Days before the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins, the Islamic world is grappling with an untimely paradox of the new coronavirus pandemic: enforced separation at a time when socialising is almost sacred.
FILE PHOTO: A municipality worker in a protective suit disinfects Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque due to coronavirus concerns in Istanbul, Turkey March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Kemal Aslan
Across the Muslim world the pandemic has generated new levels of anxiety ahead of the holy fasting month, which begins on around Thursday. In a country where mosques have been closed, her husband Mohamed Djemoudi, 73, worries about something else. “People don’t want to visit shops, they are scared of the disease. It’s the worst year ever,” said Samir El-Khatib, who runs a stall by the historic al-Sayeda Zainab mosque, “Compared with last year, we haven’t even sold a quarter.”
Among the few who ventured out was Nasser Salah Abdelkader, 59, a manager in the Egyptian stock market. Mohamed Aslam, an engineer from India who lives in a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Abu Dhabi with 14 others is unemployed because of the coronavirus. With his apartment building under quarantine after a resident tested positive, he has been relying on charity for food.
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.
As coronavirus spreads, medical workers in Mexico face attacks, intimidationMedical workers in Mexico face harassment and threats as coronavirus cases spread.
Read more »
A Holy Land Easter season like no other - under the shadow of coronavirusOrthodox Christians celebrated Easter in Jerusalem on Sunday, bringing to a close a holiday season uniquely devoid of the colourful ceremonies that would normally have echoed around the Old City's Christian Quarter.
Read more »
Malaysia urged to allow Rohingya refugee boats to landKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Human Rights Watch said Saturday that the coronavirus pandemic doesn't justify Malaysia's turning away of overloaded boats carrying Muslim Rohingya and risking the...
Read more »
'All money is not good': Atlantic City mayor says opening economy too early would be 'senseless'WATCH: 'All money is not good money,' says Atlantic City Mayor Small. 'Our economy will rebound. It would be senseless to open up the economy and let people come here from all over ... in our casinos, in our businesses, and this virus isn't under control.'
Read more »
Governors say Trump continues to be wrong on coronavirus testingPresident Trump is pushing for the the U.S. to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. But state leaders say coronavirus testing lags too far behind.
Read more »