RAMADAN IN THE TIME OF COVID-19.
”O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.” (Quran 2:183)
We are three days shy of the holy month of Ramadhan. Muslims all over the world have to reconcile with the fact that this year the holy month will be a different one. Ramadhan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. With it comes a number of responsibilities among them saum(fasting), Taraweeh(congregational night prayers) Suhoor(pre-dawn meal before fasting) and Iftar(the meal had after breaking the fast).In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, a few of the religious acts might not be practiced openly. This is because of the lockdown that has been initiated by most countries. Congregational prayers will not take place as gatherings of any kind have been outlawed. In Kenya, a curfew has been imposed at 7.00 p.m EAT hence no one can leave for the mosques as is the norm during Ramadhan evenings.
As a Muslim, Ramadhan is a different kind of month. This is a time of self-reflection. A period where one strives to get closer to the creator. Ramadhan acts as a cleanse, a means in which a believer’s sins are forgiven if he or she follows the right path. If the fasting ios sound then the reward is sound. The holy month is observed as not only month of fasting and prayer but also one that upholds unity and community. A trend that will thoroughly be missed this year.
Religious traditions are just one aspect of the Muslim holy month, as it is also a time in which Muslims make a special effort to spend time with their families, particularly during the iftar meal. To be clear, for people isolating with their immediate family members, life would continue on pretty much normally. However, one of the great traditions of Ramadan is inviting friends and relatives over to break the fast together. Lockdowns and social distancing measures will make doing so this year near impossible.
My plan is to use zoom to host iftar dinners for where there is a will there’s a way.