In the sacred embrace of Ramadan, Muslims embark on a profound journey of introspection, devotion, and communal unity, seeking solace and spiritual renewal in the holy month’s sanctity. However, as the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramadan this year, it casts its luminous glow against a backdrop of heart-wrenching turmoil and conflict in Palestine. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict casts a shadow of sorrow over the joyous anticipation of this blessed month, underscoring the profound weight of the struggles endured by our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
As the faithful embark on their spiritual journey this year, their hearts are heavy with the burden of empathy and righteous indignation. The relentless oppression and violence inflicted upon the Palestinian people evoke a profound sense of compassion and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. Images of innocent lives shattered, homes destroyed, and families torn apart serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need to restore balance and justice in the face of adversity.
Guided by the timeless wisdom of the Quran, Muslims find solace and strength amidst the trials of the present moment. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286) serves as a beacon of hope, reminding believers that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity to bear. This verse, resonating deep within the hearts of the faithful, instills a sense of resilience and fortitude, empowering Muslims to navigate through the darkest of times with unwavering faith and steadfast determination.
Moreover, the Quran exhorts believers to stand up for justice and support the oppressed, regardless of their background or faith. The verse“How is it that you do not fight in the way of Allah and in support of the helpless – men, women and children – who pray: ‘Our Lord, bring us out of this land whose people are oppressors and appoint for us from Yourself, a protector, and appoint for us from Yourself a helper’?” Surah An-Nisa (4:75) serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to aid those facing injustice, urging Muslims to be champions of peace and advocates for the marginalized. As the faithful reflect upon these timeless teachings during Ramadan, a profound sense of empathy and solidarity with the Palestinian people emerges, propelling Muslims to action in pursuit of peace and justice.
The significance of Ramadan is further magnified by the concept of the Ummah – the global Muslim community. United by a common faith and shared values, Muslims view themselves as part of a single, cohesive entity with a sacred duty to uphold justice and righteousness. The verse from Surah Al-Baqarah “We have made you [believers] into a just community, so that you may bear witness [to the truth] before others and so that the Messenger may bear witness [to it] before you”, highlights the central role of the Muslim Ummah in bearing witness to truth and advocating for justice in times of turmoil and strife.
This year Ramadan is going to be different, as the echoes of history intertwine with the cries of the oppressed, creating a tapestry of resilience and faith. Just as the sands of time bore witness to the Battle of Badr, where the nascent Muslim community stood against the mighty Quraysh, today’s Ramadan bears witness to the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people amidst their struggle against injustice and oppression. The desert winds whisper tales of the companions’ unwavering faith, their hearts pulsating with the rhythm of tawakkul (trust in Allah) as they faced insurmountable odds. Similarly, in the besieged streets of Gaza and the occupied lands of Palestine, the spirit of Badr lives on – a spirit of defiance against tyranny, a spirit that refuses to surrender to despair.
In the annals of history, Badr stands as a testament to divine intervention and the triumph of righteousness. Likewise, the Palestinian genocide during Ramadan serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing battle for justice and dignity. The tears shed by mothers for their fallen children echo the sorrow of the companions’ loved ones, while the cries of the oppressed rise like a crescendo of supplication, seeking solace and deliverance in the mercy of Allah. And just as the companions found strength in the unity of their ranks, Palestinians find solidarity in the global Ummah, where hearts beat as one in defiance of oppression.
This Ramadan, as Muslims around the world bow their heads in prayer and reflection, the memory of Badr and the plight of Palestine converge, igniting a flame of hope and determination. It is a time to draw inspiration from the bravery of the companions, to stand firm against injustice, and to renew our commitment to the principles of justice and compassion. For in the depths of darkness, it is faith that illuminates the path forward, guiding us towards a future where the cries of the oppressed are silenced, and the light of justice shines brightly for all.
As Muslims outside the conflict zones engage in the sacred rituals of Ramadan, we are presented with a unique opportunity to channel their spiritual energies towards the plight of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Through special prayers, supplications, and acts of charity, Muslims worldwide need to stand in solidarity with the oppressed, invoking Allah’s divine mercy and intervention to alleviate their suffering and bring about lasting peace.
This year Ramadan emerges as a journey of hope, solidarity, and spiritual renewal amidst the Palestinian struggle for justice and freedom. Guided by the teachings of Islam, we need to unite in our commitment to restore balance and uphold the principles of compassion, mercy, and justice. We need to realize the importance of being balanced in every action. Our Palestinian brethren have set the bar of imaan very high for us. It’s important to avoid extravagant iftar parties and wastage of food, staying mindful of the principles of moderation and gratitude while Palestinians are starved to death.Through prayer, advocacy, and collective action, Muslims outside the conflict zones can play a vital role in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and working towards a future where all people can live with dignity, peace, and freedom. Remember to speak about what’s happening and learn to live responsibly.
[The writer, based in Port Blair, is an Educator, Counselor and Script Writer.]