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Nothing except our faith in God: Pakistani Muslims prepare for a grim Ramadan after the floods
Ramadan will be a sombre affair for Mehar Bux Brohi’s family this year. As the holy month approaches, millions of families like Mehar’s continue to struggle from the devastating floods in Pakistan, six months after they struck in 2022.
Mehar, 68, is a community leader and respected elder in his village in Shikarpur district, 30 km from the banks of the Indus River. His village was once prosperous, with a well-established agricultural and livestock industry. As a father to eight children, he is concerned about being able to provide for his family during Ramadan this year. Ramadan was always a time of reflection and celebration with family and friends, with good food; and Eid was a time of joy and abundance.
That was all before the devastating floods of August 2022. The floods, which were likened to a "monsoon on steroids" by the UN Secretary General, transformed his village into an island and destroyed his means of livelihood and stability.
"This is going to be a very difficult Ramadan,” says Mehar. “Our fields are still flooded. Our livestock and cattle have died as well. We are living with nothing except our faith in God," says Mehar.
While the rains have ceased, the destruction they left behind continues. With Ramadan, the challenges faced by those affected have been compounded as they strive to fast and observe religious practices amidst uncertainty.
"Instead of the usual abundance of food and celebration, there is only a somber silence this Ramadan,” shares Mehar. “Everyone is mourning the loved ones they have lost and the homes they once had."
The floods have robbed the livelihoods of the people of Shikarpur, and many are forced to leave their families for days at a time to seek work far from home. Even then, Mehar only earns a fraction of what he used to make from his crops and livestock before the floods.
"Flour prices have increased drastically,” adds Mehar. “We are desperate for nutritious food and can’t afford basic necessities like milk and tea. What am I supposed to break my fast with?"
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan has provided Mehar and other people affected in his village with shelter support, and winterization kits, to meet their most urgent needs.
However, many needs are still unmet – safe drinking water being one of the most urgent priorities. Even as floodwaters recede, water-borne diseases are on the rise in the affected areas. Just a day before we met him, Mehar buried his twelve-year-old niece, who unfortunately passed away from typhoid.
During these challenging times, Mehar draws on the strength of his faith in God to guide him and his community. He turns to his Muslim brothers and sisters to help him and his community through generous zakat (almsgiving) donations.
