Ramadan commenced this year on the 12th of April and is due to conclude on 12th May. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and is a time of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in Australia. The first verses of the Koran (Qu’ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the last third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period.
Many Muslims in Australia fast during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. It is common to have a pre-fast meal (suhoor) before sunrise and an evening meal (iftar) after sunset during Ramadan. Some groups of people, including the chronically ill and the elderly who cannot participate due to health reasons, are exempt from fasting. It is also not allowed to have sexual relations or smoke during the day.
Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by participating in food drives for the poor, organizing a collection or charity event, and other voluntary activities. They are also encouraged to read the Qur’an often during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur’an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a section of the Qur’an is recited.
The following is a link to a lovely song performed by Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) called “Ramadan Moon” that commemorates this special time in the Islamic calendar: https://ycs.lnk.to/RamadanMoon
