Ramadan begins amid tightened public health rules

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The holy month of Ramadan is underway, the second during the COVID-19 pandemic, for Muslims everywhere. Given tight public health rules currently in place in parts of the country, things will look much different this year.

With the virus nowhere near being under control, it means people are not able to gather together for meals every evening at sunset to break their fast, which is called iftar. They also aren’t able to gather for prayers at the mosque.

Sikander Khan, vice-president of Religious Service of the B.C. Muslim Association, admits it’s a mix of excitement for the upcoming month but there’s sadness to have things hampered by the pandemic. “These so very important event is in front of us and we are helpless.”

He adds prayers can be held outdoors only and in small numbers. Some local mosques are asking people to book their prayer spot ahead of time to avoid any potential crowding. “I must say we are very, very frustrated but the ball is not in our court. It’s not our choice,” adds Khan.

Read More: Ramadan underway for Muslims around the world 

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and it typically lasts about 30 days, which means Eid al-Fitr would be about mid-May this year.

During the month-long event, those observing Ramadan can’t eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset and that includes water, coffee, tea, even gum or a cough lozenge. People are allowed to brush their teeth as long as they don’t accidentally consume it.

Most people will get up before dawn and prior to the morning prayer, and then abstain until they break their fast when the sun goes down each night. The act of fasting is aimed at teaching self-restraint, while providing time for spiritual contemplation. It also gives people the opportunity to pause and imagine what it would be like to not know when their next meal is coming.

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There is no doubt Ramadan is challenging, especially during the spring and summer months. The fasts can be as long as 15 hours some days during that time.

Although it’s required of all practicing Muslims, there are exceptions. The very young, the very old, as well as anyone who has medical or health issues, is pregnant or breastfeeding doesn’t have to do it. If you’re not fasting, it’s ideal you give money to local food programs to help feed the less fortunate. Women who have their period (during that week) are also exempt, however, they would need to make up those fasts later.

The focus of Ramadan isn’t just on food. It’s also encouraged that Muslims clean up their behaviour, which means things like no swearing, no smoking, no listening to your favourite music, and no sex during fasting hours. It’s also important to give to charity, known as zakat.