Today, the Holy month of Ramadan starts in most of the Arab countries. The fasting has already started in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bahrain, etc.
In a number of North African States, meanwhile, it will only start on Saturday.
This year, believers will fast in a new reality in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions.
The hardest of them was the ban on visiting mosques. Even the two main shrines of Islam – the Great Mosque in Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina-are not functioning now. The al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem will be also closed during the Holy month.
A number of countries, meanwhile, have made some concessions on the occasion of Ramadan. So, in Egypt, the curfew was reduced by an hour, allowing relatives to spend iftars together.
In the UAE, it is allowed to visit relatives during the day and gather together, but in groups of no more than 10 people.
Bahrain has even authorized public prayer in the al-Fateh mosque, but under a number of conditions: an Imam and no more than five people can be inside at the same time, who are required to maintain a social distance. At the same time, all prayers will be broadcast on television.
In Iraq, before Ramadan, movement around the city was allowed from 06: 00 to 19: 00, and some shops are also opening.
The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin congratulated Russian Muslims on Ramadan. In the address published on the website of the Religious Board of the Russian Federation, is noted:
"The fast of the month of Ramadan is a time for performing good deeds. This year is very difficult. The ordeal sent to the world, the difficulties common to all people, which brought disunity and unusual conditions of life, are given to us for strengthening the spirit and should not cause discouragement and discontent, mental discomfort. We will be able to overcome this period — the strength is given to us by the ideals of kindness and humanity that are laid by the Creator in each of us and forever. We believe and remember what Islam teaches: fasting is the path to God-fearing, and the one who fasts is closer to the Creator than anyone else.
Humanity is facing a tremendous challenge from the pandemic. The virus burns our souls, causing losses, provoking a new cycle of economic crisis. We pray for the souls of tens of thousands of victims and for the health of millions of infected people. Many are confused and fearful for their future and the future of their children after months of survival, at the risk of impoverishment.
I urge not to take the path of disobedience to the temporary prohibitions of today. Do not direct yourself to destruction with your own hands. Having preserved human dignity, we need to preserve human life, protect ourselves, our loved ones, and God's gift — nature itself and the Earth. This is the only way to keep your soul righteous."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Mücahit Yıldız / Pixabay