Letter is sent out advising Muslims on the best way to stay safe and adhere to strict social-distancing rules during the holy month of Ramadan
- NSW government threatens Muslim community with fines ahead of Ramadan
- The community will celebrate the Holy month with 30 days of fasting from Friday
- A letter with a police logo was sent out warning of fines for COVID-19 breaches
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
The Lighthouse Community Support group in Sydney has been preparing food hampers for the elderly who will be experiencing Ramadan alone in isolation
A letter has been sent out by police advising Muslims on the best way to follow COVID-19 regulations during Ramadan.
The letter was sent out on Tuesday warning community members of the rules around social distancing ahead of Friday's month-long celebration.
The handout, which features a government and New South Wales police letterhead was distributed around the Bankstown area in Western Sydney.
'We acknowledge the importance and significance of the Holy month of Ramadan for our Muslim Community,' the letter reads.
'Unfortunately due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic social engagements and gatherings such as house dinners or general entertaining is in breach of these restrictions.'
The New South Wales government has threatened the Muslim community with $1,000 fines for anyone caught breaching COVID-19 regulations during Ramadam
Under COVID-19 regulations the traditional festivities like gatherings for Eid-Al-Fitr will be considered an illegal gathering (Pictured: the Muslim community celebrates the end of Ramadan 2019 with a prayer at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney)
'That means Ramadan 2020 cannot involve having extended family or friends over unless they are residing at the same address.'
Visitors who breach the government's stay at home directive to attend Ramadan celebrations will be fined, rather than the person hosting the event.
Friday April 24 marks the first day of the 30 day of celebration where the Muslim community fasts each day before sunrise to after sunset.
Families and friends then gather in each others homes to break their fast when the sun goes down.
The holy month ends with the three day celebration Eid-Al-Fitr where the community gathers once again for a traditional feast with family and friends.
Under COVID-19 regulations the traditional festivities will be considered an illegal gathering.
Mosques across the country were closed down on March 18 after the government introduced stronger restrictions around gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Sydney's Al Bayan Islamic radio station told SBS News they will be running daily sermons, live lessons, Q&A sessions and conferences during Ramadan to offer a way to celebrate.
'There are services like the congregational Friday prayers, regular Friday prayers and Ramadan night prayers that will be missed, as well as the benefit of attending services physically to receive religious instruction. That is something many Muslims will be missing,' Statio spokersperson Sheikh Jalal Chami said.
The Australian National Imams Council issued a statement on Monday urging the community to adhere to social distancing during the Holy month.
'Whilst mosques and Islamic Centres are closed indefinitely and the Holy month of Ramadan is only days away, ANIC encourages the community to conduct Taraweeh (Nightly) prayers at home with their household members and to continue maintaining the spirit of Ramadan through the observation of spiritual practice at home and observation,' the council said.
PICTURED: Members of the Muslim community celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with prayer at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney in 2019
PICTURED: Ramadan 2019 in Sydney featured a nightly food market at Lakemba in Sydney's Western suburbs where the community could gather after sunset to break their fast
PICTURED: A young family celebrates Ramadan 2019 at Lakemba's food markets in Sydney's west
PICTURED: Community members are seen lining up to try the various desserts on sale at the monthly festival at Lakemba during the holy month of Ramadan in 2019
