For the people of Afghanistan who join millions of Muslims around the world in fasting, reflection, and worship, this Ramadan is clouded with the brutal reality of extreme food insecurity and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by economic sanctions and the reduction in international aid. Yet, Afghans remain resilient and refuse to allow this to deter them from eagerly participating in this holy month.
Understanding the severity of Afghanistan’s crisis begins with recognizing the United States as a major source of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, substantially contributing funds to support Afghan families’ survival amidst decades of war waged resulting in instability. In 2024, the U.S. accounted for nearly 44% of the total aid flowing into the country, according to the UN’s Financial Tracking Service. However, just before the month of Ramadan, a devastating gap in support emerged when President Trump issued an executive order that significantly reduced the presence and funding of numerous aid organizations in Afghanistan. This exacerbated the nation’s instability derived from the United States’ ongoing economic sanctions imposed since the Taliban seized Afghanistan in 2021, leaving Afghans at their most vulnerable.
The value of Afghan currency depreciating skyrocketed prices of basic needs, pushing the most vulnerable, including children suffering from prolonged acute malnutrition, to the brink of starvation. Families endure without protein, with meat – essential for survival – becoming a rare luxury. They rely on limited rations and sporadic aid, often facing prolonged periods ranging to multiple years without the nourishment their bodies desperately need. During the first week of Ramadan, Afghans shared that even purchasing basic foods such as dates and cheese to break their fast have become luxuries. Amu TV’s February 2025 report featured an interview with a woman whose family, including her disabled husband and six daughters, relied on the monthly payments from an aid organization. After President Trump’s executive order, this aid abruptly ceased and left her entire family unable to afford food. Like her family, countless Afghans endure this physical and financial struggle every day as they continue to participate in Ramadan.
Despite the severity of their hardships, Afghans carry a determination to practice their faith with hope and gratitude that is a testament to the strength of their spirit. For the 14.8 million food-insecure Afghans, Ramadan is not merely abstaining from already limited food and water from sunrise to sunset, but a profound commitment to deepening their relationship with God and striving to become better individuals overall. It is a time when they, despite their own struggles, are inspired to give what little they have to others and support their community. In the face of such immense difficulty, Ramadan becomes a reminder that even in their shared suffering, they find solace in their collective worship, the joy of coming together as a community, and the fulfillment of both spiritual and communal bonds that make this month so special.
The Kalaam Project urges you to reflect on the blessings of this sacred time and honor the Afghan experience by extending your hand to those facing unimaginable hardships. Donations at this time provide a lifeline to an Afghan family, enabling them to participate in Ramadan with dignity, and easing the profound suffering caused by this ongoing crisis. The Kabul Kalaam Team identified households with children facing food insecurity and is distributing food packages and financial assistance to help them survive during this holy month. Kalaam Project is also hosting weekly iftars in Afghanistan, providing hot meals to families who cannot afford the basic ingredients to break their fast. One food package, along with financial assistance for the entire month of Ramadan, costs $85 USD and can provide critical relief to a family in need. Kalaam also aims to provide much-needed protein by sacrificing goats to supply meat for Afghan households.
Access to food is a fundamental human right actively denied to Afghans and each generous donation will directly bridge the gap to support efforts ensuring that the Afghan people receive the help they desperately need during Ramadan. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, will make an immense difference. The Kalaam Team urges concerned individuals to come together and support the resilient people of Afghanistan. Donate to the Kalaam Project’s Ramadan Campaign today and help us bring food and faith to Afghanistan.