MUSLIMS throughout the Riverina are observing Ramadan, a month in the Islamic calendar that commemorates the first revelation of the holy book, the Qu’ran, to the Prophet Muhammad.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Beginning on May 26, Ramadan will last 29 or 30 days, depending on the sightings of the crescent moon at that time.
During Ramadan – derived from the Arabic word for intense heat and dryness – the majority of Muslims will not eat or drink during daylight hours and will intensify their prayer life.
Chairman of the Muslim Association of Riverina, Dr Ata-ur Rehman, said a significant focus of Ramadan was performing works of charity.
“Until you let go of your wealth you will not be righteous, and that wealth must go to the poor and the needy, regardless of what faith they may belong to,” Dr Rehman said.
“You keep in mind there are so many unfortunate people who can’t even have one meal a day.”
Dr Rehman said Ramadan – the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – was an event in itself.
“The significance of the month is the Qu’ran, the guidance for humankind, not just Muslims, was revealed in this month,” Dr Rehman said.
“In this month, all the affairs of humans are decreed by God the almighty.”
Special Taraweeh prayers are recited at night during Ramadan.
Dr Rehman said Ramadan was also a time when Satan was chained, so people who do wrong during the month cannot blame him for their actions.
Dr Rehman said fasting not only had spiritual benefits, it also had physical advantages.
“We go through a process of detoxification because we are fasting,” Dr Rehman said.
Dr Rehman said those who observed Ramadan don’t even drink water during the fasting hours. The elderly, the sick, children and pregnant women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
