Ramadan in Lockdown: has the community spirit been lost?

Photography by Camera Eye on Flickr

Adila Mir explores how the Muslim community are adapting in the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Coronavirus pandemic has inflicted so much pain and suffering in the UK and around the world. How do you go about observing and celebrating a fundamental part of your religion during these hard times? Is this even possible?

Around two million Muslims in the UK and 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide have started a spiritual journey of fasting in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Due the Covid-19 pandemic, Ramadan 2020 has certainly proved unusual, to say the least.

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims believe the Quran (the holy book of Muslims) was revealed. This is also a month when Muslims fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam sawm, which is Arabic for “fasting”. Muslims fast by abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities from sunrise to sunset for the whole month. Fasting allows Muslims to reflect on themselves and their actions, and encourages a high level of self-discipline. It is also a way of spiritual purification.

Ramadan also represents a time of community and togetherness – all the more important in the current climate. Fasting reminds Muslims of their less-fortunate brothers and sisters, those suffering from hunger and starvation; reminding Muslims to be grateful for their privileges. 

There are many other ways Ramadan brings the Muslim community together. Whether that's breaking your fast with relatives, friends, and your community; or congregating for taraweeh prayers (additional prayers performed in Ramadan exclusively) at the Mosque. Ramadan is a moment to gather together, serve the community, and be kind to one another.

The lockdown has significantly affected Muslims celebrating Ramadan. For one thing, Mosques around the UK have temporarily closed and congregational prayers suspended. There are no taraweeh prayers and recitations of the Quran at the Mosque. Things many Muslims looked forward to – like meeting up with friends at the Mosque, and praying the special taraweeh prayers – are no longer occurring. Inviting relatives and friends over to break fasts (iftar) together – a popular event amongst many Muslims – can also no longer happen. Muslims who do not have family or friends celebrating Ramadan find themselves alone, missing out on the community feeling. Joyous times in the month have threatened to turn sour.

Despite these problems, many Muslims around the UK have navigated these new circumstances in creative ways to keep the Ramadan spirit alive. Technology has aided this immensely. With thanks to live streaming and group calls, Muslims can listen to live Quran recitations and watch live prayers around the world, where Covid-19 figures are low and controlled. Muslims are able to catch up with their relatives and friends, and virtual iftars are popular for those Muslims spending Ramadan alone.

Others have turned their homes into Mosques, by decorating their homes with familiar intricate designs and praying in congregation with their own families at home, taraweeh prayers included!

One of the most important aspects of Ramadan that has been kept alive is the giving of charity, and the emphasis on generosity. The Muslim Charities Forum estimates that Muslims in the UK alone donate around £130 million to charity every year during Ramadan. On average, 40% of the annual incomes of charities like Islamic Relief and Human Appeal are expected to be raised during Ramadan. However, matching these figures is proving difficult for charities, as traditional forms of fundraising during Ramadan – like collections at Mosques and charity fundraising dinners – have been postponed in line with social distancing measures. 

To counteract this, charities have increased their online presence by televising live charity appeals across multiple channels and countries. Online donating is being made easier through the use of social media and donating apps like the “Islam Channel Giving”. Many of these charities have set up Covid-19 emergency appeals which provide food parcels, hygiene kits, and safety guides to the most vulnerable, nationally and internationally. Given the current crisis, and need for medical aid and protection kits, Muslims are being constantly reminded not to forget the virtues of charity, to continue giving, and to fulfil their responsibilities to the community. 

Although Ramadan this year has proved challenging in some ways, this has not stopped Muslims from trying to keep the Ramadan community spirit alive, all while staying at home. The Quran teaches Muslims never to lose hope, and to continue to support their communities for the overall good. This Ramadan proves to be a bitter-sweet moment, and one that will be remembered forever.  

"Verily, with every hardship, there is ease"

The Quran (Chapter 94, Verse 5)

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