Hardship and Hope

Standing with the Oppressed

As we enter Ramadan, I am reminded of the opening words of A Tale of Two Cities:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."

This passage, written over a century ago, feels hauntingly relevant today. Along with the darkness and despair, there is light and hope, we just have to recognize it.

Ramadan is a month of reflection, sacrifice, and mercy. Yet, for many, it is not a time of peace, but of immense hardship. In Palestine, families endure siege, hunger, and relentless violence, struggling to find even the most basic necessities for iftar. Their nights are not filled with quiet prayers, but with fear and uncertainty.

But Palestine is not alone. Across the world, from the struggle for democracy in Pakistan to other conflict zones where oppression silences dissent, the call for justice remains the same.

Ramadan teaches us to stand with the oppressed, to feel the suffering of others as our own, and to act in solidarity. Whether Muslim, Christian, or of any faith, the people of Palestine—and all those resisting injustice—need our voices, our prayers, and our unwavering support.

My Candle
I am reminded of something the late Alija Izetbegović, the former president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, told us when I had the privilege of listening to his talk at Oslo University. This was during the Bosnian War, a time when his country was ravaged by violence, division, and devastation, with Europe refusing to help. When we—young, distant, and feeling helpless—asked what we could do, he answered simply: “Bear witness to what is happening to us. And tell our stories.” His words stayed with me. They shaped my belief that words are not just records of history but acts of resistance, small but steady flames against injustice.

Amnesty International’s motto, derived from a Chinese proverb, echoes this sentiment: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

These writings are my candle. It is, at least in part, why I write. Because in Palestine, in Pakistan, and in so many places where oppression seeks silence, stories matter. They bear witness to truth, keep it alive, and remind us that even in the darkest times, a single candle can dispel the darkness.

This is not just about a single nation or people. It is about our shared responsibility to speak for those whose voices are silenced. Let us use this Ramadan to give, to advocate, and to stand for justice—whether in Palestine, Pakistan, or anywhere that oppression reigns.

May this blessed month bring strength to the weary, hope to the oppressed, and peace to all.

Ramadan Mubarak.