Everyone should take some time to think about what can be done to help the Rohingya and Uyghurs
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. It is a period when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayer, and strive to grow closer to Allah through acts of worship and charity. However, beyond its personal significance, Ramadan also serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility toward those who are suffering and oppressed. In this sacred time, we must turn our hearts and actions toward those in dire need—especially our Uyghur and Rohingya brothers and sisters.
The Spiritual and Social Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a profound exercise in self-restraint, empathy, and social justice. The act of fasting reminds Muslims of the struggles faced by the less fortunate, cultivating a sense of gratitude and a duty to help others. Charity (zakat and sadaqah) is a fundamental pillar of Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of generosity and care for those who are struggling to survive.
During this month, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their own privileges and commit themselves to supporting the oppressed and marginalized. It is a time when our prayers extend beyond personal needs to encompass the suffering of communities who face persecution, displacement, and genocide.
Remembering the Uyghurs and Rohingya
While many break our fasts with loved ones in peace and security, millions of Uyghurs in China and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Myanmar are denied basic human rights, religious freedom, and safety. The Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in China’s Xinjiang region, have faced severe repression, including genocide, mass detentions, forced labor, and restrictions on religious practices—making it nearly impossible for many to observe Ramadan freely.
Similarly, the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, have endured decades of persecution, culminating in genocide and mass displacement. Forced to flee violence, hundreds of thousands now live in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, where they struggle to access food, healthcare, and education. For them, Ramadan is not only a test of faith but a reminder of their ongoing suffering and the world’s silence in the face of their plight.
A Call to Action: Solidarity Through Faith
Ramadan teaches that faith is not just about individual devotion but also about collective responsibility. As many engage in fasting and prayer, let us also take action for those who cannot observe Ramadan in peace. We can raise awareness about the atrocities faced by the Uyghurs and Rohingya, advocate for their rights, and support organizations providing aid to these communities.
Let this Ramadan be a time of renewed commitment to justice. May our prayers, our voices, and our actions bring hope and relief to those in need. As many seek Allah’s mercy and blessings, let us all strive to be a source of mercy for others.
Ramadan Mubarak. May this holy month bring peace, justice, and healing to all who are suffering.
At No Business With Genocide, we work to end the genocides against the Uyghurs and Rohingya as well as end it in Sudan, restore democracy and freedom to Myanmar, and get justice for Armenians displaced from Azerbaijan. We cannot do this work without your help, will you join us?