God Is Everywhere, Says Maulana As Muslims Begin New Kind Of Ramadan

As Muslims world over begin a new kind of Ramadan today, a maulana (Muslim scholar) tells how the centuries’ old ritual is being celebrated in Fiji.

Samabula Masjid, Maulana Abdul Alim, said this was a time when worshippers flood the mosque to offer their prayers five times in a day.

With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, he said it was important to obey directives and remember those who are fighting on the frontlines to keep us safe.

Maulana Alim encouraged worshippers to remember that God was everywhere and one does not need to be at the mosque to find Him.

Last month, the Fiji Muslim League closed all its mosques as a COVID-19 response measure until the Government revises its social gathering and curfew restrictions.

Maulana Abdul Alim at Samabula Mosque on April 24, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

30 days of fasting

At his home, Maulana Alim and his family were preparing for the thirty days of fasting and prayers beginning from today.

“Many people have thought that blessings were only found in temples or mosques but we must understand that God is everywhere and we can worship him from anywhere.

“As we begin Ramadan today, I urge all those that will observe, those that are from the Muslim faith to remember the hardworking people that are fighting COVID-19 on the frontline.

“Thousands of people in Fiji are being affected one way or the other by the pandemic and it is time that we remember them as we fast and pray this Ramadhan.”

He said the ‘new normal’ that worshippers will have to adhere to as they observe Ramadan will ensure that family time is strengthened and that men are able to spend more time with their families.

“During Ramadhan season we ‘men’ are always spending more time in mosques but with restrictions in place we are praying from home with our families,”

Maulana Alim has advised all worshippers observing Ramadan to remain at home and pray as Mosques continue to be closed.

“Use this opportunity to strengthen and spend more time with your families, adhere to COVID-19 instructions and be safe.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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