Ramadan Commences Amidst Gaza Conflict: Global Muslim Community Unites in Prayer

Saudi authorities have officially declared the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon on Sunday night, as reported by Saudi state television. For many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, Monday marks the first day of fasting, a period of reflection and family gatherings where adherents abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

The announcement by Saudi Arabia led several Gulf Arab nations, along with Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, to also begin fasting on Monday. However, some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, will commence Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to sight the crescent moon.

Oman and Jordan similarly announced the start of Ramadan on Tuesday, reflecting the variance in moon-sighting methodologies and the lunar calendar system. King Salman of Saudi Arabia addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging the international community to take action to halt the violence and provide humanitarian aid.

Iran, as the leader of Shia Muslims, typically begins Ramadan a day after Sunni-majority countries. The office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced that Ramadan would start on Tuesday in Iran.

During Ramadan, Muslims partake in pre-dawn meals (suhoor) to sustain themselves during daylight hours and break their fast with iftar, often a communal meal. Despite the spirit of charity and peace associated with Ramadan, the conflict in Gaza looms large for many Muslims, with hopes for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas before the start of the holy month dashed.

The Israeli assault on Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with aid agencies warning of an impending humanitarian crisis. Displaced Gazans like Hassuna Tabib Hassnan express disappointment at spending Ramadan away from their homes amid ongoing oppression and conflict.

Additionally, tensions are heightened by Israeli restrictions on Muslims praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, further exacerbating regional tensions during this period.