Ramadan about to commence for Muslims worldwide
The holy month of Ramadan commences for Muslims in Australia on Friday 20 July, and is a time for Muslims worldwide to fast from dawn until dusk.
A religious tradition dating back to 624 AD, Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam that every Muslim must endeavour to observe or fulfil. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and other pleasures to achieve greater self-discipline, self-purification and compassion for those less fortunate.
Each day, the fast commences with an early breakfast an hour or two before dawn. The fast is broken at sundown, and due to the different lunar sightings in different regions around the world, fasting dates and times vary from country to country, and change each day.
Ramadan concludes this year on Saturday 18 August in Australia. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the feasting month, and Muslims are obliged to pay a prescribed amount of money to the poor and disadvantaged. It also includes Eid prayers in the morning, festive meals, gift giving and visiting family, friends, the sick and the elderly.
Information sourced from the Islamic Council of Victoria (www.icv.org.au)