Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended his congratulations to leaders of Muslim countries on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, expressing hope that their collective efforts will strengthen cooperation among Muslim nations.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in a message on the first day of Ramadan on Sunday, as Iran and some other Muslim countries across the world started celebrating the arrival of the holy month.
“With the blessings of this holy month and with the collective efforts of the leaders of Muslim countries, we will witness the expansion and strengthening of cooperation among Muslim countries and greater efforts to reduce the suffering of the Palestinian people, including the oppressed people of Gaza and Lebanon," he said.
Muslims around the globe are celebrating the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries started the month on Saturday, with some other Islamic nations, including Iran and Morocco, declaring Sunday as the first day of the holy month.
The beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan is determined by both lunar calculations and physical sightings of a new moon.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, converge in mosques for prayers, and traditionally break their fast in gatherings in mosques or with family and friends in the evening.
Different countries have developed their methods of declaring the first day of Ramadan.
In a statement marking the sacred month of Ramadan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed his congratulations to the leaders and citizens of Islamic nations, underscoring the importance of working towards easing the plight of the oppressed individuals in the Gaza Strip.
Why it matters:
The message comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon continues to escalate, and the need for solidarity and cooperation among Islamic countries to support these nations is felt more than ever. Emphasizing empathy and cooperation during the holy month of Ramadan can help strengthen ties among Islamic countries and create a united front against the Israeli regime and oppressors.
The big picture:
During Ramadan, individuals engage in reflection, worship, and aiding those in need of assistance. Pezeshkian highlighted the significance of this period in fostering empathy and collaboration within the Muslim community, viewing it as a chance to fulfill divine directives by supporting the less fortunate.
Key points:
Ramadan is an opportunity to reflect on the creation of humanity and to act according to divine commands.
There is a pressing need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza and Lebanon.
It is hoped that cooperation among Islamic countries will expand and strengthen during Ramadan.
Go deeper:
The message is not solely perceived as a formal salutation marking the commencement of holy Ramadan but also as an appeal for unity and collaboration in aid of the oppressed nations. Amid escalating humanitarian crises in the region, such messages have the potential to foster a cohesive and impactful alliance in support of the rights of Palestinians and other marginalized populations.
