Ramadan is one of the most sacred months for Muslims. The occasion is filled with fasting, prayers, and looking back at things, being grateful for what you have. Bringing people together, this is a very important time for Muslims all over the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made things difficult for Muslims to observe their ceremonies the way they were used to, says Sara Qalbani from Saint Louis University.
Due to the social distancing in place, the possibility of Taraweeh – a specific prayer only said in the month of Ramadan – which is usually observed together at the Mosque after Iftar every night, is minimal. Instead, they are being observed at home now. Kaba, a Muslim holy site, also remains closed for safety measures for the first time since its opening. One of the main themes of Ramadan is giving back and many Mosques put together meals to give to homeless people. This cannot be done in the given situation either. The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis has released a schedule on how regular Ramadan programs can happen online. However, this cannot be an equivalent replacement for the feeling of community and togetherness that observing the religious ceremony together will have.
Apart from these concerns that Muslim community as a whole face, individuals within the group are also deeply affected. Healthcare workers combating the pandemic find it difficult to observe fasting, which asks for a commitment for more than twelve hours, as they work long hours. Those infected with the virus find it even more difficult because fasting could reduce the immunity of the person, making their health conditions worse. As in Islam it is advised to fast only if you are able to, there is some relief for these individuals, in terms of religious conscience.
N Malavika Mohan