March 29, 2023, 10:39 AM
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The basketball court within the dormitory compound of Cochrane Lodge 1, typically welcomes migrant workers who want to blow off some steam after work hours with a game of badminton.
Since the start of Ramadan last week, though, the space has been used for praying instead.
Standing nearly shoulder-to-shoulder in neat rows, more than 50 of the dormitory's Muslim workers engage in their evening salat prayers, with prayer mats laid out in front of them as if they were in a mosque.
Video courtesy of Jobair Islam.
Two shifts set aside for evening prayers
Jobair Islam, 31, a migrant worker from Bangladesh who has worked in Singapore for nearly nine years, is grateful for the opportunity to participate in communal prayers again.
This was not possible in previous years due to Covid-19 regulations, as workers had to observe safe distancing and wear masks.
"I go for the prayers every day," he told Mothership.
After breakfast, he will join the group of workers for morning prayers at around 5am or so, before he starts work at 8am.
However, he said that it gets even more crowded at around 9 in the evening, after Muslim workers have ended work and broken their fast.
A tarpaulin is laid out to accommodate the large group of Muslim workers gathering for Ramadan prayers, with the dormitory complex in the background. Photo courtesy of Jobair Islam.
One of the leaders of the dorm's Muslim community leading the group of migrant workers in salat prayers. Photo courtesy of Jobair Islam.
Photo courtesy of Jobair Islam.
Hence, two shifts, from 9-10pm, and 10-11pm, are set aside in order to accommodate all the workers for their evening prayers.
A group of seven leaders, who are fellow Muslim workers from the dormitory, ensure that the space is set up properly and take turns to lead the prayers.
Thankful for the support of the management
Jobair explained that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) had spoken to the dormitory management to provide this arrangement, since the start of Ramadan this year.
On top of setting aside the space for them, the management provides the prayer mats, speakers and microphones used in their services.
He agreed that having a large space on the dormitory premises for prayers has been a huge blessing for Muslim workers wanting to observe Ramadan.
After all, travelling to the nearest mosque would take at least 15 minutes, which could be a tiring journey especially after a day of hard work.
Jobair was thankful for the support of the management, as engaging in communal prayers helped him to grow closer to God and the community.
It's something he has not always had the chance to do as a migrant worker in Singapore.
"It's great to be able to pray together during this holy month," he concluded, "And it reminds me of home."
Top image courtesy of Jobair Islam.
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