Highland Muslim community speak about Ramadan as celebration draws to a close
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The Muslim community in the Highlands have been partaking in Ramadan since March 11.
During this period, Muslims are required to fast and to give to charity, to show kindness and patience and to strengthen their relationship with God. Extra emphasis is placed on reciting the Quran.
Those participating do not eat or drink water from sunrise to sundown. After this they then break their fast, in what’s known as iftar or fitoor.
Each night, people have been gathering at Inverness Masjid, Highland Central Mosque - based on Portland Street - to break their fast together, before going to pray. A larger meal is then shared and there is a great sense of community.
People from all over the world have been united in Inverness during the event, including people from Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Jordan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It has a special significance in Islam. It is during this month that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran - Islam's holy book - were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
For those who are away from their home countries during Ramadan, meeting in Inverness has provided a sense of community and closeness with those around them.
Haneen Basim abu-haikal moved to Inverness from Jordan a few months ago with her husband and two young children and has enjoyed being able to gather with others during this period.
She said: “This is the first Ramadan I have spent without my family and friends, which has been hard for me. But when I have gone to the Masjid, met with others and talked with them, I feel better and more comfortable.
“It’s been good with me to meet with others. I miss my family but it has been very nice to meet at the Masjid.”
Avinash was at his first night at the mosque, and said: “It’s been a really good experience and we’ve learned a lot about Islam and fasting. Everybody has been very welcoming and it’s been a very enjoyable time.”
Each night a member of the mosque will cook a meal. There can be up to 400 people at iftar during Ramadan, but despite costs being higher for food than in other years, the community comes together to make it happen.
Sam Miah was one of those providing meals during the course of Ramadan.
He said: “The cost is sky high but again we have been able to provide food and we all take it turns.
“It makes it special that people from all over the world can celebrate together. We are meeting people everyday during Ramadan and it’s a chance to get together and it’s a very special month for us, so we try to make the most of it.”
The mosque often hosts open days for the community come in and find out more about it.
The end of Ramadan will be celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, which will take place tomorrow (Wednesday 10) after being declared by officials in Saudi Arabia, when the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday evening. This is the ‘festival of breaking the fast’.
Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.
Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.
The day is spent visiting relatives and neighbours, accepting sweets, and extending Eid greetings as they move around from house to house.
The most popular greeting is “Eid mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.
MP Drew Hendry attended the mosque to join in with Ramadan. He said: “As the month of Ramadan nears the end, it was an honour to join the community at Inverness Masjid, Highland Central Mosque for Iftar.
“Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate, when it comes.”
