Politics, economy compete with Ramadan spirituality in Karbala

KARBALA / IraqiNews.com: Ramadan in Karbala is special. The city embraces the two Shrines of Imams Hussein and Abbass that inspire spirituality throughout the province. But Karbala residents have some other concerns during the holy month. Prices have moved up, and the Trade Ministry did not fulfill its promises with respect to food items. Mohammed Razaq, a journalist in Karbala describes Ramadan as “an opportunity to feel humanity against the destruction.” “I will not feel my humanity, because there is someone who speaks in the name of God and wants to violate my humanity,” Razaq told Iraqi News. Zahraa Hadi, a school teacher said that during the first day of Ramadan, “the family gathered in a spot between the two Shrines to pray, read the Quran, and break the fast together.” “I don’t want to think about politics and economy in this holy month,” she said. Mohanad Kareem, a civil servant, shares Hadi’s perspective. “We pray to God in this holy month that Iraqi politicians would unify, because they are the reason ofor Iraq’s crisis,” Kareem said. “It seems that we cannot forget politics and economy even in Ramadan,” he said. Um Hameed, a housekeeper, was very upset with the Iraqi Trade Ministry. “The Ministry said that it would distribute new food items in Ramadan, but so far we have received nothing,” Um Hameed said. “The prices of all food items have increased,” she said. “May God help poor people in this holy month,” said Um Hameed But Hayder Hussein, a human rights activist, insisted that politics have become part of everything even prayers. “Tears are still on our cheeks. Hundreds were killed two days before Ramadan,” Hussein said. “How can I be a good prayer doer while my people are being killed,” he said. “We should pray to God to end this crisis caused by politics, occupation, and those who brought the occupation,” said Hussein. MH (S)/SR 1