Ramadan 2021

Since April 12th, Muslims around the world have been celebrating Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. On May 12th, the end of Ramadan is celebrated by Eid al-Fitr.

We would like to introduce one of the wonderful members of the Equity and Diversity Committee, Sarah Rosli who explains what Ramadan is.

Ramadan
By Sarah Rosli

The Holy Quran

The month of Ramadan (raw-ma-don) falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This special commemoration is observed by many Muslims worldwide as this blessed month was when the holy scripture, the Quran, was first revealed to prophet Muhammad.
 
Muslims worldwide embark on a month of fasting, one of the 5 pillars of Islam, abstaining from worldly physical needs including eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly and those who are sick or those who are travelling are exempted from fasting. Other than omitting from food and drink, Ramadan is also about being patient, giving charity (zakat fitrah), and also an opportunity to strengthen bonds with our family and community.

Date Milkshake

Faithful observers would wake up for a pre-dawn meal referred to as sahur followed by the morning prayer. 

A typical pre-dawn meal would include a tall glass of date milkshake.

Dates and a cup of water for break fast

The fast is then ceased after sunset, with a piece of date and a sip of water, followed by the night prayer. 

Subsequently, the evening feast, also referred to as iftar, is enjoyed together as a family, or a community.

 

Bubur Masjid translates to Porridge from the mosque

In the South-east Asia region including Singapore, mosques distribute complimentary porridge everyday in the month of Ramadan. The idea of porridge rather than rice per se, is so that the meal could be shared with more people. The humble warm bowl of porridge does soothe the soul and is also kind to the digestive system after a day of fasting. This act allows everyone (even the less fortunate) to have a nice proper meal at the end of the fast.

Ramadan is deemed by many, a detox for the physical self as well as for the spiritual self. It is a time to reflect on the plentiful bounties bestowed upon us as well as creating empathy for those who do not have the luxuries that we have. Building patience, as people tend to get angry easily when hungry, is another benefit of fasting. Ramadhan reminds us that as humans we should always be in one of these 2 states, a state of gratitude or a state of patience. Being always grateful during the good times and being patient during life’s difficult moments.

Ramadan concludes with the Eid al-Fitr (ee-dul al-fee-tree) celebration. This is the time of celebration and a time to pay a visit to our family members, our neighbours and our community, a means of making sure the wellbeing of everyone we know. Eid al-fitri begins with a special eid breakfast, followed by special prayer in congregation in the mosque or prayer halls or even in parks. 

The young and old will be in their best festive clothing, feasting on sweet treats and a delectable spread of food and bidding adieu with gifts.

All images are taken from Google Images.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Sarah Rosli

Research Assistant -  Viral Immunity and Immunopathology lab, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases (CIIID).

Sarah Rosli is a Research Assistant in the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group within the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases (CIIID) . Our lab is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the induction of damaging hyperinflammation in several infectious diseases such as influenza virus, with the hope to develop potential therapeutic strategies.

Sarah has experienced career disruptions, returning to research after having 2 children. She has had to juggle family and work commitments and have flexible work arrangements.

Sarah hopes that she could represents and be the voice of the diverse individuals especially in her center, to ensure our staff and students are in a healthy and enjoyable working environment.