This Ramadan is different. With the Coronavirus pandemic hitting the entire world, everything from our personal lives to our careers has been profoundly disrupted.
Whether young practicing Muslims are observing Ramadan alone or with their family, it’s likely to be the loneliest Ramadan ever. Stuck at home with limited freedom of movement, habitual things like going to the mosque or communal Iftars won’t be possible.
As frustrating and weird as this might feel, remember that this year’s Ramadan is still a “real” Ramadan. And it’s precisely because we are all apart that we need to remind ourselves of the values of communal solidarity. This is what Ramadan is all about.
Wondering how to cope and find ways to make this Holy month special while in isolation? This is how to survive Ramadan under lockdown.
Host online Iftars
Just because plans can’t happen IRL it doesn’t mean they can’t happen at all. Send everyone you love a zoom invitation and organise meetings. Your auntie might end up sharing her secret recipe you’ve been asking for years.
Recreate Ramadan rituals in your home
If you’re fasting alone, small details can make a huge difference. Whether it’s the juice your mother usually prepares to break fast, the bowl of nuts and dates on the table or the moussalssalat playing on the television screen all evening—make sure you recreate the spirit of Ramadan as much as possible.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
You might feel guilty for not “making the most out of Ramadan”, but you need to treat yourself more kindly and remind yourself that staying at home is a heroic gesture.
Set boundaries with your boss
If you’re working from home and feel overwhelmed by the pressure and solitude, that’s normal. Talk to your boss, explain what you’re going through and make sure you agree on more flexible hours.
Find ways to help people in need
If you’re feeling concerned for people in need but don’t know how to help, why not organise a potluck Iftar? Ask those who can to cook bigger quantities and then leave the food on people’s doorsteps.
Appreciate the beauty of mundane moments
Isolation can be at best boring and at worst depressing. However you might be feeling, it’s definitely challenging but it’s also a great reminder that ultimately, ordinary things are what matter the most. This is your chance to let less really be more.
