This year’s observance of Ramadan is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. As Saudi officials spotted the crescent moon, they declared Monday as the first day of the holy fasting month for many Muslims around the world. However, the war in Gaza has cast a dark cloud over this year’s observance.
It is disheartening to see the attacks our brothers and sisters in Palestine are enduring during this sacred month. Saudi King Salman rightly called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and put an end to these brutal crimes. The need for safe humanitarian and relief corridors is urgent, as innocent lives continue to be lost.
While Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab nations, as well as Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, have joined in observing Ramadan from Monday, some Asia-Pacific countries have decided to start fasting on Tuesday due to the inability to spot the crescent moon. The start of Ramadan varies across countries, as moon-sighting methodologies differ.
In Iran, an influential Shia Muslim nation, Ramadan will commence a day after the Sunnis begin. This difference in starting dates highlights the diversity within the Muslim world and the various traditions observed during this holy month.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith, practice self-discipline, and engage in acts of charity. However, for many Muslims, the images of the Israeli assault on Gaza loom large. The hope for a ceasefire agreement before Ramadan was shattered, and the death toll continues to rise.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 31,000 people killed and the threat of famine looming. Displaced individuals like Hassuna Tabib Hassnan, a dentist from Gaza City, express their disappointment and pain, as they had hoped to spend Ramadan in the comfort of their homes.
Adding to the tensions in the region, Israeli restrictions on Muslims praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, further exacerbate the situation. Such limitations on religious freedom only serve to fuel the flames of discontent and hinder the possibility of peace.
As we enter Ramadan, it is essential for the international community to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and work towards a just and lasting solution. The suffering endured by innocent civilians, especially during this holy month, should not be ignored. It is time for the world to come together and put an end to the violence, providing the necessary humanitarian aid and support to those in need.
Ramadan is a time for unity, compassion, and reflection. Let us hope that the spirit of this holy month can transcend borders and bring about the peace that so many desperately need. May the prayers of Muslims around the world be answered, and may this Ramadan be a time of healing and justice for all.
