Ramadan this year is a bit different because of COVID-19, and it has made many Muslims disheartened because all the communal gatherings are forsaken. Now in most countries, it is not possible to offer prayers at the mosque. “Tarawih” the night prayer also had to face a no signal from the global community. Moreover, the large family iftar dinners are now not taking place where many people used to get the chance to gather with their family and friends. Even Egypt has banned all sort of charity and iftar gatherings for the Muslims there because safety precautions should be followed, and it is good for our health. Emphasize is given on doing sehri and iftari with few number of people because large groups can be harmful for the spread of disease. Apart from all these effects let us find out more about how Coronavirus has affected the Holy month of Ramadan!

breaking of fast
  • Effects of Coronavirus on Ramadan:

Ramadan is known to be a month of religious practices that are done by fasting from water and food for 29-30 days, depending on the moon. When Muslims fast, they avoid food and water from dusk till dawn in respect of the Holy month. Due to COVID-19, an opportunity of physical distancing also added up because now Muslims are able to connect with God deeply at an intimate level. On the other hand, it is also very important to take care of your health if you are a Muslim and fasting because a thought can also arise in the human mind that dehydration can lead towards becoming a victim of coronavirus. Some doctors also recommend keeping the mucus membrane as moist as possible, so if you are feeling extremely sick, then you should think about your health first because concession is granted by the God to the sick ones in this Holy month.

  • The situation of Mosques:

If we talk about the mosques then all over the world, many mosques are closed. King Salman of Saudi Arabia gave orders to shorten the Tarawih prayers, which will now be held without the presence of public attendance at the mosques of Madina and Mecca. The state of Selangor at Malaysia has also taken their decision, and it is decided to postpone all sort of religious activities taking place at the mosque till 31st May, or we could say that till this whole pandemic mess is sorted out. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is decided that Muslims will offer prayers at the mosque during Ramadan with a distance of at least 6 feet. For offering prayers, they can also bring their prayer mats.

mosque

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the mosques are live streaming holy sermons so that Muslims can benefit at their best. In the United Arab Emirates, instead of giving Ramadan charity to the needy ones in tents, this time due to the pandemic they are delivering it to them personally.

  • Conclusion : Though COVID-19 is trying its best to demotivate the high spirits of Muslims in the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims have decided that an excuse of getting sick cannot weaken them but to strengthen their relationship with God. Whatever the situation is right now, people all around the world including the Muslims are trying their level best to cope with the effects of this global pandemic, and that everybody’s firm faith remains in God’s to bless the whole world.