For the second time in a row, Ramadan occurs under strict Covid-19 regulations. Saima Mehović from the Northern Islamic Cultural Centre in Wiltz explained to RTL what this means for practising Muslims.
Ramadan is a very social religious celebration: Usually, family and friends gather in large numbers after sunset to break the fast together. Thus, the biggest and most obvious restriction brought about by the Covid-19 measures is the government’s call to stay at home. For this reason, the 2021 Ramadan puts increased emphasis on the individual as opposed to the community, Mehović explains.
Celebrations take place in a more intimate setting. While the Mosques are still open for praying sessions, a mandatory distance between attendees is imposed. Socialising is also kept to a minimum: People pray and then go home again.
The elderly in particular struggle with these changes. They have known Ramadan as the life-affirming celebration that it is for their whole lives, but for now, they have to renounce this core aspect of the sacred month.
If the health situation had been better, Mehović thinks that Ramadan 2021 could have been a great opportunity to reconnect with each other, as in normal times, Mosques are hosting large praying sessions in the evenings followed by a feast during which everyone gets together. However, the “restricted Ramadan” which it ended up being instead is not all bad.
Mehović thinks that the more intimate family celebration frees a lot of people from certain social pressures to prepare food or feeling an obligation to participate in certain events. Ramadan at home allows people to focus on their closest relatives, their children, partners, and for some their parents.
In a sense, this is entirely in accordance with the purpose of Ramadan, as the act of fasting is meant to help Muslims focus on the most essential things in life, turn their thoughts inwards and emerge with humility and gratitude. In 2021, they are putting this thought into practice not only by renouncing food and drinks, but also by abstaining from non-essential social interactions.
