By RO Maung Shwe
Ramadan and Fasting in the Rohingya Community
The holy month of Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting (Sawm), prayer, and charity, observed from dawn until sunset.
The day begins with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, which typically includes rice with curry, milk, bananas, or any other available food.
Once fasting begins, no food or drink is consumed until Iftar, the evening meal at sunset, which is often shared in communal gatherings.
In the Rohingya refugee camps, despite the hardships, fasting is widely observed, even by children from a young age. Iftar consists of basic items such as chickpeas, puffed rice, juice, vegetables, and fruits.
Rohingya youth frequently organize Iftar gatherings, bringing together friends, teachers, and religious scholars. These gatherings are held at mosques, schools, shops, or open spaces, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
Rohingya families who have relatives abroad in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and other countries often receive financial assistance and food donations.
These contributions help provide essential Ramadan necessities, including chickpeas, milk, onions, oil, meat, and money, which are distributed among the most vulnerable families.
In many cases, elderly Rohingya men break their fast at mosques, where community members prepare food for shared meals.
Meanwhile, young men gather in open spaces, enjoying Iftar together. The spirit of sharing and generosity is a defining feature of Ramadan in the camps, despite the ongoing struggle for survival.
Religious Practices During Ramadan
Throughout Ramadan, Rohingya refugees dedicate themselves to religious devotion. Many engage in obligatory (Farz) and voluntary (Nafl) prayers, including Tahajjud late at night.
Reciting Tasbih (praises of Allah) and reading the Quran are common practices. Additionally, charity plays a vital role, with many offering food and assistance to those in need.
There is also a strong emphasis on avoiding unethical behavior and adhering to Islamic teachings.
The Struggles of Rohingya Families During Ramadan
Nur Jahan’s Story: A Widow’s Hardship
Nur Jahan, a 46-year-old Rohingya woman, faces immense difficulty during Ramadan. Her family consists of eight members, six of whom are eligible to fast.
They are all women, and her elderly husband, over 66 years old, cannot work. Back in Myanmar, Nur Jahan’s family was financially stable, owning land and cultivating food. They sold vegetables and rice weekly, ensuring their livelihood.
However, in the refugee camp, they depend entirely on rations provided by the World Food Program (WFP), which include 13 kg of rice, 1 liter of oil, 1 kg of onions, 1 kg of peas, and 1 kg of flour per person each month. This is rarely enough to meet their needs.
“In previous years, people would help me before Ramadan, offering chickpeas, juice, dates, onions, and even money to buy food for Suhoor,” says Nur Jahan. “But this year, I only received two kilograms of chickpeas and no other assistance.”
As Ramadan essentials become increasingly expensive, Nur Jahan struggles to provide her family with proper meals for Suhoor and Iftar. With no income source, her family faces daily hardship, making it difficult to uphold their Ramadan traditions.
Shabekun Naher’s Story: A Fourteen-Year Struggle in the Camps
Shabekun Naher, a 42-year-old Rohingya woman, shares her fourteen-year-long experience of fasting in the refugee camp. She and her family fled Myanmar in 2012, settling in the camps of Cox’s Bazar.
Her family of eleven includes her husband, four sons, and five daughters. One of her sons is over 18 years old and studying in an Islamic madrasa.
Her husband, now 52 years old, once worked as a daily laborer, but this year, he wishes to observe Ramadan without working, as physical labor while fasting has become difficult for him.
In previous years, her family received financial support from relatives in Saudi Arabia, but this year, they have yet to receive any assistance.
Despite their struggles, Shabekun’s faith remains strong. “Everything depends on Almighty Allah,” she says. “Even though we have no extra support, we continue to fast.”
Today, five family members fasted, breaking their fast with dry fish curry and spinach. Despite limited resources, they remain committed to observing Ramadan.
Her husband dreams of going on a religious journey (Tabligh) during Ramadan, but due to financial difficulties, it is no longer an option.
Like many other families, Shabekun’s family struggles to afford even the most basic meals. Widows, elderly individuals, and vulnerable families suffer the most, as their lack of income makes Ramadan particularly challenging.
Conclusion: Faith Amidst Hardship
Ramadan in the Rohingya camps is a time of both spiritual devotion and immense struggle. While the community unites through fasting, prayer, and charity, financial hardships make it difficult for many families to afford even the most basic necessities.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of resilience, faith, and unity remains strong. Rohingya refugees continue to support each other, relying on shared sacrifices and deep trust in Allah.
However, as income sources remain scarce and food prices rise, many families are in desperate need of assistance from the international community and humanitarian organizations.
For the Rohingya, Ramadan is not just a time of worship—it is a test of endurance, survival, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
