Fasting, praying, being mindful of what you do, being charitable... those are principles that Muslims follow diligently during the month of Ramadan.
I'm not a Muslim woman, neither am I a refugee. But I have eyes to see what is happening in many parts of the world. And I have a heart too, a big crushed one. How could it not be so?
Some of my friends have met, teached, played with refugees from different countries in camps here in Germany, or in Greece or in Calais, France. They have shared the stories they have heard, orally, in blog posts or even in a talk broadcast in the whole world. Those stories that make us want to shout how unfair life can be, how some people are more monsters than people...
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| “World's refugees and displaced exceed record 60 million: U.N.” from reuters.com. |
Refugees who are also Muslims may want to follow in one week this principle of Islam and fast everyday for 30 days. But how many of them have the requirred medical condition to properly do it? How many are underfed, sick, in dirty places and without access to proper food for the festivities? Far too many.
I think that the refugees are already on a "Ramadan diet": less food, seeking opportunities to do good and for someone to be good to them, pondering every moves and travels, praying to Allah to be protected and stronger for their family, and so forth.
Their lifes are at risk, their past and home have been pushed aside, and they have faced such hardships, even for some torture (psychological and physical) and rape. They have witnessed their loved ones die, from bombing, shooting while crossing the borders or drowing in the Mediterranean see because the boat is too small, the sea too dangerous or the coast guards are pressuring them to back off...
So this Ramadan, I would encourage you -and your whole family- to think of them and share goodness around you. When lots of them are parked in camps and can't do anything beside waiting for a hypothetical approval to live in a new country, show them some love.
- Donate to one of the NGOs working with refugees near the crisis zones (You can find a list here).
- Fast from sunrise to sunset one, two or more days, and give the amount of money equal to the meals you didn't eat to a local organization helping homeless people. (Muslims tend to give the Zakat - the offering - during Ramadan, which is understandable as we draw closer to the divine while fasting and praying. Being more generous and humble comes from a higher spirituality.)
- Start a relief project with children from a school, a local youth association, etc, aimed at helping people to better integrate in your community. Find ways to be creative and practical. Simple acts can do lots of good!
- If you live near a camp or a shelter for refugees, meet the local managing team and ask them what they need the most AND what is possible to bring to them in term of food (Is home cooked food ok? Do they have an oven?...)
I wish to all my Muslim friends "Ramadan Kareem"! (a noble/generous Ramadan)
Multicultural Kid Blogs is proud to be hosting its second annual Ramadan for Kids blog hop, where bloggers come together to share ideas for teaching kids about and honoring Ramadan. Don't forget to check out our series from last year and follow our Ramadan board on Pinterest for even more ideas and link up your own posts below!
Participating Blogs
ArabBaba on Multicultural Kid Blogs
All Done Monkey
Kid World Citizen
A Crafty Arab
Creative World of Varya
Crafty Moms Share
Global Advocate Jr.
Colours of Us
La Cité des Vents
Words 'n needles
All Done Monkey
Kid World Citizen
A Crafty Arab
Creative World of Varya
Crafty Moms Share
Global Advocate Jr.
Colours of Us
La Cité des Vents
Words 'n needles
