Muslims in the Northern Territory taking part in Ramadan

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Across the world, Muslims are taking part in the most sacred time on the Islamic calendar: Ramadan. For one month, the faithful fast, pray and come together to strengthen their spiritual connection and community.

Transcript

00:00Darwin local, Bilal Tariq, or Billy, is a father devoted to his faith.

00:07He's one of two billion Muslims worldwide taking part in Ramadan.

00:12The month that allows you to spiritually, physically and mentally change yourself to

00:19be a better human being and to be a better Muslim.

00:23For one month each year, the faithful abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk under

00:29ten nightly prayers.

00:31All the bad habits that you may do in every other eleven months of the year, this is the

00:37month where we try and make that change.

00:41That's what it's about.

00:42A big commitment, especially in the tropics.

00:45You know Darwin is quite hard.

00:47It's hard to work without water.

00:51Even in a study, maybe you're doing a class for three and four hours, you'll become thirsty.

00:57I think this is the best part.

00:59You challenge your patience.

01:03The holy month, a chance to reflect on the state of the world.

01:07We pray to God because we believe that God, at the end of the day, can help us, you know.

01:15Because right now I feel very helpless.

01:17For many Muslims, Ramadan isn't just about faith and tradition.

01:21It's an opportunity of reflection and self-growth.

01:24The worshippers here hope it will strengthen the bonds with their community, also creating

01:29a sense of dialogue and understanding.

01:32I enjoy giving back to the community.

01:34I enjoy giving back to, you know, helping people that maybe can't do things for themselves.

01:41And it's beautiful to see a very tight, loving community, you know.

01:45Compassion, faith and unity.

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