Singaporean Muslims are observing Ramadan differently during circuit breaker measures this year while foregoing much of the acts of worship that they have previously associated with the Holy month, such as mass congregational prayers at mosques, and strengthening ties with extended family and friends to observe iftar (breaking of the fast).
The safety measures implemented by the government on 14 April and ending on 1 June, covers the entirety of the month of Ramadan that started today (24 April) and goes on until the month of Syawal, of which Hari Raya is the first day (24 May).
Muslims will forego mass congregational prayers during Ramadan this year. Photo: iStock
Ramadan during circuit breaker measures
President calls for Muslims to support each other
In a Facebook post on Thursday (23 April), President Halimah Yacob praised Muslims in Singapore for their “community efforts” and for taking the circuit breaker “measures in their stride in order to combat COVID-19.”
She further urged all Muslims to continue supporting each other throughout the Holy month of Ramadan.
The President noted that the changes to the way Singaporean Muslims usually observe Ramadan had to be implemented due to the rise in the COVID-19 pandemic, and include not participating in the regular communal breaking of fast with extended family and friends, as well as staying home and avoiding spending nights at the mosque in observing the special nightly Ramadan prayer called Tarawih.
“I have no doubt that we will emerge even stronger in our faith and as a community out of this experience,” she noted.
“Let’s continue to support one another and have a spiritually fulfilling journey in this blessed month. Let me wish all Muslims a blessed Ramadan and Selamat Berpuasa (happy fasting),” she added.
Madam Halima addressed Muslims in a facebook post yesterday. Photo: Facebook screengrab
Ramadan during circuit breaker measures: Special initiatives in place
Madam Halimah further elaborated on the implementation of programmes such as the #SGUnited Buka Puasa where a total of 20,000 meals will be delivered daily to healthcare workers and their families, and needy households, hosted by ground-up initiatives throughout the month of Ramadan.
Efforts are also underway to raise $2.5 million to support local businesses and healthcare workers. The sum will be disbursed by the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), with proceeds going to caterers and those distributing food to families affected by the pandemic.
The drive to raise funds will end on May 23, and the public is welcome to donate via an online donation platform:
Giving.sg, hosted by charity group Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF). The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) previously donated an initial $1 million to the fund. The project is a collaboration between mosques throughout the island, Muis, SMCCI, the RLAF, the People’s Association, and inter-faith organisation Roses Of Peace.
Efforts to distribute meals to help break the fast of needy households and healthcare workers, are underway. Photo: iStock
Further initiatives by local religious teachers and asatizah to bring lectures and Islamic classes online are also underway. Read up on the wide collection of free online classes and lectures available to the public here.
Muis further launched a Web-based channel – SalamSG TV.
The channel will feature lectures and motivational content by religious teachers in Malay, Tamil and English, including regular messages from Mufti Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir. There will also be a special segment for religious talks and videos in languages such as Bengali to cater to Muslim foreign workers in Singapore.
The channel will further stream sessions catered for children consisting of arts and crafts and storytelling videos, and workshops on Islamic calligraphy.
