Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22
LIMERICK’S Muslim community joined over a billion people around the world this week as they embarked on a month of fasting and prayer to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan 2016 started this Monday, June 6, and runs until July 5.
Observed by Muslims worldwide, it is a time of prayer, abstinence and increased religious devotion. During the hours of daylight, from sunrise to sunset, Muslims fast and do not eat, drink, smoke or engage in sexual intercourse.
The Limerick Post visited the Alfurqan Muslim Community Centre on Limerick’s Windmill Street this week where young boys were studying the Koran with their imām (spiritual leader) Abdullah Hassan Jaribu.
Originally from Sudan, Abdullah is a charismatic and welcoming individual with a bright smile that could out shine Loop Head Lighthouse.
When asked what message he had for his community during this holy month, he replies “Ramadan Mubarak!’ — meaning blessed Ramadan.
“I would encourage our community to invite their neighbours to join us during iftar (evening meal) to learn more. I have found that people in Limerick are very inquisitive and like to ask questions. It is important that we encourage this and open our doors to our neighbours,” Abdullah explains.
“We are not trying to convert anyone we just want to offer that hand of friendship. Like Pegida have invited people to a meeting to oppose our faith in the city, we invite people to come and visit us and learn more for themselves,” he says.
He feels deeply wounded by news of an anti-Islam rally in the city and is quick to address the issue.
“Ninety five per cent of the Muslims in Ireland have escaped wars in their native countries, countries like Syria where people lost family members and had to flee to start new lives. They live peacefully in this beautiful community where they want to build happy lives for themselves and their children. They are not here to create trouble. They only want to live in peace.”
He says that around the fifteenth day of Ramadan, people can start to feel a drop in their energy levels but overall it is a spiritually rewarding experience that helps build awareness and teaches self-control, patience and gratitude.
He urges his community to treat people with respect during the holy month and to show resolve and calm at all times.
by Alan Jacques
alan@limerickpost.ie
