Ramadan Tastes Special in Occupied Al-Quds

By Mustafa el-Sawwaf, IOL Correspondent

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, October 16, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Although the spirituality and blessings of Ramadan are enjoyed by Muslims across the globe, the holy fasting month tastes special in occupied Al-Quds (East Jerusalem).

Thousands of Palestinians flock to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest shrine, from across the occupied territories lands during the dawn-to-dusk month for prayers and sermons.

"Worshipers came in droves, especially during Ramadan, for prayers and i`tikaf (spiritual retreat) in Al-Aqsa Mosque," Um Soliman, a Palestinian housewife living inside what is now Israel, told IslamOnline.net Sunday, October 16.

"We come to show solidarity with the mosque as Israel bans our fellow Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip from entering the holy city," she added.

There are around 230,000 Palestinians living in Al-Quds.

Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which includes Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Jews claim that their alleged Haykal (Temple of Solomon) exists underneath Al-Haram Al-Sharif which was the first qiblah (direction Muslims take during prayers).

Israel captured and occupied Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war, then declared its annexation, in a move not recognized by the world community or UN resolutions.

In Droves

Thousands of Palestinian men, women and children flock to the mosque with the small hours of the day in trips organized by Al-Aqsa Foundation.

"Our hearts and souls are attached with Al-Aqsa Mosque," said a Palestinian worshiper.

"Even our children yearn to visit the mosque and hundreds of them are keen on accompanying us to pray in Al-Aqsa," he added.

After performing the noon prayer, the worshipers gather around the Mufti of Al-Quds, Sheikh Ikrema Sabry, and the mosque imam, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, for a valuable sermon.

Afterwards, they break into groups to recite the Noble Qur'an till the afternoon prayer.

An hour before sunset, all Palestinians join hands in preparing thousands of hot, delicious iftar (fast breaking) meals.

The worshipers then ready themselves for the night and Tarawih, praying for God to liberate their holy city from the yoke of the Israeli occupation.

Booming Sales

Palestinians marching on the holy city during Ramadan and not only seeking spiritual blessing but also trying to help the aboriginal Palestinians of the holy city.

"While in the holy city we try to buy as much stuff as possible to help the indigenous Palestinians of Al-Quds financially," said Um Soliman.

This gives a boost to the stagnant economic activities in the occupied holy city.

"Sales are booming in Ramadan," hajj Ibrahim Eskafi, 63, said.

"Most goods are bought by our Palestinian brothers living inside Israel," he noted.

Palestinian shops and street vendors mushroom around the mosque selling such Ramadan favorites likes beads, lanterns, sweets, veils and Islamic books.

"I changed my shop from a tourist bazaar to selling Ramadan favorites, including beads, traditional cloths and other Islamic stuff," said hajj Abu Assem.

After a long, busy day the Palestinians head back to their homes and villages only to get ready for another show of solidarity with Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds.