‘Faith helped me in crisis’

COMEDIAN Hasan Minhaj has credited his Muslim faith for helping him cope through the Covid-19 crisis.

The Patriot Act host who is isolating with his wife and two children, said the global pandemic had taught him to be “grateful for the basics”. “(Things) that we often take for granted; food, shelter, water, health and safety,” he said. “Boredom and cabin fever is a blessing compared to what people around the world are going through.

“Ramadan gives us an opportunity to give charity (zakat) and help those who need it most right now.”

Muslims celebrate Eid, when Muslims break their fast and celebrate with loved ones. For Minhaj and his family, they plan to connect with relatives and friends through virtual calling apps, such as Zoom. Despite keeping in touch with people as much as possible, Minhaj admitted he missed the feeling of community during Ramadan. “Whether it is Friday prayer (jummah) or the night prayers (taraweeh), I miss that opportunity to feel connected to a community,” he said.