Zooming Ramadan--Practicing the Fasting Pillar of Islam during COVID-19

posted on: Apr 29, 2020

Stressful times, including pandemics, have been with us for millennia, but this pandemic of the COVID-19 virus is the first time many of us have experienced such behavior-altering moments.  Some may be reminded of the shutdown of 9/11, the austerity of World War II, and the poverty and outright misery inflicted more than a century ago by the Great Depression. The Covid pandemic, however, has brought the entire world to a practical standstill. In this context, the celebration of Ramadan in 2020 will be unique.

The meaning of Fasting in stressful times

Fasting for Muslims, as we probably know, lasts from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is one of the five main pillars of Islam and requires the fast for 30 days and comprises a time when Muslims celebrate family ties and other loved ones. Foremost, it is one of the most definitive pillars, in which reconnecting the faithful to Allah, is the object. The fast is broken by a meal at sunset and, according to the newspaper, Daily Sabah, it provides “for the ever-enchanting sense of affinity and friendship.” Called the iftar, this fast-breaking meal is so important in reinforcing religious and community ties, that to imagine someone partaking of it alone is to invoke a sense of sadness.

So, in this time of pestilence, the question arises, how to observe the month of Ramadan while Muslims, like almost everyone else, are experiences lockdowns, quarantines, and social distancing? Perhaps for many who are usually preoccupied with work during this holy month, the pandemic could turn out to be a fine time to catch up with family and friends. The Daily Sabah noted that even the Prophet Mohamed as long ago as 1400 years understood the place of plagues in people’s lives and how to deal with them: “If you hear of an outbreak of a plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.” It is only one additional step to imagine the Prophet’s advice to experiencing Ramadan during such a plague, namely, again from the Daily Sabah, “being alive and well during Ramadan in self-quarantine may even be the first and foremost thing to be grateful for.” What follows borrows broadly from the Daily Sabah.

The reality of fasting during this trying time

Embracing Covid19s reality – Along with most other people, Muslims understand the need to practice self-quarantining, social distancing, and hand-washing. The virus is still out there, all around us, and we must continue staying at home as long as it is unsafe to venture out.

Observing the fast online – Not only can you invite all your family to celebrate virtually, keep in touch with them virtually on social media, and order all your iftar needs on line. There’s Face Time, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Houseparty, among several others. While Zoom has been used by Jews celebrating the Passover seter meal, which they dubbed the ‘zeter,’ and Christians celebrating Easter, which they called ‘zeaster,’ it has experienced some hits by hackers and is thus not trusted by all users. Prior to celebrating the iftar itself, you can share recipes not only for the iftar but the suhoor, the meal that starts before the fast in the morning.

Practicing Islam digitally – Besides fasting and breaking the fast, Ramadan is about practicing the deeper meaning of the Faith, including repentance, rebonding with Allah, and reviewing one’s success or failure in meeting all of one’s duties as a Muslim. Instead of reciting the muqabala or phrases from the Qur’an in unison while at the mosque, do so online.

 Being alert to the dangers of Covid-19 – One can apply many principles from Islam in a variety of ways in observing Ramadan. Adhering to the rules of the general society by sheltering at home, applying the proposed practices of hygiene, and masking and distancing while in public is essential.

Self-reflecting and celebrating loved ones – Because of greater availability of time during this particular Ramadan, this is the perfect moment to catch up with the extended family and friends. Perhaps when these eerie times return to normal, we hope by the next Ramadan, all of the difficulties of the past year will be behind us.

Not to end on a sour note, but not all Muslims around the world are following the stay at home rules essential to curbing the virus. As the New York Times reported, this small minority is parading in public and attending mosque en masse, in an attempt to fulfill what they believe is God’s command, especially during Ramadan. However, they must remember the words of the Prophet quoted earlier about staying in place during the plague. That basically means not exposing oneself to the virus nor spreading it among others.

With that proviso, to all of our Muslim friends: Ramadan Karim.

References:

“Ramadan during coronavirus: An opportunity to appreciate loved ones, be grateful and self-reflect,” Daily Sabah, 4/19/2020

“As Ramadan Begins, Muslims (Mostly) Accede to Pandemic Orders,” New York Times, Declan Walsh, 4/24/2020

John Mason, PhD., who focuses on Arab culture, society, and history, is the author of LEFT-HANDED IN AN ISLAMIC WORLD: An Anthropologist’s Journey into the Middle East, New Academia Publishing, 2017. He has taught at the University of Libya, Benghazi, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, and the American University in Cairo; John served with the United Nations in Tripoli, Libya, and consulted extensively on socioeconomic and political development for USAID and the World Bank in 65 countries.

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