Refugees at increased risk this Ramadan
Refugees at increased risk this Ramadan
Every year, millions of refugees observe Ramadan surrounded by conflict and violence. For those uprooted from their homes, and separated from loved ones and their communities, celebrating during this special month can be a tragic reminder of everything they have lost.
“We spent all the money we had to reach this place,” says Kudafa, who was forced to flee her home in Yemen with her children. “We used to prepare for Ramadan when we were back home, before war arrived. But now all we can do is welcome Ramadan with prayer and fasting.”
This Ramadan, refugees like Kudafa are facing more uncertainty and hardship than ever before.
Coronavirus has made its way into every community. Sadly, for many displaced families living in cramped conditions, with limited access to healthcare, water and sanitation facilities, the threat of coronavirus adds to what is already a desperate situation.
Despite the challenges, Ramadan is a time of immense hope, when people come together in solidarity and to show kindness and compassion. With support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, more families like Kudufa’s are receiving the shelter, food, water and protection they need to survive this Ramadan.
Learn more about Ramadan, how Muslims around the world will be celebrating and how UNHCR and you can help support refugees.
Here's What You Need to Know:
1) What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the most sacred time of the year for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset.It is a time of spiritual reflection, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity.
Ramadan is also a very social month centered on the home where families and friends come together to share laughter, food, joy and give back to their communities and those less fortunate.
2) When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed.
This year, Ramadan started on the evening of Thursday, 23 April and will last 30 days, ending at sundown on Saturday, 23 May. Ramadan closes with the celebration called Eid al-Fitr – the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
3) How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is the most important celebration for Muslims. A few ways Muslims celebrate Ramadan are:
Prayer: Pray, visit mosques and read verses of the Quran (some people read the whole Quran from cover to cover during this month).
Fasting: During the daylight hours of Ramadan, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink.
Sahur (pre-dawn meal): Wake up early for “Sahur” to eat a power meal before fasting begins.
Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sundown – typically by gathering with family, friends and neighbors for large feasts.
Charity: Give money, food and time to people in need, including refugees and those displaced by war and persecution.
4) Why do Muslims give during Ramadan
Muslims are reminded to be generous and increase their charitable activities during Ramadan. Giving can take several forms including hosting Iftars for the poor, donating clothes to people in need and helping in the community.
5) Are refugees celebrating Ramadan?
Many refugee and displaced families will observe the month separated from those they love and their communities, far from their homes. While Ramadan is a time for celebration, for refugees, it is bittersweet as it is a reminder of a life that was lost.
Nearly 60 percent of all refugees and forcibly displaced people globally are from Muslim-majority countries – millions will be celebrating the month while facing poverty, hardship and uncertainty.
6) How is UNHCR helping this Ramadan?
This Ramadan, UNHCR is continuing to provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable refugees and displaced people around the world.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are helping displaced families to receive the shelter, food, water and protection that they need to survive and give them back the independence and dignity that conflict and exile have stolen from them.
7) How can you help refugees this Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month of giving and the need to support those fleeing conflict has never been greater.
From Syria to Iraq, Yemen and Bangladesh your support allows us to reach those who have nowhere else to turn this Ramadan. Your generosity today can provide life-saving support to:
- Help families living below the poverty line to access food and clean water
- Providing life-saving protection, shelter and assistance to vulnerable families
- Support families to access essential sanitation, water and hygienic materials
The faster we act, the more lives we can save. Every action counts, every gift counts.
Ramadan 2020: Fatima's story
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