By Danielle Kutchel
The holiest month of the Islamic calendar is upon us, and Muslims across the City of Casey have commenced Ramadan.
Ramadan commemorates the time when the Prophet Muhammad had his first revelation, which would eventually become the Quran.
For the duration of Ramadan, people of Islamic faith are not allowed to take in anything – including food and water – via their mouths between sunrise and sunset.
Spokesperson for Afghan Islamic Centre and Omar Farooq Mosque in Doveton, Rokhan Akbar, said Ramadan is a time of purification, when Muslims are encouraged to refrain from “the deeds that are driven by desires” during the daylight hours.
“It is a cleansing or purification of one’s soul or inner self,” he said.
The month also encourages charity, as it creates an understanding of what poor people go through when they can’t afford food, Mr Akbar said.
“This is a month of charity, a month of goodness, a month of virtues,” he said.
Arguments and fights are also forbidden for the month, as Muslims practise patience and faith in devoting themselves to the needs of Ramadan.
This Ramadan is made even more special given Muslims were unable to celebrate last year due to Covid restrictions.
“It is a great joy and delight within the Muslim community, that they can do their Iftar (the meal served at the end of each day in Ramadan to break the fast), and go to the mosque and pray,” he said.
Iftar can be done in people’s homes with their friends and family, or at the local mosque.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
Mr Akbar said this is a special celebration where Muslims celebrate that “they were able to fast and refine theirmselves and help the ppoor, help the needy and disadvantaged around the wrld.”
Ramadan can be challenging to adhere to, but he said getting to the end of the fasting month is “a feeling that’s sometimes hard to describe in words”.
“It’s a feeling of joy, of self-satisfaction,” he explained.
He said non-Muslims can help their neighbours and co-workers by respecting the month, and not eating in front of a fasting person.
He encouraged people to accept an invitation to Iftar if invited, to demonstrate respect.
“This is a very peaceful time,” Mr Akbar said.
“It takes strong dedication and belief in faith. The strong inner creed or belief within yourself keeps you going.”
