NST Leader: A Ramadan like never before
April 24, 2020 @ 12:00am
TODAY. 1.8 billion Muslims around the world will start observing Ramadan, amid a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of thousands globally.
With most countries under total and partial lockdown, this year's observance of the holy month will require extra effort.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is when the Quran was revealed for the first time to Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset by refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations. It is a time for self-reflection and to connect with Allah.
In Muslim societies, it has always been a time of bonding, among families and friends. For 30 days, Muslims will gather to break fast in an atmosphere of affinity and friendship.
After the meal and Maghrib prayers, Muslims will frequent the mosques or surau to perform the congregational (jemaah) Isyak and thereafter, tarawih prayers.
The practice is so widespread and well-endorsed by Islam that it is unimaginable how it will be like without it. But here we are today, in a Covid-19 world experiencing a Ramadan like never before.
In this new normal, congregational prayers at mosques and surau have been suspended, iftar gatherings (breaking of fast) are banned and Ramadan bazaars are no longer.
Malaysian Muslims, likewise, are observing Ramadan under the Movement Control Order (MCO), enforced since March 18.
We have been advised that prayers are to be performed at home instead of the nightly outings at mosques. Some devout Muslims have described the absence of jemaah prayers dispiriting, but have accepted such measures are necessary to halt Covid-19's spread.
Indeed, Covid-19 has changed the world order, but it has also brought us closer together. From a religious perspective, being alive and well during "Ramadan-Covid-19" is something we should be grateful for.
Lockdowns, MCOs, social distancing and what-have-yous should not matter.
Let's ponder some of the positives — with mosques shut, prayers are performed in the comfort of homes among family members. In a dog-eat-dog world, a person forgets himself and his family members.
Staying at home provides one a chance to strengthen family bonds and practise more religiously the etiquette and morals of Islam.
No iftar gatherings or breaking of fast at fancy restaurants — less money is being spent on eating. Being thrifty is one of Islam's many teachings — a time to reflect on some of our extravagant habits. Food wastage is also reduced.
This Ramadan is a gift from God, a time to test our faith and patience. For Muslim frontliners, it will be extremely challenging.
We are actually observing Ramadan in the true sense by eliminating the excesses, living simply and appreciating things we have taken for granted.
An opportunity for us to right our wrongs. Let's observe Ramadan with an open mind and continue to abide by the MCO regulations. We have achieved much in this past couple of weeks. The trend should continue.
Prophet Muhammad said some 1,400 years ago: "If you hear of an outbreak of a plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."
NST Leader wishes Muslims everywhere a blessed and prosperous Ramadan.