For those in Palestine, especially in Gaza, Rafah and Ramallah, fasting began months ago and within the holy month of Ramadhan, they renewed their grit and spiritual power, according to the Palestinian diplomat in Muscat.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Tayser Farahat (pictured), Ambassador of Palestine to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the Palestinians in Gaza have been living for nearly five months as if they have been fasting.
"Perhaps a person gets one meal in twenty-four hours' time. This Ramadhan the situation is more difficult and more tragic, and there is not enough food for them. They search for herbs and eat animal fodder if it is available," he said.
Otherwise, Ramadhan in Palestine is similar to other Arab and Islamic countries and there are two paths for the holy month.
"The first path is spiritual, related to acts of worship, Tarawih prayers, reading the Quran, and giving zakat. The second one is a social and set of customs and traditions that appear specifically in this blessed month."
In Palestine, in addition to visiting first-degree relatives and inviting them to iftars as well as holding charitable iftars for the poor, there are many manifestations of joy, Ramadhan tents and exchange of visits between families after Tarawih prayers.
"As for Ramadhan this year in Palestine, it is exceptional that it comes at a time when the aggression against the Palestinian people, especially our people in the Gaza Strip is going on. In addition to the killing of innocent people and destruction, there is an acute shortage of food, water and medicine at present," Dr Farahat adds.
"In short, humanity has suffered an unprecedented decline in Gaza. We hope in this holy month that this unjust war will end and that our Palestinian people will enjoy security and peace, just like the rest of the peoples of the earth, and this is their natural right," Dr Farahat.
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