Eid-ul-fitr, the most awaited and the biggest festival for the Muslims marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of blessings, fasting, discipline and spiritual reflection. Besides praying and fasting in Ramadan, the Muslim people all around the world remain very excited for the Eid and wait in anticipation for new Eid clothes and some delicious foods. In Bangladesh, the excitement surrounding Eid is apparent. For instance, markets overflow with the vibrant dresses and commodities, lightened up streets bustle with people roaming with family and friends and majority of the people head towards their hometowns to make their Eid day more special by celebrating the day with family and relatives.
However, while millions of Muslims in Bangladesh and other parts of the world immerse themselves in the celebrations, there is another part where tragedy overshadows everything. I am talking about the people of Gaza, Palestine. The ongoing violence, airstrikes, and cruel attacks have snatched the ability of the people of Gaza, to experience the festivities as they once did. I can remember when I was a child, how much excited and happier I used to be during this time.Conversely, I cannot sense the absolute excitement for Eid at present because whenever I think about the children in Gaza, I really can’t even imagine how they actually feel or how they survive in this horrible phase. Many of the children may not be well aware of the celebrations of Eids as well,since they are going through this phase of oppression since their birth . Many of them might have lost their families, many became orphans or many might have faced death. So I doubt if any sort of excitement of Eid even touches their mind. “The War Turns Gaza Into a ‘Graveyard’ for Children and Families” (Beigbeder, 2024). I wonder how they see the world, a place without humanity filled with cruel people? Do they feel they were born only for suffering or only because they are Muslims,sufferings became their fate?
“The holy month of Ramadan started early for Muslims in Gaza this year. In some sense, we’ve been fasting since October But for tragic reasons” (Barakat, 2024). The starvation of the people of Gaza has started long before the holy month comes. They are in a crisis of food, drinking water, accommodation and most importantly their safety. Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Gaza have transformed entire neighbourhoods into rubble-strewn wastelands, with blackened shells of buildings and mounds of debris stretching out in all directions (“Gaza transformed into rubble-strewn wasteland after Israeli bombardment”, 2025). The mosques in Gaza which were supposed to be filled with people praying in the holy month, are destroyed. The roads that were supposed to be lightened up during the festive time, remain in darkness, sorrows and pain. Where Eid represents unity, compassion and spread of love and happiness, those people of Gaza are mourning for their pain and the loss of their family. This contrast is undoubtedly heartbreaking. The rigid disparity is a reminder for the injustice and the inhumanity in the world. During the time while others are celebrating how can the sufferings continue in one part of the world? A question raised for the global community. Where are the peacemakers? Is it really this tough that they are still unable to find any ways to save the people of Gaza and bring some smile to the children of Gaza?
Everyone in the world, regardless where they were born or which religion they belong to, should have assurance of all basic rights and the privilege of celebrating their own festivals. We want nothing but a peaceful and happy world. May this Eid bring blessings towards all the people across the world.
References :
Barakat, A. (2024). ‘We’ve Been Fasting Since October.’ The Horror of Ramadan in Gaza. time.com. https://time.com/6944080/ramadan-gaza-essay/
Beigbeder, E. (2024). Gaza has become a graveyard for children and families, UNICEF Statement. United Nation. https://www.un.org/unispal/document/statement-by-unicef-06dec24/
Gaza transformed into rubble-strewn wasteland after Israeli bombardment. (2025). Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/2/5/gaza-transformed-into-rubble-strewn-wasteland-after-israeli-bombardment#:~:text=Israeli%20bombardment%20and%20ground%20operations,electricity%20infrastructure%20is%20in%20ruins
Author:
Name : Mohsina Akter Ohee
Department of Biotechnology
BRAC University