Tomorrow marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.
Fasting month this year will be markedly different. There will be no communal Terawih prayers, because mosques are all closed. Many would also be unable to break fast with their close family and friends, as they usually do. I hope you understand why the circuit breaker restrictions are being extended, to stamp out new COVID-19 transmissions and protect all of us.
I am glad that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is providing many online resources, such as SalamSG TV (go.gov.sg/salamsgtv) to foster the Ramadan spirit.
To all our Muslim friends, I wish you a blessed and fulfilling fasting month. May this Ramadan be a time of quiet reflection and prayer, together with your immediate families. – LHL
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Bulan suci Ramadan atau bulan puasa bagi umat Islam bermula esok.
Bulan puasa tahun ini amat berbeza. Rakan-rakan Muslim kita tidak dapat mengerjakan ibadah secara berkumpulan di masjid seperti sembahyang Terawih kerana masjid-masjid masih ditutup. Mereka juga tidak dapat berbuka puasa beramai-ramai bersama sanak-saudara dan kenalan seperti yang biasa diamalkan. Saya harap anda memahami mengapa kita perlu memperketatkan langkah pemutus rantaian jangkitan COVID-19 dan melanjutkan tempohnya. Semuanya demi menghapuskan wabak ini dan melindungi kita semua.
Saya gembira bahawa MUIS menyediakan banyak wadah dan bahan-bahan online, seperti SalamSG TV (go.gov.sg/salamsgtv) untuk menyemarakkan semangat Ramadan.
Kepada semua umat Islam, selamat menjalani ibadah puasa. Semoga Ramadan ini menyediakan waktu buat renungan dan peluang beribadah bersama keluarga yang terdekat. - LHL
(The majestic Sultan Mosque and the quiet Arab Street area during the circuit breaker period. / MCI Photo by Fyrol)
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