For the second year in a row, Muslims around the world have been facing certain restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan. In some countries, mosques are being closed, which means no collective taraweeh prayers are held, while in others it is allowed to gather together in order to break their daylong fast and life is gradually returning to its normal course, but with the requisite requirements being met.
Thus, for instance, another lockdown was imposed in Pakistan. Theologians are encouraging believers to strictly adhere to the sanitation and hygiene requirements prescribed by the government and health workers. Most markets and shopping centers in the country are closed, with only fruit and vegetable bazaars open.
Quarantine measures are less strict in Egypt – the curfew has been abolished this year. In some Egyptian mosques, taraweeh prayers are recited, but with all measures of social distancing. The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) has issued instructions to officials to ensure that prayers are conducted safely. Prayers in mosques are broadcast live, that is why worshippers can follow them at home. Religious lectures and sermons are also broadcast online and via social networks.
In Morocco, it has been decided to extend the curfew, while in Tunisia – to shorten it. The Jordanian government has met the wishes of worshippers by easing the quarantine regime and allowed citizens to visit a mosque twice a day – at sunrise and sunset.
The situation in Turkey is not easy at all – due to a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, restrictions have been re-imposed over the holy month of Ramadan. Turkey took similar measures last year because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced a re-introduction of nationwide weekend restrictions. Now all cafes and restaurants are closed and believers are prohibited to gather together for iftar. Taraweeh prayers in mosques are also forbidden.
At least three hours before iftar, more public transport will be involved in order to prevent possible traffic jams. The authorities are continuing to check and enforce sanitary and epidemiological regulations aimed at ensuring social distancing and preventing congestion in supermarkets and markets.
In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan Tent Project organization, which holds free outdoor iftars during Ramadan, has already begun organizing virtual iftars, during which well-known speakers and scholars deliver sermons on topical issues. The organization has also launched an unusual virtual online project, the essence of which is to unite, albeit online, believers in this holy for all the Muslims month. Among the services provided there are suhoor and iftar recipes, prayer times and various festive decorations. In addition to it, online iftars include quizzes, master classes in handicrafts and spiritual talks.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), in Saudi Arabia, only people who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine, recovered from the infection or those who have received one dose of the vaccine more than 14 days before attending a mosque may pray at the Sacred Mosque. Each person’s vaccination status must be registered on the Tawakkalna application. It is also known that about three million bottles of Zamzam water will be distributed to worshippers and visitors during Ramadan, which amounts around 100 000 bottles of water per day. Each worshipper is individually provided with dates and water for iftar. It is forbidden to distribute suhoor and iftar in the area adjacent to mosques. The practice of itikaf – staying in a mosque for a certain number of days and devoting oneself to worship – has also been suspended. Last year, Saudi Arabia suspended taraweeh prayers at the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca and the al-Nabawi mosque in Medina in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
In the UAE, the authorities have allowed taraweeh prayers to be recited at mosques, contrary to last year’s ban. However, Ramadan tents and collective iftars are still strictly prohibited. Restaurants have also been banned from holding inside and outside iftars.
In Central Asia, collective taraweeh prayers have also been canceled. Sermons, as well as answers to the most urgent questions during the month of Ramadan will be held online. Thus, for instance, Almaty residents will be able to listen to recitations of the Quran in social networks and on the official portal of the Muftiate. The call center of the Central Mosque in Almaty has been already answering all questions concerning fasting and religious services.
As part of the Blessed Ramadan Gifts and Iftar Baskets campaigns run by Kazakhstani Muslims, everyone can carry out charity work and deliver food baskets to the homes of families in need. The campaign is conducted through the involvement of volunteers and mosque staff. Besides, during the holy month of Ramadan there will be held online lectures on the mosques’ accounts in the social networks under the headings: ‘Learning to Read Namaz’, ‘Learning to Read the Quran’, ‘Welcome Ramadan’, ’30 Sermons in 30 Days’, ‘Minbar of the Chief Imam’ and intellectual educational online contests.
As far as Russia is concerned, for instance, in the regions of the North Caucasus there are no certain restrictions, and on the territory of Tatarstan, collective iftars are held in mosques, but the total number of people does not exceed 100 people at a time. The traditional Republican iftar will also take place, which last year underwent some changes due to the compulsory self-isolation. Taraweeh prayers are also conducted in Tatarstan’s mosques in compliance with all norms: individual mats, personal protective equipment and distance.
Is there any transformation of other worship because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The last 10 days of Ramadan are especially revered and dedicated to intense worship, because it was during this period that the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad. The exact date of the Night of Predestination is unknown, but it is among the odd nights of the last 10 days of the month. Some Muslims prefer to live and sleep in a mosque during this time (itikaf) in order to focus solely on their relationship with the Almighty. This year, a lot of mosques have abandoned the practice of itikaf.
The Muslim Council of Great Britain has stated that itikaf is not recommended and that risk assessments should be carried out in advance at possible itikaf locations. The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) has also banned mosques from holding classes and seminars.
Charity and COVID-19
The most important part of the holy month of Ramadan is charity and helping those in need. The coronavirus pandemic has led to job losses and a lot of people have felt the effects of the economic downturn. Last year, some charitable organizations reported an increase in donations. Before the pandemic, fundraising had usually been held during public events, such as after collective prayers or at large gatherings during iftar. However, online charity platforms are becoming more popular and are considered to be a convenient way to help others.
During the month of Ramadan, it is also customary to take part in volunteer movement, collecting food parcels and delivering them to people in need.
WHO recommendations for the month of Ramadan
The World Health Organization has developed a series of recommendations for the month of Ramadan. First of all, experts highlight the importance of taking precautions during the coronavirus pandemic, since the risk of infection is still high.
Experts have urged believers to wear personal protective equipment – a masks and gloves - during Ramadan, as well as to disinfect their hands. It is better to hold all public events outdoors, limiting the number of participants and the duration of an event. When travelling, it is a good idea to use private transport if it is possible. Those who feel unwell, should avoid crowded places and stay at home. The same applies to those at risk, such as people over 60 and those with chronic illnesses.
Ilmira Gafiyatullina
Photo: Creative Commons