Hope Ramadan will spur Muslims’ determination to fight COVID-19: Singapore Mufti
SINGAPORE — Singapore’s highest Islamic authority said on Thursday (23 April) that as Muslims here strengthen their faith this Ramadan, he hopes that the holy month will spur them to be more determined to fight the coronavirus.
The comments by Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir come as Muslims prepare for the first day of fasting in the month of Ramadan on Friday.
Dr Nazirudin said there is a “different atmosphere” to the Ramadan this year, and that the holy month and Hari Raya will be celebrated together with families in their own homes.
“Our country, as well as the rest of the world, is currently fighting the COVID-19 outbreak. Besides the act of fasting, we should also play our part to stay at home to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
“No matter the test, we can accept and overcome it with the permission of Allah S.W.T., what more with the arrival of Ramadan – a month of challenges, and the culmination of patience, perseverance and hope.”
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wished Muslims a blessed and fulfilling fasting month. He said that Ramadan will be “markedly different” as 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,” Lee said.
His message comes after President Halimah Yacob urged Muslims in Singapore to show compassion to the less fortunate people, and commended community efforts in helping vulnerable groups ahead of Ramadan.
Halimah said in a Facebook post earlier Thursday, “The current COVID-19 outbreak is a testament of how the community has rallied to help the vulnerable groups.”
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