Townsville’s Muslims mark Ramadan

Hundreds of North Queenslanders are not taking a sip of water during daylight hours despite the hot and humid conditions outside. See why.

Townsville’s Islamic community are nearing the end of their month of fasting, Ramadan.

The Townsville Islamic Society is holding multiple fundraisers throughout the holy month, for maintenance on the mosque and to put on daily fast-breaking meals.

Muslims believe Ramadan is when the prophet Muhammad received the Qu’aran.

Fasting is one of the five principles of Islam, so for 30 days until about April 21 this year, healthy adults choose to not eat or drink from dawn until dusk. The end of Ramadan is dependent on the moon.

“Fasting is very, very important for boosting health and energy. We eat lots of unhealthy foods (during the year), we need to abstain one month every year,” Townsville Imam Moaaz Al Hawari said.

“And it helps us to resist our desires. When I don’t smoke all day, I can have more control over myself.”

Despite the 87 per cent humidity on Friday, about 160 men and women attended midday prayers at the Townsville Mosque. During Ramadan attendance was up about 50 to 70 people more than normal, Imam Al Hawari said.

As well as the daily meals during Ramadan, the society continues to help settle some of Queensland’s newest residents, some who arrive as refugees.

Imam Al Hawari said there was about 100 Muslim families in Townsville, between 50 to 70 having been refugees.

Donations can be made by the Townsville Islamic Society’s website, or at the mosque.

Estimates of the worldwide Islamic population vary widely, from 1.5 billion to 1.9 billion.

Originally published as Townsville’s Muslims mark Ramadan