Local Muslims welcome the start of Ramadan

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins this Tuesday 12 March and continues to Wednesday 10 April.

Onkaparinga Now interviewed Dur-E-Nayab Mehar from the Noor Mosque in Morphett Vale about Ramadan, how the community will mark Ramadan, and what it means for her.

Nayab, a physiotherapy student at the University of South Australia, is the publications coordinator for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association at Noor Mosque.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a blessed month in Islam’s lunar calendar during which Muslims observe fasting, which is the fourth fundamental pillar of the Islamic faith. It holds deep religious significance as it commemorates the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Why do Muslims observe Ramadan?

In Islam, fasting is not merely a physical practice but a spiritual one. It is a time of spiritual reflection, practising gratitude, service to humanity and giving charity. Hence, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community actively supports those in need through our humanitarian organisation, Humanity First. Ramadan is also a time of self-discipline and a time to strengthen one's relationship with God.

What does a day look like for those observing Ramadan?

A typical day during Ramadan begins with early morning voluntary prayers – Tahajjud prayers – offered before dawn. Following this, we eat the pre-fast meal, known as Suhoor. Throughout the day, Muslims continue their daily lives as well as the routine of five daily prayers and recitation of the Quran. Iftar, the meal to break the fast, is eaten in the evening. The day concludes with Taraweeh prayers offered at night in congregation. In this way Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from consuming food.

What happens at the end of Ramadan?

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a festive day that begins with a special prayer and sermon at the mosque, followed by charitable giving, feasting and spending time with family and friends. It is a time of joy and gratitude, for successfully fulfilling our fasting obligations.

What are the basic beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community?

Ahmadiyya Muslims share core beliefs with other Muslims, emphasising the oneness of God. The distinctive belief of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is that the Promised Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was born in India in 1835 and established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 1889. We focus on teachings of peace, love and justice, which is reflected in our motto of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’.

As a Muslim woman, what does Ramadan mean for you?

As a Muslim, observing Ramadan allows me to reflect on what I am grateful for. It is a time for me to engage in self-reflection, spiritual growth, and acts of charity alongside my community and family – teaching me to cultivate patience, a sense of empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. It is a commitment to strengthening my connection with God, seeking God’s guidance and deepening my understanding of faith.

What is happening at the Noor Mosque in Morphett Vale during Ramadan?

On 16 March, Noor Mosque is holding an Iftar dinner event followed by an interfaith dialogue on the topic ‘Fasting in my religion’. The event will include speakers from the Abrahamic faiths – Islam, Judaism and Christianity. There will also be the chance to ask questions of the imam of the mosque, Kamran Tahir.

The imam warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to join us. As he says, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community aims to build relationships of trust, friendship and respect across communities. The delicious Iftar dinner is one way in which we do this.