DILI, 23 march 2023 (TATOLI)—Secretary General of the United Nations (United Nations), António Guterres called for Peace, Mutual Respect, and Solidarity as a moment of reflection marking the start of Ramadan on 22 March.
“I send my warmest wishes to all the Muslims around the world to start observing the holy month of Ramadan. This is a moment of reflection and learning,” said the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres said in a statement seen by the Tatoli agency this Wednesday.
Guterres said it is time to unite in a spirit of understanding and compassion, bound by common humanity. It is also the mission of the United Nations to promote dialogue, unity, and peace.
“In these difficult times, my thoughts are with those facing conflict, displacement, homeless, and suffering. I join everyone observing Ramadan in calling for peace, mutual respect, and solidarity,” he pleaded.
He invites people around the world to take inspiration from this holy month and build a more just and equitable world for all.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. According to the current schedule, Ramadan 2023 in Timor-Leste) will start from Wednesday, 22 March to Thursday, 20 April.
In this month, Muslims around the world observe fasting (saum) and commemorate the first revelation that came down to the Prophet Muhammad according to Muslim beliefs.
Ramadan fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. The month of Ramadan will last for 29-30 days based on the sighting of the new moon, according to several rules written in the hadith.
According to Islamic law, fasting during Ramadan is fardhu (compulsory) for adult Muslims, unless they experience obstacles to doing so such as illness, traveling, being old, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetes, or menstruating.
The obligation to fast during the month of Ramadan is stipulated in the month of Sya’ban, the second year after the migration of Muslims from Mecca to Medina. The month of Ramadan begins with the determination of the crescent moon as a sign of the new moon.
During fasting from morning to evening, Muslims are prohibited from consuming (eating, drinking, including smoking) anything and having sex. In addition, they are ordered to avoid committing sins to complete the reward of fasting, such as saying bad things (such as insulting, slandering, cursing, and lying) and fighting.
Food and drinks can be provided every day, namely before sunrise (Fajr) until sunset (Magrib). The Spiritual approach (repentance) when the month of Ramadan is busy, Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan is usually followed by increasing prayers and reading the Koran.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
