Time to Reflect: A Ramadan Like No Other
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Each year the dates change as it follows the cycles of the moon, but this year it fell from the 23 April - 23 May. As well as fasting from dawn until dusk, observant Muslims use this time for reading, prayer, charitable deeds and getting closer to God. Each evening, breaking the fast is done with an iftar meal, taken communally with others. With mosques closed and people confined to their own homes, this year’s Ramadan has been like no other, although some have found there to be benefits too. Below, members of Govanhill’s Muslim community take the time to reflect on their experiences of Ramadan during lockdown.
“This year’s Ramadan isn’t like any we’ve experienced previously. Normally, we’d go to mosque to break fast with other women and children. It’s a chance for Muslim women from all different countries and backgrounds to come together. We’ve really missed that this year.
On the other hand we’ve had the chance to spend more time with our families. I have children who would normally go their friend’s houses or restaurants for Ramadan celebrations and iftar meals but this year we’ve all been spending time at home together.
In some ways, Ramadan is bit easier in lockdown; not doing physical activity, reflecting more on praying and trying lots of new recipes. But for those who live by themselves, it’s hard. They’d usually spend Ramadan time with friends or at the mosque, but can’t do either. I know some have felt really lonely. But we all understand that it’s for our own safety. Hopefully by next year we will celebrate Ramadan again in the traditional way.”
Yussif spent his Ramadan volunteering for the Al-Khair foundation which has been packing and distributing food parcels around the community.
“For me, it’s been a humbling experience. Being stuck at home during Ramadan would have been difficult, so I’m grateful to Al-Khair for giving me the chance to help the less fortunate, reflecting the spirit of Ramadan.
In this day and age, we take many things for granted, so it has affected me, personally, as a young man. ”
“Working at Al-Khair has definitely changed my perception of what an NGO charity does, both personally and spiritually. I’ve felt a sense of gratefulness for what I have been blessed with. It relieves me from the guilt of having to turn a blind eye towards another’s circumstances and taught me how not to be judgmental towards their hardship.
“Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the unemployment rate has significantly risen and so the workload has been doubling and doubling. That’s a challenge in itself because there is lack of funding & resourcing within the community, and services are stretched. But I also found many positives, such as developing my teamwork, IT and administrative skills and it also gave me the chance to meet people and be socially active during these times.
I’m truly enjoying my time volunteering to help the neediest as, for me, making someone happy is a priority. In turn I feel happy, so I always feel privileged when asked to help.”
“It has been an unusul Ramadan, in some ways less hectic due to working from home and social distancing. In other ways it is lacking the human element of breaking fast with family and friends.
”There is less emphasis on shopping for Eid - and planning for Eid with family and friends this year will not be the same. The emphasis has perhaps become more about, reflection, charity and discipline. As we find new ways to connect - perhaps next year we can look back and reflect the journey we have come through and appreciate more of the simple things in life - that seem like a distant luxury.”
“Every Ramadan offers opportunity for self reflection, strengthening connection with faith, spirituality and supporting those with less fortune. Covid-19 has posed multiple challenges such as lockdown, meaning we’ve not being able to visit mosques, see families and join iftar gatherings. Young people are locked in, which is impacting their social and mental well-being.
”These difficult circumstances allowed the community to mobilise support, but also unmasked the fragility of service provision in Govanhill. On a positive note, key organisations in charge of funding and shaping provision could learn from this and deliver inclusive services for greater Govanhill. ”
Ramadan comes to an end this weekend, and is marked by Eid al-Fitr. This would normally be a huge celebration and a chance for families and friends to come together to share food and friendship. Instead, Muslims are being urged to continue to respect lockdown conditions and celebrate only with their family households.
This message was created by Active Life Club’s young leaders, Mohid and Ahmed: