How the Pandemia of Coronavirus Will Change Ramadan

What you need to know about fasting, prayer, charity, health and Bajram, between global impasses and closings of mosques, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muslims worldwide will spend the holy month of Ramadan under severe closure and restrictions due to the outbreak of the coronavirus that has paralysed entire countries.

Ramadan is the most sacred month for Muslims, in which they fast during the hours of the day, pray and also share food for communities.

But, with strict regulations and physical distance directives implemented to limit the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 disease, many of the Ramadan rituals and traditions will be limited this year.

“I can't remember anything like this happened before”, said about Al JazeeraMoed Faizal Moussa, a researcher at the University of Malaysia Institute of Nationals, records Telegrafi.

“Was World War II or there were natural disasters, but from past literature, historical texts and various archives, I discovered that Muslims still met during Ramadan, despite war or disasters, and still attended their religious rituals together”.

Anyway, this time we're facing another enemy. It can be ruthless and invisible”.

What Will Fast Be Like?

During the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a meal prior to the dawn called ifyr and spoil their fast after sundown with a meal called iftar.

Failure to fast is usually a local issue. It is common for mosques to organize Iftars, especially for the poor.

But because of the pandemic, which has spread to 185 nations, many countries this year have advised citizens to avoid large gatherings and to keep an eye on individuals or with families at home.

In Egypt, for example, all Ramadan activities, including members of groups and charity tables, are prohibited.

The World Health Organization (OBSH) has advised the use of virtual alternatives where possible for social and religious gatherings.

Ramadan month markets with stables selling food, drink and clothing are usually not allowed in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

Rosana Isa, head of the Malaysia-based group “Sisters in Islam”, said this would have a “major economic impact” on small businesses and single mothers, who rely heavily on this source of income.

Meanwhile, as food consumption usually grows in Ramadan, there are concerns about panic buying and falling supplies amid the impasses.

Physical distance directives will also weaken Ramadan's spirit, Isa told Al Jazeera, submits Telegrafi.

With this occasion when we have to practice physical distance, not to greet each other so that we usually greet ourselves by embracing our fellow Muslims or holding their hands. This would obviously have an impact on spirit”, she estimates.

Can people still pray together?

Group prayer is prohibited in several places, and many mosques are temporarily closed.

Saudi Arabia has suspended Tarawih's special prayers at night at mosques, as is Jordan, asking citizens to do them at home.

In Iran, one of the most hit countries in the region, Supreme Leader Ayatolah Ali Khamenei has also urged people to avoid collective prayers.

In the Malaysian state of Selangor, Sultan has suspended religious activities at the mosque until at least May 31.

In the meantime, Pakistan will allow X-ray prayers at the mosque during Ramadan, but worshipers must keep a distance of two meters (six meters) from each other and are encouraged to bring their “defences”

At Jerusalem's Al-Axa Mosque complex, which will be closed to Muslim worshipers throughout Ramadan, the call for prayer will continue to take place five times a day, and religious workers are allowed entry.

Mosques in the United Kingdom and elsewhere will make direct sermons, ferranical recitals, and prayers.

Muslims will also be able to participate in religious lectures through the video Zoom, Facebook and YouTube conference app.

For us, the connection between whether it is through classrooms, Koran recitals, or through prayer at the mosque we will now try to get used to our” homes, says Aisha Amir, a Pakistani Islamic teacher and motivating speaker, who will give daily lectures live on Facebook during Ramadan.

How can you offer charity to the poor?

Giving charity and zebras, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is encouraged during Ramadan.

In the United Arab Emirates, where there has been a nationwide stalemate since March 26th, charities will provide food for iftar for the poor instead of serving in Ramadan tents or mosques.

But in Saudi Arabia, the Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina will not provide food for iftar for people in need this year.

For security reasons, religious and health experts have advised the use of online methods to donate aid to NGOs for those affected by the explosion.

To avoid gathering full of people connected to Iftars, consider using pre-packed individual boxes/food”, the World Health Organization advised, in Ramadan guidelines.

These can be organised by centralized units and institutions, which should hold physical distance throughout the cycle (gathering, package, storage and distribution)”.

Can you fast with symptoms of COVID-19?

In all cases, it is essential to seek medical advice from your doctor.

According to the Koran, sick people are free from fasting and can make compensation for lost fasting within a year after Ramadan.

Older women, pregnant women and those elders are also allowed to charge “fasting”.

Hence, according to Isa, if you are experiencing serious symptoms of coronavirus, it is recommended that you do not fast.

“In Islam, it is very clear who should fast and who is exempt from fasting, especially for those who are experiencing a particular illness and I think that with the symptoms of the coronavirus we don't sound like a disease that is something that's an easy”, Isa said.

Amir said that if an individual is not under doctor supervision and coughing and their flu is not serious, then one can continue fasting.

This depends on the immunity of the person, if the symptoms are mild and if he is patient as the normal cough and the flu in which there is no danger for your life... continue with your fasts as long as it is not affecting your physical health”.

How can Bajram be celebrated in a pandemic?

Fiter Bajrami's holiday marks the end of Ramadan.

With the country's deadlock measures and major banned gatherings, this year's celebrations will be reduced.

The Indonesian Council Ulema recommends that people living and working in other cities should refrain from visiting their homelands on vacation.

Whether nations will remove or facilitate Bajram's closure measures remains unclear.

Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti has said that if the explosion continues, Bayram's prayers could be carried out at home.

“... Bajrami this year will be in a limited manner”, Musa said at Malaysia's National University, records Telegrafi.

This will be different. A small Bajrami holiday will be held among family members”.

This will be less fun for children and they will remember this era or year to tell their children and future generations”. /Telegraphy/