With more than 32,000 lives lost and over 70% of Gaza’s population facing catastrophic hunger, this year’s Ramadan feels different for Muslims in Palestine. Illustration by Grace Faver
Tahura Badar
Contributor
Upon the appearance of the waxing crescent moon, billions of Muslims across the world commemorate the arrival of Ramadan. This blessed month brings a sense of spiritual renewal and community bonding.
But instead, Muslims in Gaza are witnessing a stark contrast.
Where they could experience the laughter of kids echoing in mosques as thousands bowed in congregation, the streets of Gaza are now painted red with the constant echoes of airstrikes and sirens, stripping away the tranquility Ramadan once brought.
History of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this month, observant Muslims work on their self-restraint through various means, one of which is fasting.
All Muslims must fast once they hit puberty, as it is one of the five pillars of Islam (fundamental acts of worship). The day usually starts at dawn, as Muslims wake up before the break of dawn for suhoor (a pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting).
It is an essential part of fasting, as it provides hydration and nourishment for the entire day, with timings also being very crucial in Ramadan. The period of eating and drinking ends at the onset of Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) and resumes after sunset as Muslims indulge in Iftar (the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily fast).
Fasting for over ten hours every day might sound like a daunting task, but its benefits outweigh the temporary discomfort, providing a great opportunity for introspection to individuals. This way, they can set boundaries, regain spiritual consciousness, and most importantly, strengthen their bond with Allah (God).
As schools and colleges are open, students try their best to adjust to their new routines. Omniah Alakwaa, a sophomore at WTMC, shares how Ramadan helps her incorporate punctuality into her routine.
“Instead of looking at Ramadan and fasting as a burden, I see it as an opportunity to work on my time management skills. Where I would spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, I now prioritize dedicating time to worship and completing my assignments,” she said.
Moreover, the significance of fasting during Ramadan is magnified by the fact that it was during this holy month that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Thus, fasting not only becomes a means of physical and spiritual purification but also a commemoration of this divine revelation.
A Somber Ramadan on the Gaza Strip
The temporary thirst and hunger we face during Ramadan is nothing compared to the struggles endured by Palestinians.
Instead of focusing solely on their spiritual duties, the civilians of the Gaza Strip must also navigate the harsh realities of being constantly bombed and besieged and having limited access to food, water, and basic necessities.
More than 70% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population is facing catastrophic hunger, according to Aljazeera. This has been so severe to the point where people are breaking their fasts with grass, soup and lemons.
After reaching the point of saturation where the death toll and destruction engulfed the region, the United Nations passed a resolution for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan.
However, this long-awaited call for peace came after more than 32,000 lives had already been lost, each one representing a family torn apart. These people aren’t merely statistics, they are individuals with lives, goals, and accomplishments.
Despite the proposal, Israel continues to flatten cities, erase bloodlines, and displace populations, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis and deepening the suffering of millions. According to Aljazeera, the airstrikes and constant bombing by Israel hasn’t stopped even after the UN passed the resolution.
A different Eid ul Fitr celebration
Eid ul Fitr, one of the two Islamic festivals, marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal (the 10th Islamic month). Mosques overflow with flowy abayas and thobes as the scent of oud and various traditional foods mingle to greet the visitors.
As the excitement for Eid awaits, our hearts are heavy with sorrow and concern due to the ongoing injustice faced by the people of Palestine.
Where the streets of Gaza were once filled with a vibrant array of street vendors selling sizzling falafel, fragrant shawarma, and colorful arrays of fresh fruits and sweets, they now echo with the haunting silence of destruction and despair.
Amidst the war, the once bustling crowd has now vanished, leaving behind rubble and the heart-wrenching cries of mothers.
