While people were observing the Ramadan* fast on 8 October 2005, a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck Pakistan causing massive destruction. It killed more than 75,000 people, injuring another 80,000 and leaving over 2.5 million people homeless. Concern Pakistan immediately deployed an emergency relief team to Azad Jammu, Kashmir and North West Frontier Province in response to the disaster.

During the emergency response, I was working in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where Concern was distributing relief items to 70,000 people in rural areas and providing water and sanitation facilities to around 150,000 people in both urban and rural areas.

Observing Ramadan is not too difficult under normal circumstances as our working hours are reduced, the pace is slower and everyone is focused on maintaining the spirituality (Taqwa) of the holy month together. Also, the special early breakfast, which is taken before sunrise, provides some relief.

However, during Ramadan in 2005, the situation was totally different. Our workloads increased dramatically in line with the massive humanitarian needs and the huge scope of the response. Yes, we felt tired and hungry, but being witnesses to the horror of the situation and our commitment as humanitarian workers helped us to cope with the situation.

During the emergency response, I was often in the field from 7am till 7pm, spending much of my time moving around the small camps that had formed in mountainous parts of Kashmir. Most days we had Ifthar (the first food of the day after sunset) on the way from the field, but sometimes we had to go directly to UN/NGO co-ordination meetings without breaking our fast. Meetings would often drag on from 8pm till 11pm. On these occasions my first full meal of the day was taken around midnight at the Concern office!

Of course, the hunger would sometimes get to me during the day, especially when I was travelling for hours through difficult, mountainous terrain. But, when the tasks were so vital and when we managed to deliver relief to the most vulnerable victims of the earthquake in remote areas, I forgot about the hunger.

The privilege of being able to help people live their lives with dignity, by providing them with safe drinking water, food, shelter, sanitation facilities and other necessities during the month of Ramadan gave me a great sense of personal satisfaction and helped me overcome the difficulties I was facing while fasting.

*Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (exact dates vary each year). During this month, Muslims fast (they do not eat or drink) from sunrise to sunset. In the evening and in the morning before the sun comes up, they eat small meals. The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well.