UK Muslims spend Ramadan at home

LONDON

As Ramadan begins for Muslims across the world, the UK’s Muslim Council of Britain warned that some mosques which have closed due to coronavirus may not reopen due to the outbreak’s financial impact, local media reported on Thursday.

MCB Secretary General Harun Khan, speaking to Sky News, said: “Mosques will be hit very substantially. Majority of the mosques are run as charitable organizations. They rely heavily on the support they get from visitors and worshippers.

“That's almost disappeared overnight. They are institutions that need to maintain themselves with staff that need to be paid. It's a really, really challenging time. It will be a Ramadan like never before.”

The MCB also released its guide for Ramadan in 2020, titled Ramadan At Home.

The guide said: “Ramadan 2020 will be a very different experience for Muslims as we adapt to changing circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, adjusting not only our holy month but our daily lives in accordance with public health guidelines.

“This Ramadan, it is unlikely that social distancing measures will be lifted, enabling us to return to our normal routines. Thus, it is unlikely that there will be congregational acts of worship for Muslims outside of the home – no taraweeh prayers at the mosque or anywhere outside of our homes, no spiritual talks in the community or iftars with friends and family to attend. We will all be seeking to adapt to these changes while still enjoying the spiritual lift and community spirit that Ramadan provides.”

The MCB also gave practical advice as to how Muslims could practice Ramadan at home, including: organizing taraweeh at home as a family, streaming Islamic lectures or taraweeh in your home, planning iftar meals in advance so that Muslims can limit multiple shopping trips given social distancing measures; and taking regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself.

British politicians sent their best wishes to Muslims for the start of Ramadan.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "This Ramadan, many Muslims who serve their country in the NHS [National Health Service] and the armed forces and in so many other ways, will not be sharing the joy of this month as they normally do.

"I want to say to all British Muslims thank you for staying at home, I know how important the daily iftar is, how important communal prayers are at night and how important the Eid festival is.

"Thank you for making changes to these vital parts of your practise. I want to say to you all, Ramadan Mubarak. Thank you for your service and citizenship and thank you for your sacrifice."

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputizing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from coronavirus, tweeted: “At this time of year I want to say Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims at home and across the world who are beginning the holy month.

“This Ramadan will be particularly challenging, but the values of compassion, charity and sacrifice are more important now than ever before.”

Opposition Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "To everyone welcoming in the month of Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Muslims working in our NHS, our care service and everywhere on the front line of our fight against coronavirus. Thank you for keeping us safe.”

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 185 countries and regions. Europe and the U.S. are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed more than 191,000 people, with total infections exceeding 2.71 million, while more than 745,000 have recovered, according to figures compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.