Ramadan the holy month of Muslims has just began. In this monthMuslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk. Aside from fasting Muslims also offer devoted prayer, give charity to needy and strengthen their tieswith family. Muslims also share their food with friends, family and neighbors and have community gatherings which are not possible this Ramadan due to lockdown.
What Does It Mean to Celebrate Ramadan at Home
This year Muslims around the world will celebrate Ramadan at home because of novel coronavirus pandemic. During crisis, shelter-in-place and social distancing orders are not evitable and Muslims will have to adjust not only holy month but daily lives in accordance with public health guidelines.
Ramadan at home means no taraweeh prayers at the mosque or anywhere outside the homes, no spiritual talks in the community or iftars with friends and family to attend. Many countries including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirate have ordered to say prayer at home in order to contain the virus. The prayer gatherings have been limited to Imam and five people at a time under social distancing rule.
During current cricumstances how can muslims observe Ramadan 2020 is a big question. Well, states of different Muslim countries have devised different rules in this regard after consultation with religious scholars. Few countries have put complete ban on congregational prayers while countries like Pakistan have allowed these prayers with some SOPs like offering prayers with three feet distance and making it compulsory for mosques to undergo regular disinfection.
Following orders many Ullama-e- Deen agreed on home-prayers and they will offer their taraweeh prayer at home including The Chairman of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
Muslims leaders around the world have also recommended Muslims to celebrate Ramadan at home for the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones.
How Ramadan at Home Is A Blessing?
Ramadan at home due to coronavirus lockdown is a unique opportunity which is not less than a blessing. Quarantine period during Ramadan gives a chance to take out some time to reflect and accomplish goal.
Muslims usually flock together during 5 times a day at mosque. But this Rmadain they will have to undertake at home prayers. This year there is an opportunity for people to offer prayer with their families and seek blessings of Allah together. This is a unique opportunity for the family members to eat together and pray together and read Quran together which is also a source of bounty..
This pandemic is a great opportunity to reevaluate what is important in life and contribute toward the greater good.
Connect with Friends and Family Virtually
Following social distancing during Ramadan means no family gathering and meeting at iftar time. But there are still a ways to connect with friends and and remote family members virtually through video conferencing. Many video conferencing applications and services like Zoom video calling app and Facebook video calling desktop app give a free of cost opportunity to connect with others.
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