Al-Qalam 
The arrival of Ramadan comes at a time when the world is in turmoil. There is an ongoing genocide in Gaza, bloodshed and displacement in Sudan, occupation and repression in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the threat of an imperialist war against Iran and the general rise to prominence of racism, xenophobia, the exploitation of women and children. This brings about a feeling of hopelessness and despondency.
However, Ramadan presents to us an opportunity to draw us closer to Allah and to draw strength from Allah’s infinite power and mercy in order to enable us to face and defeat the ills that have engulfed the world. We are not only called to deprive ourselves of the desires of the flesh, but we are also called to do the necessary internal work to increase our consciousness that will in turn prepare us for a comprehensive battle against ourselves and against those who cause disharmony in the world.
Let us utilise this Ramadan to rededicate ourselves to the cause of eliminating tyranny, hunger and hopelessness. On each day of fasting, let us remember the people of Palestine, Sudan, Kashmir, the Democratic Republic of Congo and many other places in which the daily reality is that of death and destruction.
At a time when it seems easier to throw our collective hands up in resignation and it looks appealing to simply focus on one’s own welfare to the exclusion of all that is happening elsewhere, Ramadan comes to remind us of our connectedness. Giving up hope will strip us of our humanity and it will be a repudiation of our Muslimness.
The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa wishes all Muslims in South Africa and around the world a blessed and mindful Ramadan.
Thandile Kona
President of MYMSA
