The holy month of Ramadaan, which is observed by Muslims throughout the world, commenced on Wednesday, 14 April in South Africa. Ramadaan is observed every year during the ninth month of the lunar calendar for approximately 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. It marks the month that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH). Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims. The holy month is marked with fasting, additional prayers as well as charity.
Yusuf Desair, a member of the Musjid-ur-Rahmaan Mosque in Kenneth Kaunda Road, Durban North, said most children start fasting at a very young age in order to get them into the habit. He said Ramadaan is a period devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, additional prayers and good deeds. “The practices of Ramadaan are meant to purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are counter to the Islamic faith. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God. To the Muslim community, Ramadaan is a time of reflection and worship as well as solidarity and compassion for those who are vulnerable. For Muslims, fasting teaches self-control and shows devotion to promoting empathy with the poor,” he said.
This year, the month of Ramadaan is once again observed under the new normal, where the global community is battling the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. Tasmia Abdourahman, 14, who visited the Durban North Musjid-ur-Rahmaan Mosque in preparation for the fast, said she couldn’t wait for this year’s holy month. “When I started fasting I was around the age of nine and I used to get sick. When I soon got my allergies tested I was able to fast through the day without drinking or eating anything,” said Tasmia. Hamza Amla, 12, who was also preparing for his fasting said when he began fasting, which was around the age of six or seven, it was very difficult for him since he loves food. While, Mishka Gora, 12, said: “I first started fasting when I was seven years old and I was at school. I remember how my best friend chased me just to give me some rice crispies but I refused. I would say it wasn’t much of a problem for me because I don’t eat that much,” said Mishka with a smile. The management and staff of Tabloid Newspapers take this opportunity in wishing all Muslims Ramadaan Mubarak.
