Centuries old guidance from Islam's prophet and founder on how to exercise faith amid a plague has been highlighted by clerics and scholars as Muslims celebrate Ramadan.
What does observing the holy month of Ramadan look like in the face of a pandemic?
Indiana Rep. Andre Carson, one of three Muslim members of Congress, said that he has discussed this hadith with imams amid the pandemic and it is a reminder that"the Prophet, peace be upon him, was very rational, very practical,” and his words"run very true today.” Here is how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the remaining pillars of Islam during the holy month of Ramadan.Although a handful of Muslim leaders have insisted on allowing a small number of worshipers to pray in the mosques, many of the largest Islamic organizations in the U.S.
With most of the over 2,000 mosques in the U.S. virtually shut down, religious leaders and community members are scrambling to adapt by providing virtual services. But according to CAIR Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry this is a “stopgap solution." In the Arab world and predominantly Muslim countries, the daily call to prayer or"adhan" is broadcast from the mosques on an outside speaker so that Muslims all around town can all hear it. But in the U.S., worshipers have to go to the mosque to hear it, so faith leaders have been working to broadcast it virtually.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a debate about whether fasting could weaken a person's immune system and Muslims are turning to the Quran itself for guidance. "What I have noticed in my studies of these rulings is that it is left to the conscious of the individual. I should not cheat God. If I'm able to fast I should fast, if I'm not able to fast I should be the one to make that decision ... it’s a very conscientious type of ritual," Sachedina said.
During Ramadan it is customary for mosques to provide iftar meals for those in the community who are in need, and with mosques shut down, communities have been scrambling to find alternative ways to feed the poor. Baig, who is the director of outreach at Dar Al-Hijrah, said that the mosque usually serves 700-800 meals on weekdays during Ramadan and 1200-1500 meals on weekends and this year, they still plan to provide these meals to the community.
A few workers are seen nearby empty Kaaba after the precautions against the novel coronavirus are taken in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, April 7, 2020.This year, worshipers will not be able to visit the holy Kaaba — the most scared Islamic site at the center of the Great Mosque of Mecca — because Saudi Arabia banned religious gatherings and congregational prayers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to support your Muslim coworkers who are fasting during Ramadan - Business InsiderHere's what to know to make sure you don't say the wrong thing to a Muslim colleague who is observing Ramadan.
Read more »
Young Muslim People Are Preparing For A Socially Distanced RamadanFor many young Muslim Americans, celebrating Ramadan is one of the main reminders of their faith in the U.S., but with the spread of the coronavirus and social distancing, many mosques and communities have had no choice but to adapt
Read more »
Muslims worldwide adjust monthlong Ramadan plans due to coronavirus risksCoronavirus risks force changes to Ramadan for Muslims
Read more »
Coronavirus updates: American Red Cross will soon use antibody tests to ID plasma donorsCORONAVIRUS LATEST: • American Red Cross will soon use antibody tests to ID plasma donors • Pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 183,000 people across the globe. • Over 2.6 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more »
Social Distancing Has Become Second Nature for Remote-Home Owners. “It’s The Biggest Luxury.”The coronavirus pandemic has spiked buyer interest in off-the-grid properties like these. “I’m probably the poster child for social distancing,” one homeowner said. “It’s the way of life I’ve chosen.”
Read more »