Ramadhan is the time of the year when Muslims fast, pray together, and reflect more deeply on their faith, which is embodied in peace, resilience, and generosity. The holy month is also a time to gather together in the evening to share meals with relatives and the community.
Although Muslims collectively began the holy month by fasting, prayer, and charity, the festivities are subdued in several parts of the world due to the ongoing conflicts and wars, particularly in Gaza.
“We all pray for an immediate ceasefire and peace in Gaza. It is in the interest of not only Palestine but all countries,” said Aron Ahmed, a 58-year-old Egyptian national.
His response came in an e-mail message to the Observer following queries about the themes that the readers were praying for during Ramadhan this year. Many of them overwhelmingly said that this year they would be praying mainly for the people of Gaza.
“During Ramadhan, normally we pray for ourselves, our beloved ones, and many other things. But this year, we’re definitely feeling for our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who are without food, water, or other essentials," said Ahmed al Lawati in his message.
Similarly, Aimen Bashmori, a Malaysian academic, said that the ongoing war is looming large for many Muslims. Though there were hopes that a ceasefire pact could be reached before Ramadhan, nothing happened.
“This is one of the saddest Ramadhans of our time. If celebrations during the holy month were stained by coronavirus a couple of years ago, this is man-made. I feel very bad about Gaza. Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected in Palestine,” he said.
For more than five months now, people in Palestine have endured massacres, disease, starvation, and thirst at the hands of the Israeli army. The violence and brutality are continuing unabated.
More than 31,000 people have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities in the besieged territory, and aid agencies have warned of a looming famine in parts of the Gaza Strip.
“I am praying for all those in countries from Gaza to Sudan that the almighty wipes out their sufferings. I wish that they are no longer in pain," said Mohamed Mubarak, an Indian national.
Aid agencies have already warned of a looming famine in parts of the Gaza Strip. The United Nations says that lack of humanitarian aid means famine is a growing risk in Gaza, where 2.4 million people are under a near-total siege by the Israeli military.
"When we get to open our fast with an abundance of food, our hearts become so heavy, and we are in despair because our brothers and sisters are starving and getting bombed at the same time," said Mumtaz, a housewife.
Giving to the less fortunate is an important part of Ramadhan. All Muslims are also required to help the poor and needy in their community. In other words, Ramadhan is a moment to care for each other. Fasting aims to establish equality between the rich and poor.
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