In a statement issued by the ANIC, the peak Muslim Fatwa council confirmed that, depending on the scientific calculation related to the sighting of moon crescent, Saturday would be the first day for Muslims in all Australian states and territories to start their fasting.
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and requires healthy adult Muslims to fast each day from dawn until dusk.
This includes abstaining from drinking fluids, eating, smoking, immoral acts and anger/arguments while extra worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are encouraged during the holy month.
In an interview with SBS Arabic24 on Friday morning, Dr Abu Mohamed said: “This Ramadan is different as we recover from (COVID-19) pandemic, the pandemic that deprived us of social visits and connection over the last two years.”
However, he reminded Muslims observing Ramadan of health advice when making home visits or attending mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is important to go back to the semi-normal life after these two years by attending family gatherings and socialising with others.
The Grand Mufti reminded people that the COVID-19 pandemic was not over yet.
“I remind all to abide by the health instructions and to stay at home when any illness symptom is noticed like fever, coughing, runny nose or anything else,” the Mufti warned.
He made it clear to the fasting Muslims that: “We warn people that any person who shows symptoms of cold must stay at home, and that his prayer at home is better than his prayer in the mosque.”
On the eve of Ramadan, Dr Abu Mohamed congratulated all Australian Muslims, wishing them a blessed month of fasting.
The ANIC statement also said the Grand Mufti and the Australian National Imams Council “call upon all Muslims to preserve their fasting whilst supplicating to Allah to lift the pandemic, protect our countries and spread peace and security all around the world.”
