The holy month of Ramadan set to begin on April 23 to 23/24 May 2020. Ramadan is typically a time of increased communal activity for Britain’s three million Muslims.
But this Ramadan will be a very different experience for Muslims all over the world during the COVID19 lockdown in accordance with public health advice.
The Muslim Council of Britain’s (MCB) advised Muslim stay at home this Ramadan.
In March, majority of the mosques in the UK cancelled all congregational worship, including Friday prayers, in mosques and masjids until the danger of coronavirus passes.
The Muslim Council of Britain has said in written statement:
“At present, it is unlikely that social distancing measures will be lifted and we will be able to return to our normal routines. As such, congregational acts of worship for Muslims outside of the home will still be banned to stop the spread of the virus – this includes taraweeh prayers at the mosque or anywhere outside our own homes, spiritual talks in the community or iftars (breaking of the fast) with friends and family to attend. We will all be seeking to adapt to these changes while still enjoying the spiritual lift and community spirit that Ramadan provides.
It is important to plan our Ramadan activities given these restrictions. Consider:
. Organise taraweeh at home as a family and pray as a congregation.
. Stream Islamic lectures or taraweeh to your home., either pre-recorded or live
. Try to organise virtual iftars with extended family and the community through the many online video calling facilities available.
. Plan your iftar menus in advance so that you can limit multiple shopping trips and limit exposure given social distancing measures.
. Hydrate well for the long work days. Dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches, lack of focus/concentration.
. Eat high energy, slow burn foods for suhoor (starting your fast) – It is important that you remain energised throughout the workday, especially as we can experience heightened levels of anxiety during these times.
. Take regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself.
. Life can be full, and we try to fill it with more worship during Ramadan. We all want to pray more and this can help with anxiety but it is important to be good to yourself – sometimes it is quality over quantity.”
