Ramadan once shone with light,
lanterns glowed in every home;
now we walk through war-torn night.
Tables filled before first bite,
we laughed as stars began to bloom;
Ramadan once shone with light.
We would pray beneath soft light,
standing close in peaceful rows;
now we walk through war-torn night.
No dates are set within our sight,
mothers sigh with weary tone;
Ramadan once shone with light.
Above the tent, the star’s dim light,
children cling together in fright;
now we walk through war-torn night.
Though tents are thin and nights are cold,
families sit and share their care;
peace has faded, lost its hold,
yet faith still whispers through despair.
Ramadan: From Light to War-Torn Night by Khaled Al-Qarshali
Image courtesy of Khaled Al-Qarshali
March 7, 2026
