Before the feast, there is the fast.

As we bask in the festive mood of Hari Raya this week, we remember what the Ramadan fasting month means to our Muslim community, and to all non-Muslims in our multi-religious home.

Taken during the last 10 days of Ramadan, this photo journal taken by Lim Weixiang for Zakat.sg, a page run by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), shows a strong message of peace and love coming from the very nature of Islam.

This is the Ramadan — the Singapore way:

1. Worship

Reading the Quran in solace.

Reciting the Quran together.

Coming together for night prayers at the mosque.

Holding night prayers at makeshift community spaces.

Bangladeshi workers praying together.

2. Remembering loved ones

Visiting the graves of loved ones as a form of respect.

Remembering and praying for their loved ones.

3. Strengthening relationships

Breaking fast at a mosque with family and friends.

Interfaith bonding: Student volunteers help with distributing food at a mosque.

Seeking forgiveness from friends and family for past grievances.

4. Sharing culture with the masses

Selling local drinks at the annual Ramadan bazaar.

Making a signature local dish — the Ramly burger — at the Ramadan bazaar.

5. Contributing to the nation

SCDF officers pray and break fast together at the fire station.

Police officers breaking fast together.

Football players from Home United FC pray before their S.League match during the Ramadan.

Charitable donations, or zakat, is one of the three pillars of Islamic faith.

Muslims contribute small portions of their wealth for the betterment of the community.

You can find the full collection of photos in the album below:

We thank the Malay community for being part of our society and adding richness, friendship and joy into our lives. Eid Mubarak!

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Top photo by and courtesy of Lim Weixiang

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