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For almost two billion Muslims worldwide, this week marks the beginning of Ramadan, the holiest month of the year. I wanted to take a moment today to reach out and wish my neighbors here in Minnesota and Muslims around the world a safe, peaceful, and blessed Ramadan.

To me, Ramadan means fasting and prayer, charity and forgiveness, and is a time especially for reflection and renewal.

Each year I look forward to reflecting on the blessings I have received, reminding myself of the struggle faced by those less fortunate, and considering how I can help make the world a better place through service to my community.

But while Ramadan is meant to be a time of great joy, the reality for Muslims across the globe is that this year's festivities are marred by the conflict in Sudan, the oppression of Uyghur Muslims in China, the persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar, the escalating war in Gaza, and the ongoing brutalization and suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

I pray especially for the people of Rafah, where more than 1 million civilian refugees have faced intensified bombings and airstrikes at the hands of Israel, who have vowed to press on with their invasion despite continued calls for a ceasefire during this holy month.

Whether you celebrate or not, I hope that with the start of Ramadan our movement may share this time of reflection, and reaffirm a commitment towards our common humanity by building a more just and peaceful world for all.

With love and in solidarity, Ramadan Mubarak.

- Ilhan
 


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