Singapore President Halimah Yacob said in a Facebook post wishing people a happy Ramadan, reflecting on the past 2 years as Ramadan was affected by Covid restriction.
Here is what she said
Muslims start fasting tomorrow, the first day of Ramadan. We will start the day by eating a very early breakfast before sunrise and break our fast only at sunset. We fast, not just as a manifestation of our faith, but also to show our solidarity for those who cannot afford the benefit of three meals a day.
When fasting, our time should be filled with prayers and good deeds. Ramadan is also the time for us to strengthen our ties with family and friends. It is a month of peace and reflections.
Over the past two years, Muslims in Singapore were restricted in the public practise of our faith, such as the limited numbers that can perform Friday prayers. But we took them in our stride and I commend our Muslim community for their patience in abiding by these safe management measures. Thank you for keeping all Singaporeans safe and preventing the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.
As the situation has improved, we can now pray more freely at mosques and can look forward to breaking fast with more members of our family. I’m sure that this year’s Ramadan will be a more lively and joyous one.
But even as we celebrate Ramadan in Singapore, it’s timely for us to remember the plight of Muslims in other parts of the world living in conflict zones or who are economically deprived and are suffering from hardship and starvation. For them, Ramadan remains a very difficult month to observe. We pray that they will be granted ease to fast and observe their faith. We also pray for peace on this earth and for the end of all aggressions causing untold suffering to innocent people.
Despite the easing of safe management measures, I urge everyone to stay safe and continue to do our part to protect our loved ones from Covid-19.
I wish all Muslims Selamat Berpuasa. Happy Ramadan.