Elif Car
What does Ramadan mean to Muslims? Surely it’s not only about the fasting. During this entire month they learn about the mercy to forgive, about burning away all of their sins, bad habits and so on. They learn to spiritually reach the best version of themselves.
After a whole month of fasting Muslims are more than ever able to not surrender themselves to bad habits and to change their behavior, attitude and also their perspective in life itself. It creates an oppurtunity for some to finally live an exemplary life. By refraining from physically feeding themselves they are able to feed their own soul.
And this is how all religions work and should work. During this month of mercy a lot of Palestinians are heading to Jerusalem to visit their family or to pray. This also means that they have to wait for hours at the Israeli checkpoints. Very often the waiting lasts so long that most of them can’t make it on time for Iftar or Sahour. That’s why some Palestinian Christians decided to distribute food and water to the Muslim people waiting outside.
This little act of kindness reflects the respect and understanding that some people show for other people’s beliefs. It proves that no matter what religion one believes in, people are encouraged to help others, regardless of their religion. And as much as Ramadan is a month of giving, it’s also receiving. Receiving love and mutual respect.
