Ramadan 2020 – Preparing to Fast During COVID-19

Tonight marks the start of Ramadan 2020 for many, a Ramadan unlike those that came before it. Usually, Ramadan is a community function, with many coming together to break fast in a communal environment. The UK’s three million Muslims will have to fast and celebrate the holy month during lockdown.

Many of the traditions around Ramadan involve gathering together, community work and charity, which has to be compromised due to the restrictions put in place. But what adjustments are recommended?

Guidance from The Muslim Council of Britain has provided guidance on how Muslims can continue to practise their faith during the lockdown.

The MCB recommends:

• Organising taraweeh (group congregational prayer) at home as a family and pray in congregation.
• Streaming Islamic lectures or taraweeh speeches in your home, either pre-recorded or live.
• Arranging virtual iftars (breaking of the fast) with loved ones and community members through online video calling like Zoom, WhatsApp or Skype.
• Planning your evening meals in advance so that you can limit multiple shopping trips.
• Hydrating well for the long fasting days.
• Eating high energy, slow burn foods for suhoor (starting your fast).
• Remaining energised throughout the workday to combat heightened levels of anxiety during these times.
• Take regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself.
• Take time to be good to yourself – “sometimes it is quality over quantity.”

Will communal worship be allowed?

Communal worship is not allowed due to social distancing. However, you can still join in online with many community speeches and prayers being provided by many local mosques or the wider online Islamic community.

Will the Masjid/Mosques and prayer facilities be open?

The short answer is no. As with all other religious and communal areas and events, mosques and prayer facilities are shut during the lockdown.

While it is not possible for mosques to serve iftar on their premises or as a group, many are providing boxed food for those that are in need within the wider community, including NHS staff.

Lectures and recitations and supplications will be done via live stream or video link.

There is also lots of community work that can be done virtually that can be found on MCB socials.

Whilst it may be difficult to practice your faith in these testing times, take solace in the fact that we are all in this together, no matter what status, creed or the colour of your skin, these are unprecedented times that pose a challenge unlike any seen before.

I pray that everyone that is going to begin their fasts tonight, has a beautiful month of Ramadan in good health and I look forward to celebrating Eid ul Fitr with you all.

Ramadan Kareem and Mubarak to you all.

With the blessings of Allah.

– Roheel

#Ramadanathome