Al-Qalam 
[NBC News]
This Ramadan, Muslims cannot afford to slacken up on protest actions in solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza, writes Imam Dr. A. Rashied Omar.
We once again welcome the most anticipated month on the Islamic calendar, the blessed month of Ramadan. The exacting discipline of fasting in Ramadan fortifies and revitalizes our spiritual resources. Ramadanshould therefore inculcate in the believer a deep sense of solidarity and compassion with the marginalized and the oppressed.
This year, the gruesome consequences of the unfolding Genocide in Gaza threaten to defile the devotion, compassion, and serenity that are the hallmarks of the blessed month of Ramadan. There are currently intense negotiating efforts underway to achieve a ceasefire. However, given the Zionist State of Israel’s heartlessness and past track record of launching bombing attacks on Palestinians during Ramadan, we can expect that it will NOT respect the sanctity of this holy month.
Against this backdrop, during Ramadan 2024, Muslims cannot afford to slacken and ease up on our commendable protest actions in solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza. Rather, we need to redouble our solidarity efforts and continue to call for an end to the brutal Israeli siege of Gaza, to support a massive humanitarian aid program for Gaza, and to campaign for concrete steps to be taken to achieve justice and statehood for the oppressed people of Palestine.
Generous
Furthermore, the companion, Abdullah ibn `Abbas (RA) described the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the most generous of all human beings, but during the month of Ramadan, he would become even more generous (Sahih Bukhari). During Ramadan 2024 we must adorn our fasts with benevolence being even more generous in supporting relief efforts for Gaza.
Last, but not least, Ramadan is also a time for intensifying supplications. Our guide and exemplar Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us in an authentic prophetic tradition reported by the companion Abu Hurayra (RA) and recorded in the hadith collection of Imam al-Tirmidhi that the supplication and prayer of the fasting person, a just ruler, and an oppressed person is blessed and will not be rejected. We should therefore never underestimate the power of prayer. We believe that prayer and du`a draw human attention to things that need our care and consideration, and that Allah, the Most Compassionate, hears our prayers, which can work to change human events and history.
Supplication is an integral part of the etiquette of fasting and Ramadan is an ideal time for us to intensify our prayers for the liberation of Palestine. At this sacred time of Ramadan Muslims need to recommit themselves to the work of peace with justice.
Finally, it is the responsibility and duty of conscientious believers to not surrender to fear and despair. We need to keep the lamp of hope alive in our communities and Ramadan provides an ideal opportunity to do so.
We wish all Muslims a spiritually rejuvenating Ramadan and hope this special time will bring greater peace, justice, and social integration to our troubled world.
BREAKING NEWS
Gaza massacre condemned
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned what it says was a cold-blooded “massacre”, reporting that at least 70 Palestinians were killed and 250 wounded. After Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza City.
The ministry said the attack was part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war”. It called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to forge a ceasefire as “the only way to protect civilians”.
The citizens had congregated at al-Rashid Street, where aid trucks carrying flour were believed to be on the way. Al Jazeera verified footage showing the bodies of dozens of killed and wounded Palestinians being carried onto trucks as no ambulances could reach the area.
