On This Earth There is That Which Deserves Life: Looking back on a special Ramadan in Jordan

In his first blog, Khaled Al-Wakeel, regional media creator for the Middle East, recounts his first Ramadan with Islamic Relief spent photographing food distributions and other activities in Jordan.

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims all around the world. And in Amman, Jordan, where I am based, it has its own special traditions, atmosphere and even tastes. For billions of people worldwide, this time of year is dedicated to prayer, charity, and reflection.

But I had the privilege of experiencing Ramadan in a unique way this year. I’ve been working with Islamic Relief for 9 months now, so this was my first Ramadan with the organisation, and our offices in Jordan were all decorated with beautiful Ramadan decorations.

Since I’ve started working here, I am constantly reminded of the importance of pulling together as colleagues, and also as people, in everything we aspire to do working in the field as humanitarians.

This year’s Ramadan was special because I had the opportunity to go on a couple of field trips with the team in Jordan to distribute food parcels, vouchers and Zakat Al-Fitr gifts.

Ramadan decorations in the Islamic Relief office in Amman, Jordan

The food parcels and vouchers were given to refugees and vulnerable families, including those of orphaned children, in more than 13 locations, providing food for more than 6,560 families in Jordan.

As we made our way between those different locations, many far away from bustling Amman, I couldn’t help but be struck by the feeling of communities living almost in parallel worlds within the same country.

It was a sobering reminder of the great need that still exists in our world, and in this part of the world specifically. It was also a reminder of the importance of being human, really wanting to do good in the world and provide as much as help as possible to whomever you can, whenever you can.

‘Ramadan Kareem’

As we handed out food parcels to the families we met in northern cities of Jordan – Al-Mafraq and Irbid – we were met with gratitude and humility. Despite the difficulties they face on a daily basis, everyone we met remained hopeful and kept wishing us, the staff of Islamic Relief Jordan, “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates to ‘a generous Ramadan to you’ in English.

I remember meeting an old woman, probably my grandmother’s age, who described her dire situation to me. As a widow and a mother of 3 orphans, she said the parcel would certainly cover her food needs during the month of Ramadan.

And yet, despite her difficulties, the woman still smiled and cracked a joke with me, asking if I was married or had kids. Her resilience and strength were truly inspiring, and I couldn’t help but feel humbled by her kindness and duas (prayers), as I am sure that you would too if you had the chance to listen to all of her stories.

Every interaction the team and I had on those days was full of humanity; of  individuals meeting each other from opposite poles – one of need and one of  trying not only to meet that need, but to affirm and reassure those honourable families and individuals that they are seen and that they are not forgotten.

Resilience in verse

My last interaction was during one of the final distributions I visited, which was during the last 10 days of Ramadan. It was to give Eid Al-Fitr to the families of orphaned children sponsored by Islamic Relief, and Eid gifts to kids, while organising a small event where they danced and socialised.

The innocence of the dancing children reminded me of my own childhood, but one moment in particular stood out. During the distribution, one of the kids we met, a little girl, recited a poem by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. It was titled On This Earth There Is That Which Deserves Life, and it speaks of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

A young girl reciting a poem at an Islamic Relief event

The girl recited the poem with such conviction and passion that it surprised all of us. Her choice of poem, the ability of one so young to memorise it and the truly irrepressible spirit with which she recited it made a deep impression on everyone there.

Now that Ramadan has come to an end, I am reminded of the blessings that I have been given, and of the responsibility that comes with them. I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organisation like Islamic Relief that can make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

May we all continue to strive for compassion and kindness, and may we never forget the great need that still exists in our world today. Perhaps, while we sit in silence to reflect on our blessings we might think about how we can help those in need. Together, we can be the change we want to see in this world.

Khaled is one of our new regular bloggers. Each month, he’ll share stories from his work at Islamic Relief.

Please help Islamic Relief to continue the life-saving work we do in Jordan and around the world. Donate now.