The repercussions of bombing a Muslim nation during Ramadan

2026-03-05 - 23:43

The US airstrikes on Iran during Ramadan have left me deeply conflicted. Academically, I owe a lot to the US. It was there that I learned architecture, and deepened my faith as a Muslim. But its killing of Iran’s spiritual leader and his family, along with many other Shi’a Muslims during Islam’s holiest month has made me question my affections for the country. The military campaign has strained relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly with Americans, despite the fact that many in the US themselves oppose the airstrikes. In fact, the bombing of Iran led me to recall former US president Barack Obama’s response to a radical who wanted to burn the Quran as part of a protest back in 2010. Obama at the time said that it was the radical’s constitutional right to do so, likely in the name of freedom of speech — the First Amendment, which Americans hold very dearly to. Despite this, Obama begged him to think about his actions and the repercussions they would have on the many Americans living outside the US. I was also reminded of a scene in the film Hiroshima, in which the US president was briefed on potential atomic bomb targets, including the city of Kyoto. The president’s advisor argued against bombing Kyoto because it was sacred to the Japanese and their culture. In both cases the US presidents understood the repercussions of war or acts against sacred places and objects. Fast forward to 2026, the attack on Iran proved one thing: the US thought little or nothing about Ramadan — a month when Muslims are called upon to be patient and compassionate and to rein in their hunger, desire and ego. To be clear, I am not questioning the politics at play in either country. In fact, I personally witnessed the anger of Americans first hand when US citizens were taken hostage in Iran in 1979. It led to bomb threats at mosques and the Muslim community being taunted. Yet, I did not take it personally and turned a blind eye, as I sympathised with what the Americans endured back then. Now though, the shoe is on the other side, with the US being disrespectful aggressors. So how should Muslim countries react? Should they deport Americans in their backyard? Should they terminate contracts between US firms and Washington? Should Muslim nations recall their citizens in the US? I certainly would not want that to happen, although I cannot discount the possibility that this is what Donald Trump wants. I fear the attack on Iran will further strain ties between the Muslim world and the West, or worse burn the bridges between the two. Does the US have no decency? Did they not give any thought to how it would impact bilateral ties with other Muslim nations? Or the possible repercussions which could lead to the death of more innocents? For the record, I once supported the Iranian Revolution that provided the first model of an Islamic party in governance. But after 40 years, I have seen how religion has been used for narrow political interest to the point I am no longer sure that religion and politics are compatible. Which is why I do not support the religious regime of the Iranian clerics. Yet, we cannot dismiss the possible repercussions of the bombings in Iran during Ramadan, including the radicalisation of Iranians, many of whom will likely back a new ayatollah who could be more fanatical than the last. It could also reinvigorate interest in clerics, whose influence has reportedly been on the wane. So good going, US! After Iran, which country will the Trump administration set its hawkish eyes on? Another oil rich Muslim nation? Will they launch an attack during a religious festival? What future is the world headed to with leaders like Trump and company in the driving seat? The US must stop or be stopped. Maybe it is time we alienate them. Then, just like a child who stops throwing a tantrum when ignored, the US may learn to behave better. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.