Muslims in Seychelles begin Ramadan today |24 April 2020
Muslims throughout the world begin the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan today, Friday April 24. During this period Muslims will be observing fast from dawn to sunset every day.
With the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, this year Muslims will experience a Ramadan like never before in living memory. While the act of abstaining from food, drink and sex during the day is an individual matter, Muslims generally engage in additional activities including congregational prayers especially at night. Iftar (or breaking of the fast) is also done as a common activity where food and drinks are served. However this year, with the necessary restrictions imposed, all gatherings are banned. The Muslims in Seychelles have been fully complying with the directives issued by the Public Health Authority ever since these were announced. Indeed we were probably the first among religious bodies in Seychelles to suspend all congregational prayers and also closed mosques even for individual prayers.
The weekly Friday prayers which usually bring together 600 worshippers have also been suspended for the past few weeks. However this Friday (today) for the first time in Seychelles’ history, the Khutba (sermon) which is the most important component of Friday prayers will be televised on SBC 3 beginning at 1pm.
The National Muslim Council of Seychelles acknowledges with gratitude the willingness of the SBC to afford the Muslim community this favour in the same way other main faiths in Seychelles have benefitted.
Meanwhile, President Danny Faure has sent a message to Imam Idris Yusuf, conveying his best wishes to all Muslims living in Seychelles for a successful Ramadan where they supplicate the God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness and ask for His protection and blessings for their well-being, happiness and prosperity.
President Faure wrote in his message: “This Ramadan will be very different from all previous ones in your living memory. It is a month where you will as usual be fasting from dawn to sunset abstaining from food, drink and other worldly pleasures. I know many of you would have spent long hours in traditional congregational night prayers and such events as breaking fast and having dinners as a community activity. Unfortunately, this year you have to forego the congregational and community-based events as everyone complies with the measures introduced to safeguard the nation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to particularly salute all the Muslims and their leaders for the excellent way they have responded to the call of the Public Health Authority. Even before government implemented restrictions, the Muslims were among the first to suspend all the congregational prayers and closed mosques in compliance with the need to place national health, safety and interest first.
“I wish all Muslims the very best for Ramadan, which is often also regarded as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and prayer. May the Almighty Reward your efforts.”
Contributed by Ibrahim Afif, vice-chairperson of the National Muslim Council of Seychelles