Roughly one in every two Muslim college students in the US state of California have experienced harassment or discrimination, according to a recently published survey.

The report from the California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying (CPHB) includes responses from 720 students at 87 public and private colleges and universities across California, which found a 10 percent spike in Islamophobia faced by students since 2020.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led cross-border attack, as well as Israel’s onslaught on besieged Gaza, have exacerbated Islamophobia on campuses as well as “anti-Palestinian hate, and anti-Arab racism, leaving Muslim students feeling targeted and unsupported,” CAIR said in a statement.

Student-led anti-war protests that erupted nationwide on campuses in the wake of the escalating death toll have been repeatedly met with an effort to stamp them out or otherwise curtail the demonstrations.

“This past year has been extremely traumatizing for college students of varying ethnicities within the Islamic faith—all because they valiantly chose to stand up and humanize the plight of Palestinians, who have suffered from over 75 years of oppression, dehumanization, and war,” CPHB Director Osman Khan said in a statement.

“These students should not have to suffer physical reprisals, nor fear possible academic and future employment repercussions, for simply practicing their constitutionally protected rights of petition, assembly, and speech,” he added.

‘Not a global institution’

University of Southern California student Summer said many Muslim students have felt isolated within their college communities, particularly those who have lost friends and family in Israel’s war, which has claimed the lives of more than 43,000 Palestinians.

“Some students, while in class, have received (the) devastating news of losing loved ones in Gaza. They not only mourn their families but also face the silence and lack of empathy from their own community. Where are the statements of solidarity, safe spaces for healing, or meaningful support from the administration for those grieving innocent lives?” she asked rhetorically.

“We cannot claim to be a global institution of higher learning while neglecting the global realities of our students. We cannot say we stand for justice when we turn a blind eye to injustice within our own campus,” she added.

Source: TRT World

• Prioritize and plan

Planning is crucial. Try to write down your important and daily tasks. In this way, you can create the mental order to move things forward. Prioritize your works based on importance and urgency. Consider which chores can be done less frequently or delegated to other family members.

• Simplify your routine

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to simplify your routine. Prepare easy-to-cook meals, declutter your living space to minimize cleaning time, and create a comfortable environment for yourself so that you can save time for prayers and resting.

• Involve the family members

Ramadan is about community and togetherness. Involve your family in the household chores. Assign tasks to each member, turning chores into a collective effort. This not only lightens the load but also strengthens family bonds.

• Be flexible

Flexibility and adaptability are among the most important teachings of Ramadan. You must be able to deal with different situations. Therefore, if certain chores are left undone, it’s okay! Don’t push yourself and give yourself time to do the chores one by one with more inner peace and flexibility.

• Self-care is key

Remember to take care of yourself. As the center of a house, your emotions may influence not only on you, but also on all other family members. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, staying hydrated during non-fasting hours, eating healthy food, caring about your inner peace, and not overexerting yourself with household tasks.

As the conclusion, Ramadan is a time for inner reflection and devotion. By effectively managing household chores, you can create a serene environment that complements your spiritual journey. With a bit of planning, simplification, and family involvement, you can achieve a harmonious balance that honors both your faith and your home.