By Jamilah Rasheed

FASTING during the month of Ramadan became an obligation after the first Muslims had fled to Medina from Mecca to avoid persecution and death. Today, besides abstaining from carnal pleasures, the almost 2 billion Muslims around the world use this time for triumphing over character flaws, participating in communal devotional services and increasing charitable work.

For Muslims in this country, as well as worldwide, fasting is a reminder of the true jihad, the struggle, against the evils of the self, which in turn helps us deal with the evils carried out against us. Since June, when the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip prevented Israeli- and U.S.-backed Fatah militia from taking over, 1.5 million Palestinians have been under a brutal siege due to the closure of the Rafah and Karni crossing points. By mid-August, more than 35 people have died waiting to get through the Rafah crossing to Gaza.

For Palestinians, the Rafah crossing is a principal entry-exit to the outside world. Many wait for months in the desert sun either to gain access to employment or to get much needed medical help or to start life outside of the occupied territories. European Union observers have abandoned the crossing to the Palestinian executive force, which is under complete Israeli control. One woman, Sana Shanan, 27 and mother of three, waited 38 days in the blistering sun on the Egyptian side of the crossing. She was returning to the Jabalya Refugee Camp after having had successful surgery in Egypt to treat her heptacirrhosis. As she lay dying, her one request was to destroy the wall so she could see her children before she died. Of course, that didn't happen.

Now, another family suffers the loss of a loved one for no other reason than the Palestinians are being collectively punished for choosing their own government. There have been 16 babies born at this crossing since its closure. Women who are in the throes of giving birth have had to literally lie down in the presence of total strangers and deliver their children. The U.N. General Assembly report of the high commissioner for human rights reiterates that it is a universal right of pregnant women to have access to health care, including delivery, in complex humanitarian situations such as in the occupied Palestinian territories.

This is a form of humiliation and oppression that no people should have to endure. Survival rates for the premature are low. But, the irony of it is that those who were on the Egyptian side tried to get home so their child would be registered and have a national identity. Those who were born outside of Gaza or outside of a hospital end up not having birth certificates or legal documents required for re-entry and thus may be denied entry.

Sari Bashi, director of the Israeli human rights group Gisha, stated, "Denying Gaza residents the ability to live in dignity, denying their ability to lead normal lives, to work and support themselves and their families violated Israel's obligation under international humanitarian law, human rights law and its own national law." When it comes to discussing Israel's inhumane treatment of the Palestinians, the Israelis know international law and refuse to abide by it. Where is the implementation of the democratic philosophy? In a democracy, there is an obligation to give social equality to all citizens, not just a chosen few.

Ramadan is coming to an end. However, the Palestinian Muslims will continue to run this seemingly endless marathon until the occupation ceases. Maintaining and breaking their fast has been facilitated by the fact that they have been on a rationed food supply since they chose Hamas for their leadership. Therefore, they increase their prayers during Ramadan because the prayer of the sincere supplicant is answered.

Muslims and people of conscious throughout the world must pray for justice for the Palestinians and all oppressed people. When we collectively struggle against our evil inclinations, we can effect change that will end our brutal treatment of one another.

Jamilah Rasheed of New Haven is coordinator of the Connecticut Islamic Speakers Bureau. Readers may write her in care of the Register, 40 Sargent Drive, New Haven 06511. Her e-mail address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .