Ramadan 1441H: An Unusual Experience

Today muslims in the world welcoming special month, it is Ramadan 1441H. We are fasting for a month, keep our thought, heart, eyes and act to do only good things. Ramadan this year will be a very different and challenging experience due to COVID-19 pandemic. Fasting won't feel the same like previous. No pasar takjil, no bukber, no taraweeh together and more. This is going to be an extremely unusual Ramadan. At my age, I have never seen Ramadan with no taraweeh prayers in mosques or without iftar gatherings. I even started to miss the taraweeh prayer at the Istiqlal mosque. We are in difficult times right now. We all feel sad. We do. But, we have to be very patient. There can be no greater service than doing our part to protect our communities by staying home. We can still do a virtual iftars and nightly taraweeh prayers at home.

Ramadan has never been about iftar/suhoor parties with lavish displays of food and ironically, more food wastage in this blessed month. During fasting think of the millions of Muslims who won't be able to break their fast because of the miseries of pandemic. This crisis may actually help us get a better perspective on what Ramadan really means.  It seems remind us of the importance of shared compassion and support. We can do something to help such as Donate whatever you can: food, money, sympathy, or even good words. We have to stand shoulder to shoulder fighting this pandemic.

Taraweeh prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque in 2019 

Ramadan 1441H will be a month of simplicity. It is an opportunity to gain closeness to Allah and our Holy Qur’an with no distractions. Let us channel the spirit of Ramadan this year by being indulgent, wasting less food and consider those in need by lending a helping hand. Let us make this our best Ramadan ever. May Allah lift this pandemic from us, forgive us, wash our sins and make us pure in this holy month of Ramadan. 

Happy Ramadan...

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