Editorial: Ramadan is a time for renewal, not the ugly rhetoric of Rep. Randy Fine

More than two billion Muslims around the world will begin the observance of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is believed that during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the Angel Gabriel began delivering the Quran, which was later transcribed into writing, to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan observant Muslims refrain from eating or drinking anything during daylight hours.

At the end of the day the fast is broken with a small meal and prayers, followed by visiting family and friends.

Fasting in the Muslim tradition is designed to bring spiritual benefits, chiefly a release from physical constraints and desires so one can concentrate on worship and appreciation of Allah.

The patience and forbearance induced by fasting extend to other areas of life.

Simple fasting from food can be ruined — rendered not pleasing to Allah — if spoiled by telling lies, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, swearing a false oath, greed or covetousness.

During the month of fasting Muslims are expected to read the Quran with special intensity and to seek opportunities for good deeds, especially helping the poor.

The end of the month is marked by the three-day celebration of Eid al-Fitr, when gifts are exchanged, and families and friends gather for large meals.

Ramadan is especially important as a time of renewal and deepening of faith for serious Muslims.

Approximately 1% of Californians identify as Muslim.

Many are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants from countries as diverse as Indonesia and Egypt.

Others are refugees from places like Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. And some, of course, are converts.

Whatever their roots, they are deserving of respect and understanding.

Yet for many, that is not what they experience. Many Muslims feel unsafe or discriminated against because of their faith. And on a governmental level, this editorial board has long criticized instances of unjustified spying on the Muslim community, as happened in Orange County during the peak of the so-called “war on terror.”

Anti-Islamic bigotry persists in much of the country, including among those in positions of power and influence.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Florida, for instance, recently posted to social media, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

Many rightly denounced his remarks and even called on him to resign.

Dehumanizing over billions of people, including millions of American citizens and legal residents, is wrong and should be denounced by any right-minded person.

Alas, Fine has only doubled down on his fearmongering about Islam.

Harkening back to the old social media panic about “sharia law” sweeping America, Fine doubled down on his ridiculous statements.

“Sharia law is a clear and present threat to the United States,” he insisted.

Oh please. Instead of dreaming up phony civilizational wars, Fine should get out more. If he did so, he’d realize America’s strength is reflected in its pluralism and ability to bring together and assimilate people of different cultures. Yes, even now.

It is imperative that America remain a place where people of all backgrounds can feel safe, welcome and comfortable to live their lives as they choose. That is the American way.

A version of this editorial originally appeared in 2010 and was written by the late editorial writer Alan W. Bock.