But despite the lack of food, Somalis living in refugee camps are still finding a way to celebrate the holiday, according to a piece from the Washington Post. Quresho Mohmoud Dahir promised her children that they would “eat very well tonight,” even though that means porridge and perhaps a few donated scraps of meat — a far cry from a typical Eid feast.

To help ensure that Muslim Somalis have enough to eat for the holiday, humanitarian agencies and organizations have stepped up to the plate. Earlier today, the UN airlifted 240 tons of aid from Saudi Arabia to Somalia. The special Eid packages include orange juice, sweets, biscuits and ready-to-eat meals. And the World Assembly of Muslim Youth distributed clothes and gifts to hundreds of children at a refugee camp, giving them a little something to celebrate for Eid.

Outside of Somalia, Muslims around the world are using the holiday to help raise awareness for the famine. Columnists writing about Eid can’t help but mention the deep consciousness they feel for those struggling through the crisis. “I can’t imagine what it would be like if I had no hope of a meal, not at sun-down, not tomorrow, not the day after,” writes Mehmudah Rehman in his op-ed for Gulf News.

In a piece for Al-Ahram, Egypt’s daily newspaper, columnist Nashwa Abdel-Tawab discusses how her peers are doing what they can for the Horn of Africa, like donating blood and organizing fund raisers, despite Egypt’s own problems.

And organizations like Feed Somalia hosted an Eid Barbecue Benefit for Somali famine victims, urging Muslims to give their sadaqah or zakat toward the cause.

One thing is certain — the Horn of Africa is in the thoughts and prayers of millions of Muslims today. You can use your voice on this special day by signing our petition to help stop the starving and its causes.

That’s why ONE has partnered with Islamic Relief, the Islamic Society of North America, and The Alliance to End Hunger to produce the 2011 Ramadan Action Guide, an advocacy resource on hunger and poverty.

As a Christian pastor, the Ramadan readings around evening iftar dinners are always an inspiration to seek the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors (here and around the world). We hope this Ramadan Action Guide can be used in your local community not only for reflection, but to inspire. With tightening national and personal budgets, it is going to take each of us individually and collectively to address the hunger crisis and look towards long-term sustainable development. This Ramadan Action Guide is geared toward that end to inspire greater action to end hunger and extreme poverty. You can download the resource here or click on the link or image above.

Today marks the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims around the world unite in a period of fasting. Recognized as a month where Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, this time provides Muslims with the opportunity to seek greater spiritual enlightenment and reflect upon the struggles of those less fortunate.

Ramadan allows us to not only practice self-discipline and self-sacrifice, but to cleanse the soul, emphasizing purity of thought and action. Evenings are often spent breaking one’s fast with friends and family, with many additionally dedicating much of their time this month to prayer and spiritual enrichment. Zakaat, or charity to the poor and needy, one of the five pillars of Islam, is especially encouraged this month. Muslims are called to both remember and give to those who go without food and water on a regular basis.

This Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in East Africa, who are experiencing the reality of a major food crisis. Suffering from one of the worst droughts in 60 years, poor harvests and high food prices, some 12 million people are unable to access food and clean water for their families. While many are able to break their fasts during the month of Ramadan, we especially remember those who aren’t able.

Please join us in urging world leaders to respond to this crisis and deliver immediate aid and sign our petition now.

To those of you who are observing Ramadan this year, Ramadan Mubarak! We wish you happiness, health and peace.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “He does not truly believe who eats his fill while his neighbor remains hungry by his side.” (Bayhaqi)

ONE Sabbath organizes congregations to raise awareness and advocate with ONE through their worship services, small groups, youths groups and women’s organizations.

If you missed the call last night and would like to listen in, check it out here.

And do be sure to learn more sign up to host your own ONE Sabbath event at www.one.org/onesabbath.

-Adam Phillips