In 2024, the atmosphere of Ramadan worship is somewhat different for several reasons.
Ramadan this time falls in the early autumn time, which is a noticeably longer daylight and there is concern for the humanitarian issue in Palestine.
At the end of February, it was announced that a joint open event, or Iftar dinner, normally hosted by the Premier of the State of Victoria, was cancelled due to a boycott by more than 100 Islamic organisations in Victoria.
Among the organizations that signed a statement opposing or boycotting the Iftar event was the Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria (IMCV).
Andri Nursafitri from Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria (IMCV)
“(The boycott) becomes a kind of sense of solidarity that we show as one of the sizeable Muslim community groups in Victoria,” explained chairman Andri Nursafitri.
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Menunaikan Ibadah Puasa di Era Digital Disruptif dan di Luar Indonesia
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Ami, who has been active in the Mums For Palestine group for several months, said that the worrying situation in Palestine really affected her mood and the atmosphere of Ramadan.
“Yesterday I went on holiday to Indonesia where I usually always hang out with friends, but I don't feel like it anymore,” she explained.
Instead of meeting and taking pictures with friends as she usually does when in Indonesia, Ami has instead been busy helping Mums For Palestine event in Melbourne from Indonesia.
In fact, concern for the Palestinian situation has also prompted some non-Muslims to participate in fasting, as part of a solidarity action. One of them is Rose Beckwith.
“As a Catholic, the reason I fast even though I'm non-Muslim is actually very personal. My heart is deeply moved to see the suffering of the Palestinian people. Their faith really inspires me,” Rose explained.
“I see the situation in Palestine, especially the suffering of small children who have difficulty getting food, even children younger than my own, who fast constantly because of necessity. I still have trouble fasting from dawn to sunset but now I have started to get used to it. I feel the benefit too, because I feel more solemn, focused and empathetic to those who feel hungry.”
