Katanning Muslims celebrate Ramadan as most sacred month of Islamic calendar begins

Katanning’s Muslim community is celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, which started after sunset last Friday, holds significance to people of the Islamic faith as a commemoration of Mohammed receiving the first revelation of the Qur’an.

Deputy Imam and Islamic Association of Katanning secretary Moh Aeson said fasting during Ramadan was one of the five pillars of Islam, making it important for Muslims to observe the month.

“It teaches us about spirituality, humility and patience,” he said.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast, refraining from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset.

There are a few exemptions for groups, which include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those who are ill.

“With us coming into winter, the days are shorter, so our fasting is from 5am to 6pm, whereas when I fasted in Paris, it was during summer so sunset wasn’t until 10pm,” Mr Aeson said

The COVID-19 pandemic has made things a bit uncertain, but in normal circumstances, Mr Aeson said the Muslim community would hold celebrations after sunset.

“At night, we all observe our special prayers during Ramadan and that’s where everybody gets together,” he said.

“It’s all about family, all about community, it’s all about giving and helping people that are in hardship so it’s a beautiful month.”

Ramadan ends on the night of May 1, with a day of celebrations to commemorate the end of fasting.