Muslims across Wyndham will join nearly two billion worldwide in beginning the holy month of Ramadan this Saturday March 9.
However, with this year’s Ramadan set to take place against the backdrop of the war in Gaza and the death of thousands of Palestinian Muslims, it won’t have the same festive feel for followers such as Point Cook’s Benish Chaudhry.
“With the war in Gaza going on for over 150 days by the time we
enter Ramadan, and no signs for it to end, I don’t find a reason for being happy
about anything,” said Ms Chaudhry who is from Activate Youth, a not-for-profit organisation for young Muslims.
The current conflict in Gaza was sparked by the killing of an estimated 1200 Israeli citizens by Hamas militants on October 7.
The Israeli military operation launched in response has killed as many as 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza since, the vast majority of them Muslims.
“I am not a Palestinian, but my mental health has significantly declined since October
7, and I honestly don’t have a measure to know where I am standing now,” said Ms Chaudhry of the impact the conflict has had on her despite being half a world away.
She said this year’s Ramadan will be different and more difficult as a result.
“This year alongside the usual rites of Ramadan, I intend to see the world without the filter of power, hunger for growth or the pressure to fit in, but for what is right. I intend to value the life of each person regardless of race,” she said.
“I can’t expect my fast to be accepted if I don’t come out of Ramadan as a better
human and this Ramadan is going to be my toughest.”
Cade Lucas.
