaiah, it distinguishes between true fasting and false fasting. If you do not fast to please God, then that’s not true fasting.
“It’s very easy for fasting to become mechanical and for us to forget the whole nature of fasting.”
Vijaya said Buddhists believe that fasting is done in order for humans to reach a higher level by placing emphasis on the mind by denying the urges of the body.
“It is a question of self-conquest where you do not let your body – what Muslims call nafsu – to take over.”
He said Buddhists also believe that through fasting, humans develop compassion.
“This is something that Muslims and Christians also agree on. Only when we are hungry do we realise the struggles of some who are less fortunate than us.”
Bala said the fact that Ramadan was so “joyously” celebrated in the country was an opportunity for Malaysians to develop stronger bonds.
“Ramadan encourages all fellow Malaysians to look back at our scriptures and realise that we too have fasting.”