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The beginning of Ramadan, in a normal scenario, heralds joy, familial closeness, and deep spiritual reflection for Muslims around the globe. However, this year, Muslims are grappling with grief, rage, activism, and Islamophobia as they observe this sacred month amid the ongoing genocide and systematic starvation in Gaza.
 
For over five months now, the people of Gaza have gone through massacres, illnesses, and deliberate famine perpetrated by occupation forces. Despite the outset of Ramadan, Israeli atrocities and brutality persist relentlessly and with no signs of scaling down.

'This Ramadan is different'

Al Mayadeen English conducted interviews with Muslims from across the globe, documenting their observations regarding the rituals of Ramadan being carried out under the shadows of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Muslims from different parts of the Western world shared heartbreaking tales of sorrow and extended empathy to the plight of the Palestinian people. They admonished dire consequences of the ongoing aggression. This drove many to be part of local campaigns to collect and send aid to Gaza and take part in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction (BDS) initiatives, indicating a shared demand for an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and accountability.

Nevertheless, some expressed hope and empowerment inspired by the Palestinians themselves who teach lessons of survival and faith; an experience that strengthens Muslims around the world in their determination. However, others questioned whether any of this is enough in the face of a live-streamed genocide.

"This Ramadan is different in Gaza from all previous Ramadans, and so it should be different for all of us," said 35-year-old Jad from Michigan, US.

"As our family gathers to share the Suhur meals and pray al-fajr together, or when we come together to break our fast, these cordial Ramadan vibes are overshadowed by the haunting memory of over 30,000 Palestinians who have been killed, leaving their families forever shattered," he stressed.

"Moreover, knowing that many are enduring starvation adds bitter anguish to every bite we take," Jad added.

In the same context, the Ramadan traditions of 25-year-old Sarah, from Michigan, have been profoundly impacted by the ongoing events in Gaza, prompting a major shift away from overindulgence as she grapples with the distressing images coming out of the Strip.

"Overindulgence is a thing of the past. It is hard to stomach the images coming out of Gaza, and it makes you appreciate the abundance of blessings in our everyday life," she told Al Mayadeen English.

Instead, Sarah redirected her efforts toward supporting Palestinians during Ramadan, opting to make her purchases from establishments donating proceeds to Gaza relief funds and actively contributing to Gaza charities and aid organizations.

Additionally, she has become more engaged in initiatives like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, rigorously ensuring that what she buys is not affiliated with "Israel".

"Yes, I used to buy dates that may have originated from occupied territories. Recently, I have been much more involved in boycotting efforts. I actively ensure that the products I am buying are not affiliated with Israel in any way," Sara elaborated. 

"I use various apps and online checks to this end," she affirmed.

Sarah further stressed that Palestinians are definitely in her prayers every day.

"As someone who can't fast and who suffers from various health issues, I cannot help but think that young children in Gaza are on the verge of famine, forcing them to go hungry. I also can't help but think about the many ill people in Gaza who are deprived of any medical attention," she tearfully said.

On this note, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported on Saturday that approximately one-third of children under the age of two in northern Gaza are currently suffering from severe malnutrition.

In a post on social media, UNRWA said, “Children’s malnutrition is spreading fast and reaching unprecedented levels in Gaza.”

Due to the total Israeli blockade and genocidal war, Palestinians in Gaza are facing significant challenges in providing essential supplies, leading to difficulties in feeding their children. Mothers, grappling with starvation, are struggling to produce sufficient milk for breastfeeding, prompting parents to plead for infant formula at overwhelmed health facilities.

Not only are Palestinians being bombed by the IOF, but many of them, mainly children, died from malnutrition and dehydration.

Reevaluating rituals: A Ramadan for reflection 

Given the current genocide in Gaza, Zeinab, 27, from Canada, shared with Al Mayadeen English how the usual aspects of life during the holy month of Ramadan have changed drastically.

"I have altered my traditions and preparations because of the feeling of guilt I have toward the people of Gaza. During Ramadan, we usually have a variety of different dishes, but this year, I will not take what we have for granted. Our guilt and empathy toward them will not allow us to have so many different types of food at the table when Palestinians barely have anything to eat," she said.

Zeinab highlighted that prayer for Palestine is going to be the central focus of her household.

She also noted that she would participate in protests calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in addition to donating as much money as she can to feel like she is actively involved in helping Palestinians.

"I have boycotted the brands that I know fund the occupation or support it in any way. Our household now makes a conscious effort to avoid any brands involved with the occupation," she added.

Elsewhere in her remarks, Zeinab affirmed that this year's observance of Ramadan is expected to be less community-centered, particularly in Michigan, as a significant festival has been canceled due to the genocide in Palestine.

"This festival traditionally served as a focal point for communal gatherings, attracting members of the community daily. However, in light of recent developments, Ramadan is anticipated to be a period marked by introspection and prayer, with a heightened focus on supporting and empathizing with Palestinians enduring hardship and genocide," she stated.

"During Ramadan, we abstain from food and drink from dawn till sunset, serving as a reminder of the struggles faced by the less fortunate," Amir, from Michigan, said.

"This sacred time prompts reflection on the suffering endured by people in various parts of the world. However, this Ramadan elevates our spiritual and religious experience," he added.

Islamophobia and crackdown on Palestinian voices 

A recurring issue shared by every individual interviewed is the alarming rise of Islamophobia and the intensified crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in most of the Western countries, most notably in Canada. 

"In Canada, there is a palpable sense of fear rather than disregard among individuals when it comes to voicing opinions on the genocide in Gaza," a Muslim student from Ontario, Canada, said.

"Everybody is well aware of the potential consequences associated with speaking out. Many individuals opt for a low-profile stance, refraining from expressing any views or opinions due to fear of reprisal. This atmosphere has led to concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of speech in the country, with many feeling constrained in their ability to openly discuss important issues," the student, who asked to remain anonymous, told Al Mayadeen English.

Ahmad, a Palestinian living in Canada, expressed his anger and frustration with the rise in attacks on Canadian Muslims in the wake of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. He stressed that individuals with pro-Palestinian views have also been silenced, persecuted, and even sacked from their jobs. Moreover, he noted that many Muslims are performing Ramadan's rituals within the confines of their homes amid escalating attacks on Muslim sites and gatherings.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmad disclosed to Al Mayadeen English that this Ramadan holds particular significance for him, as his whole family is enduring immense grief due to the loss of 20 family members killed in the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

"Twenty of my relatives, including nine children, were massacred, and I won't be silenced," he stressed.

Ahmad said that while most of the public stands with him, the government and the police don't. Regarding Zionists and the pro-Israeli lobby, he said they work covertly against pro-Palestinians and Muslims.

It is worth noting that the Canada Palestine Association revealed that in recent months, the country has witnessed a surge in anti-Palestinian repression, with concerns raised about politicians and municipal police forces displaying racist behavior. Major cities across the country, from Vancouver to Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto have reported increased instances of "police harassment of pro-Palestine events."

Palestinians teach life lessons: 'All praise be to Allah'

Nour from Sweden sheds light on the steadfastness and unwavering faith of the people in Gaza, which have only grown stronger despite the unbearable civilian death toll and dire humanitarian crisis.

"Despite facing desperate circumstances, they continue to express their love for God and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), finding solace in their beliefs," she said.

Despite the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, the people of Gaza are trying to find cheer and joy this #Ramadan by decorating their tents with lanterns. pic.twitter.com/VA9iABGBps

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 12, 2024

"The people of Gaza have exhibited amazing strength in dealing with hardships. They've lost so much - homes wrecked and loved ones gone, yet they maintain faith and stay determined even with mass destruction surrounding them," Nour said.

"When you see people standing strong when coming out from under the rubble and declaring 'all praise be to Allah,' it makes you reconsider. When we see a mother standing in front of her massacred children, saying, 'God, we shall continue to offer sacrifices until You are satisfied...' Such spirits inspire lessons about putting complete reliance on Allah and holding on no matter what, even if you've got nothing else left. We can all learn something from their courage and belief," she added.

Ramadan 2024 is all about Palestine

In France, Majd and Aya, two university students, revealed to Al Mayadeen English their proactive efforts during the holy month of Ramadan to raise awareness about the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza and the significance of the BDS movement, not to mention being part of fundraising events. Despite several attempts to silence their voices, both affirmed that they would remain dedicated to their cause.

"This Ramadan, I've been thinking a lot about the people in Gaza going hungry because of the blockade. It's heartbreaking. As we break fast at sunset, they are starving with no end in sight. I try to do small things, like not buying Israeli dates. It doesn't seem right to eat dates soaked in blood," Aya said.

Boycott Israeli dates pic.twitter.com/Qy6eSphNrh

— 🇵🇸🇾🇪 (@Yemen_Culture) March 15, 2024

"I check labels closely and refuse to buy anything from Israel or Israeli settlements; a tiny act of solidarity, especially in Ramadan, when Israeli dates industry booms," she added.

"I cannot but help feel sad and powerless about the situation there. No one should face such suffering. My fast seems trivial in comparison. I wish more people knew what was happening. How else can we help people in Gaza regain their land and livelihoods? These small personal boycotts feel inadequate when people are denied basic rights and shut off from the world. But it's something. And during this holy season, the injustice weighs heavily on my being," she stressed.

In the same context, Majd contended that this Ramadan could be a time when everyone can take real action to show support for people dealing with oppression around the world, most notably Palestinians.

"I think we should try to spread the message far and wide, informing more people about what's going on. If millions of us boycott companies that are getting money off genocide and other crimes, we might be able to make a difference," he gushed.

In short, this Ramadan is marked by a collective determination to stand with the oppressed. As believers observe Ramadan with all the fasting and prayers involved, they draw inspiration from the resilience of the Palestinian people, reaffirming their commitment to justice, compassion, and solidarity. Simultaneously, the call for immediate action resonates louder than ever.

"Gaza liberated us all, and sooner or later, the world will no longer be able to abandon the Palestinian people," Majd concluded.