RAMADAN: The Blessed Month of Sacrifice and Dedication Enjoyed by Muslims Worldwide
Ramadan! This auspicious and blessed month brings peace, joy and tranquility. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the sacred month when Muslims abstain from food and drink from pre-dawn to sunset. It is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.
Ramadan is ushered in with the sighting of the new moon by Muslims of every race and nationality. In spite of many of our brethren suffering from mass death, starvation, and lack of basic resources such as water and medical services, Muslims all over the world are fasting.
14 million Sudanese have been forced out of their homes. They are facing disease, violence, and starvation. Their humanitarian crisis is most severe in terms of human suffering. 20 million are facing extreme hunger and thousands are continuously being killed. Yet, they are fasting!
A recent Reuters article entitled The Lives Lost in Gaza detailed how approximately 48,348 Palestinians were killed by Israel’s military since October 7, 2023. “It found that almost a quarter of those killed in the territory were children under the age of 12.” Nonetheless, Palestinians welcomed Ramadan with joy.
In the Horn of Africa, Somalia has been facing extreme food insecurity and widespread poverty. Drought and the pain of famine continue to cripple the population who are also battling immense social inequality. Irrespective of their reality, Somalis ushered in Ramadan seeking Allah’s Grace and Bounty.
This blessed month of Ramadan offers Muslims an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Almighty Creator, cultivate spiritual connections and reflections, and center one’s self in sacrifice, empathy, and compassion with characteristics and acts in service to humanity.
Lessons from Sudan, Palestine, Somalia and countless other nations serve as a reminder to be grateful for the favors Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us. Fasting teaches us empathy for the less fortunate, and compassion for those suffering and in need. Appreciation for Almighty Allah’s mercy and favors is acknowledged even in the face of unimaginable oppression and the harshest of circumstances. May He remove the suffering, heal the afflicted and persecuted bodies, and soothe their hearts and souls in this blessed and beautiful month of Ramadan!
IP Editorial Board