Combating Covid-19: UAE scholars explain how you can mark Ramadan at home

Even though this is likely to be the first time in living memory that congregations in mosques during the holy month may be placed on hold, the sanctity of Ramadan is not affected if marked at home. This is the view of learned scholars.
With just two weeks left for Ramadan, and the possible extension of the ongoing restricted traffic movement to curb the infection and transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic, normality is not a viable option. As such there is slim chance for any kind of congregational prayers or mass iftars.
"This could be the first time ever in history that such a situation has been faced since the prescription of fasting in the second year of Hijri or immigration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)," they said.
"Even if the restrictions are lifted before or after, people still need to be wary of coming together and mingling," warned Islamic researcher Dr Mohamed Ashmawy. "It will take some time for people to go back to normal as they have become more sensitive and are cautious about engaging in regular and simple things like shaking hands or standing side by side in prayer as is normal."
In these circumstances, families are advised to plan ahead so that they can make the best use of this holy month, said Islamic researcher Dr Mahmoud Saleh.
"This precious time can never be wasted, and it will be a perfect opportunity for families to bond over religion and come closer to Almighty Allah, yet with full obedience to set restrictions, whether they are lifted nor not."
Islamic researcher Sheikh Mohamed Helmi said families can, each in their home, perform the five daily prayers and Taraweeh in congregation without mingling with others. "They can do the same with the Holy Quran by specifying a special time for family members to sit together and recite a daily Juza or part of the Holy Quran and ponder over its verses."
Ahmad Jamil, a Syrian resident, said people do miss the mosques, but still have more and even better options. "Now, we have more time to join all family members in prayers, and that means more focus on each and every one in the family instead of being distracted in crowded mosques."
One may even spend more time in praying Taraweeh Prayers instead of finishing in a short time as was the case in the holy month of Ramadan in previous years, according to Munther Melki, a Syrian resident.
Yasir Qadhi, an Asian resident, said: "This could be made the all-time best Ramadan of the worshippers' lives as they will be able to discover the pleasure of worshipping Allah in private.
"Worshippers will realise that while societal events in previous Ramadans helped them feel a communal spirit, they came at the cost of personal development. At home, they shall discover the real meaning of worship."
Ahmad Jabr, an Egyptian resident, said there is no call to change the rituals. For him, there will be no difference in adhering to the call of Ramadan.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com