17 March 2025
For Muslims in Defence, Ramadan presents a set of unique challenges.
Mental and physical fatigue, prayer schedules and a change in meal timings are just some.
It is observed on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with observers fasting from dawn until sunset.
In Australia, this falls between February 27 and March 29.
The fast is not only an exercise in physical restraint but a period of spiritual renewal.
During these dates, Muslims cultivate empathy for those less fortunate and develop a sense of patience, perseverance and resilience.
Members have to cope with maintaining the fast while managing the physical demands of military service.
Dehydration, keeping focus and alertness can become daunting.
According to Navy Chaplain Mogamat Majidih Essa, educating personnel will reduce stress for Muslims.
“It’s important for staff to understand what [Ramadan] entails,” Chaplain Essa said.
It could be as simple as units providing Islamic calendars, arranging grab-and-go meals or adjusting schedules to accommodate prayer.
'Commanders and managers need to be cognisant about fatigue management during Ramadan.'
If fasting could entail a safety risk, Muslims can break their fast and make it up at a later date.
They often begin practising fasting from a young age, starting with partial days and gradually increasing.
For Flight Lieutenant Ayah Khalid, Ramadan was hardest during initial employment training at Wagga in 2022.
The mess wasn’t able to accommodate her eating schedule, leading her to manage her own meals.
“They said they couldn’t give me breakfast the day before because of safety concerns,” Flight Lieutenant Khalid said.
“Other messes such as East Sale during officer training was greatly accommodating.”
She wants personnel to be aware of Ramadan and its impact on observing members.
“Commanders and managers need to be cognisant about fatigue management during Ramadan,” Flight Lieutenant Khalid said.
“We don’t expect them to know it all; we Muslims are happy to answer questions pertaining to Ramadan or otherwise to support them.”
At her current posting she is working with the chaplain to establish a prayer room as a means to raise awareness.
The aim is to provide a space for prayer, meditation and respite during Ramadan.
