Ramadan in Singapore – celebrating with our Muslim friends

As one of the holiest times of the year for the Muslim community all around the world, Ramadan is marked by a period of fasting and prayer. Muslims believe that fasting will cultivate in them the empathy for those facing hardship and poverty. The practice is embraced by Muslims during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon in Singapore the previous evening. 

During the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They will break fast with their family members every evening. Fasting instils discipline, which is one of Islam’s five pillars. It is very symbolic as it represents a victory for Muslims who have successfully completed a month-long combat of self-control and abstinence via fasting. Bazaars are organised around Singapore for the Muslims to break fast and to prepare for the Hari Raya Puasa, with the ones in Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam as being the historical heritage areas. In addition, the faithful spend a large portion of Ramadan month to worship, do charitable activities, and perform acts of compassion. Ramadan is a total of 30 days of fasting.

The Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam (above picture)

Hari Raya Puasa marks the completion of a month-long fast and is celebrated with a jubilant celebration of forgiveness, fellowship, and food. The celebration will formally begin with the sighting of the crescent moon in the evening on the final day of Ramadan by the religious leaders from various vantage points around the country. It is a significant event for all the Muslims in Singapore. 

Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday in Singapore, a joyous day of celebration for the Muslims. They typically start their day by visiting the mosque to say special prayers. After that, they seek forgiveness from the elders. Before they head out to visit relatives and friends and start feasting on good food, Malay families don new clothes in the same or similar colour theme to represent family spirit, with women dressed in baju kurung and men in baju melayu. Families also visit the graves of loved ones who have passed to pay their respects.