Togetherness in isolation during Ramadan
Imagining the lives of refugees around the world during the holy month of Ramadan
By Lynn Al Nasser
Millions of Muslims around the world will observe a Ramadan like no other this year: a Ramadan of separation and isolation.
For 30 days, Muslims are required to fast — no food or water — from sunrise to sunset, as they continue with day-to-day life. It is a time for families and communities to gather and break their fast (Iftar) together.
While self-isolating for the safety of our community and loved ones this Ramadan, many of us will be apart from our friends and family. For millions of refugees and displaced people, this is a reality they already know too well, having fled their homes to find safety in camps, settlements and in urban centres in unfamiliar towns and countries.
“For some, separation from families, loved ones and their communities, has been part of their lives for years, if not decades”, says UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi.
As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families will observe the holy month far from home — and in dire conditions. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are struggling to survive without enough food, water, or proper shelter. These uncertain times will make it especially challenging for refugees fasting long days with limited access to clean water, food, health services and other basic needs.
Nadine is a recently widowed Syrian refugee and mother of four now living in Lebanon. She recalls her favourite Ramadan memory from her home country of Syria: waiting for her husband to return home as she prepared the table for Iftar.
“Even if he was late, we would wait to eat with him,” she recalled.
Nadine’s eldest daughter, Zeinab, wants to become a doctor to help other people. One of her sons, Ahmed, says his ultimate wish for Ramadan is to have his mother stay by his side, and hopes that others will have their parents with them, during the holy month.
For refugees and displaced families who are observing the holy month far from their homes and communities, like Nadine and her children, Ramadan is bittersweet as they face poverty, hardship, and uncertainty. But for Nadine, the cash assistance she receives from UNHCR helps her pay rent and support her children’s schooling and the opportunity to provide for them. This vital financial aid gives refugees the power of choice to purchase essential items they desperately need.
Ramadan is a month of generosity, spirituality and togetherness. It is also a sacred time for individuals to put themselves in the shoes of the most vulnerable who are confronted with harsher realities in their daily lives. A reality like Nadine’s, where resources are limited and basic necessities are not a guarantee. A reality that due to today’s circumstances, many of us are getting a glimpse of, regardless of our socio-economic status.
We ask you to imagine a different Ramadan for families that live below the poverty line: a Ramadan of kindness, compassion, action, sharing and giving. The resilience of refugees inspires us and reminds us that all the actions we take, big or small, can have an impact.
This year, UNHCR Canada will be dedicating your contributions to support 100 refugee families sustain themselves from this year’s Ramadan to the next. Imagine what your generosity this Ramadan can do for families like Nadine’s. Please donate now.
