ESSENCE OF RAMADAAN REMAINS DESPITE COVID CHALLENGES
RAMADAAN is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the second year that families will not gather together during this auspicious period, which is expected to start on April 12.
The spread of Covid-19 has impacted much of the world’s population, with governments imposing lockdowns and strict measures to curb the spread of the virus.
The President of Religious Affairs in Turkey, Dr Ali Erbas posted on his Twitter page that due to the epidemic, they will not have crowded iftar tables this year, but this was not an obstacle to sharing their iftar.
“We will bring our hearts and prayers together at the iftar tables of the poor and the foreigner, with our in-kind and monetary aids,” said Erbas.
“As a result of our multi-faceted evaluations and consultations with the authorised bodies of our state, especially our ministry of health, we have decided that it is more appropriate to perform the taraweeh prayer in our homes rather than in mosques under the current conditions,” Erbas added.
According to the Middle East Eye, even though some people have adapted to the new normal, it would be challenging for those who used to travel abroad to be with their families during Ramadaan. They would sadly not be able to do so this year because of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in most countries.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom the government said that people who will be travelling without a valid reason would have to pay a fine.
The Muslim Council of Britain has issued a Ramadaan style guide which contains guidelines on how to minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19.
The organisation recommended shortening prayers and increasing ventilation where prayers do take place.
The Ramadaan Tent Project, a UK-based organisation which hosts free outdoor iftar meals for people during the month, said they would be hosting a virtual iftar, with prominent speakers and scholars giving sermons.
The organisation said it has also created an online virtual pack which allows people to celebrate the month together. The pack contains a Ramadaan guide, recipes, daily supplications, a worship planner, festive decorations and coupons, among other things.
The United Arab Emirates said that this year taraweeh prayers would be allowed after they were banned last year. However, Ramadaan tents and iftar gatherings were strictly prohibited. Restaurants have also been banned from distributing iftar meals inside or in front of their premises.
According to Khaleej Times, UAE retailers have announced that they would be offering their customers up to 70% discount to provide massive relief during Covid-19.
Most UAE residents prefer to stock up before Ramadaan in a bid to avoid going out to shop for groceries during the holy month.
Before the pandemic, mosques, charities and individuals would set up Ramadaan tents where Muslims could gather and break their fasts together. These events also meant that those who were less fortunate could eat without charge.