YOU
ME
AUSTRALIAN
living In harmony



 Dear Friend,

 As you may be aware many of our neighbours from African, Middle Eastern and other countries are Muslim. This letter is a reminder that the annual month of fasting and celebration for Muslims is about to start.

FASTING- The month of fasting is called "Ramadan". This year the month starts on 9th December 1999 and finishes on 8th January 2000. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith, it is a time of worship, community and contemplation.

The fast involves abstinence from food, drink, smoking, sexual intercourse and in some instances medication. Fasting is done daily from dawn to sunset. At the end of the day the fast is broken and followed by prayer and a meal. The fast is resumed the next morning. During Ramadan people usually rise an hour or two before dawn and have their early breakfast together before the fast begins.

All healthy Muslims who have reached the age of puberty are required to fast during the month of Ramadan.

Certain people are exempt from fasting. Those exempted include:

· Travellers

· People who are ill

· Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or menstruating

PRAYING - During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to attend their local mosque (which is a place not only for worship but also other community activities), and spend several hours praying and studying the holy book, called the Holy Quran. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

CELEBRATIONS AT END OF RAMADAN - The celebration ending the month of fasting is called "Eid-ul-fitr" and lasts for 3 days, beginning Saturday 8th January 2000. This occasion starts with a congregational prayer at the mosque after sunrise at which all member of family try to attend.

Friends and families gather afterwards for celebration meals and some festivals are held to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

SOCIALISING - Every night during Ramadan, Muslims take up the opportunity to socialise, eat and pray together. After the meal breaking the fast it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends and share gifts. Often people do not arrive home until early hours of the morning.

Mosques are well attended during this month and many mosques have extra community activities. Consequently traffic near them is busy and congested at times.

Non-Muslim people are welcome to participate in Ramadan and end of Ramadan celebrations. Both local mosques are open all day and welcome non-Muslims to visit. You may wish to contact or visit the leader of the mosques, the Imams, to find out about their open days during Ramadan and any festivals arranged for the end of Ramadan. Their details are:

  • Preston Mosque - 90 Cramer Street, Preston. Ph: 9470 2424

  • Heidelberg Mosque - corner of Lloyd & Elliot Street, West Heidelberg. Ph: 9457 4624

    FINAL NOTE - During this month it is possible that Muslims will be tired and low on energy due to the fasting and that non-Muslim neighbours will be disrupted by some early morning or late night socialising of Muslim neighbours. We hope everyone will be understanding, considerate and respectful of their neighbours.

         This is part of the West Heidelberg Cultural Exchange Project, a Living in Harmony initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Project worker: Tiffany Overall - contact ph: 9484 7944.

    251 High Street, Preston 3072 Tel: (03) 9484 7944 - Fax: (03) 9484 7942
    ACN AOO 009 09U - Email: mrcne@mrcne.org.au Web: www.mrcne.org.au
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