Pandemic Ramadan

Item

Title

Pandemic Ramadan

Description

The Muslim month of fasting is usually a time of more than usual communal get togethers. Not only are Muslims more inclined to perform prayers at their mosques, but in Sunni Muslim tradition, the month involves supererogatory prayers at night throughout the month. On one particular night during the month, when it is believed by both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims that the Quran first began to be revealed, all night vigils and prayers are offered.

The special ritual obligations of the month are complemented by special social obligations. The breaking of the fast at the end of each day is occasion to invite family, neighbors, friends, strangers to the table to share in a meal of thanksgiving. As well, it is considered commendable to feed the poor and offer extra charity to those in need during the month. Traditionally this is done personally, to those in the community or neighborhood.

Both spiritual and social obligations of the month will be tremendously impacted by the pandemic, in Muslim majority societies and here in the USA.

Below is one Muslim community’s response to the challenge.

Date Created

April 20, 2020

Community

Next Wave Muslim Initiative

Denomination

Islam

State

Maryland

Date

May 23, 2020

Creator

Next Wave Muslim Initiative

Subject

Islam

This item was submitted on April 20, 2020 by [anonymous user] using the form “Tell us about your religious community's response” on the site “Pandemic Religion: A Digital Archive”: https://americanjewishlife.org/s/contributions

Click here to view the collected data.