Preparing for a different kind of Ramadan

Muslim families across the borough are preparing for a different kind of Ramadan this year.

The holy month of Ramadan, a very special time in the Muslim calendar, begins later this week. During this month Muslim communities will be fasting, praying and spending time in reflection, while looking forward to Eid.

Ramadan this year will be very different because of the current restrictions due to Coronavirus and the suspension of congregational prayers.

Mosques, like other places of worship, remain closed and public gatherings of more than two people are not allowed.

But it is possible to observe Ramadan while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council, said:

It is sad that Ramadan has fallen during the Coronavirus lockdown period, but we have to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and that means staying at home.

Ramadan this year will be very different to what we are used to. But it is vital that Muslims stay at home to pray with members of our households only, to keep safe, protect the NHS and save lives.

I’ve been self-isolating for weeks now and have been keeping in touch with family over the phone. I talk every day to my children and grandchildren.

Muslims will observe the prayer and Quran recitation at home while in isolation to support the public health advice to ensure their personal safety and that of their communities and families.

However, many local mosques are exploring ways to use technology to broadcast Quran recitations and prayers so that Muslim communities can feel part of the collective.

In line with government guidance and directives agreed with the Lancashire Resilience Forum, Imams who are not at higher risk of Coronavirus complications are allowed to attend their mosque for prayers and to undertake the spiritual and pastoral service they provide to their communities.

To keep in touch during this special time and open fasts together, families are encouraged to use social media and mobile technology like FaceTime and WhatsApp, or video calling apps like Zoom and Houseparty.

There’s advice on how to use online tools to stay in touch on the Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning website www.bwdlearning.org/connect.

Moulana Rafiq Sufi, Chair of Lancashire Council of Mosques added:

Everyone has a duty to follow the Government’s request to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. I urge residents to follow the instruction and avoid getting together with people outside of their immediate household to partake in Iftaar meals or Taraweeh evening prayers when Ramadan starts.

The Muslim Council of Great Britain has shared this guidance on making the most of Ramadan while lockdown continues.

The Lancashire BME Network has also shared a number of short videos in community languages, urging Muslims to stay at home during Ramadan. Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Shaukat Hussain voices the messsage in Urdu, while well-known Blackburn comedian Tez Ilyas delivers it in English. Watch the videos here.

Residents fasting during Ramadan are advised to drink plenty of fluids and follow a balanced diet between fasts.

The advice is to stick to a normal everyday diet that will provide energy during the day, including a balance of fruit and vegetables.

Eating too much at the breaking fast meal, called the Iftar, can cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, and it is also important not to skip the pre-dawn meal, call the Sehri.

The Sehri meal should include starchy foods that are slow to digest such as wholegrain bread, lentils, pasta, milk, chapattis, boiled rice and potatoes. It is also wise to avoid drinking tea and coffee as the caffeine can cause more water loss and lead to dehydration.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council wishes all our Muslim residents a happy, blessed and, above all, safe Ramadan.