As we enter the month of Ramadan, Safiul Azam, advocacy and communications coordinator at Islamic Relief Bangladesh, looks back on a moving experience distributing food to a displaced Rohingya community living on a remote island.

Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting, reflection, and boundless blessings, gains a deeply humbling significance when shared with those navigating extraordinary hardships. Last year, I visited a camp where many displaced Rohingya people are living. The visit became far more than a professional undertaking – it was an emotional pilgrimage, a journey that touched my soul and left me with memories of resilience, feelings of gratitude, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Bhasan Char, an isolated gem in the vast Bay of Bengal, is a place of striking contrasts. The emerald green trees sway gently under the golden sunlight, and the sea sparkles as if adorned with diamonds. Yet, this serene beauty belies the challenges of Bhasan Char’s remoteness. Reaching the island demands a journey of determination, traversing vast waters with limited communication, but such efforts pale against the indomitable spirit of those who call Bhasan Char home.

Currently, over 35,800 people – about 8,600 families – have sought refuge here, with other families expected to be relocated to the area in future.

Humanity in action: Islamic Relief’s live-saving efforts

Since the first footsteps of displaced Rohingya families touched the shores of Bhasan Char, Islamic Relief has stood steadfastly by the community. From delivering food support and livelihood projects to running health, hygiene, and education initiatives, we have worked tirelessly to uplift and empower these vulnerable families.

But during Ramadan, Islamic Relief’s dedication takes on an even deeper meaning. Carefully curated food packs are distributed to ensure that fasting families can break their fasts with dignity and comfort.

Each pack, containing essentials such as rice, lentils, chickpeas, sugar, dates, and cooking oil, is more than sustenance. It is a lifeline, a gesture of solidarity, and a reminder that the people receiving these packs are not alone in their struggles.

Joy in togetherness, strength in faith

Walking through the camp last Ramadan was a profoundly humbling experience. Amid the sparse surroundings, I was struck by the unyielding faith and hope of the people I met. Despite the enormity of their challenges, they observed the holy month with a devotion that moved me deeply.

Families fasted together, prepared for iftar with what little they had, and gathered to share their meals as the setting sun cast its golden glow over the island. One evening, I was honoured to join them for iftar. Sitting among them, I felt a profound sense of togetherness – a connection that transcended language and circumstances.

As I watched their faces light up with smiles, warmed by gratitude and faith, I was reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the face of adversity, they found joy in togetherness, strength in faith, and hope in the simplest acts of kindness.

Acts of generosity hold the power to change lives

As I departed Bhasan Char, the lush greenery, tranquil waters, and the indomitable spirit of its people lingered in my thoughts. This remarkable island is more than a place of refuge; it is a beacon of hope, resilience, and humanity’s capacity for compassion.

Ramadan in Bhasan Char taught me a simple yet profound truth: in the face of hardship, humanity thrives through kindness, shared experiences, and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. May we all be inspired by the strength of displaced communities there and around worldwide to join hands to build a world where hope and compassion know no boundaries.

Let us remember that every act of generosity, no matter how small, holds the power to transform lives.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Islamic Relief’s annual Ramadan food distribution helps ease the burden of vulnerable families in Bangladesh and around the world. Please help us to continue this vital work. Donate now.