Navigating Ramadaan During the COVID19 Pandemic
Disclaimer: The following recommendations are based solely on a medical perspective. For advice regarding Fiqh, please refer to your local Ulama and Fuqaha. Everybody should follow the good advice and guidelines given by the United Ulama Council of South Africa and The Islamic Medical Association.
Please take the time to understand the COVID-19 crisis and the worldwide response by going through our COVID19 FAQ sheet.
Please take the time to understand the COVID-19 crisis and the worldwide response by going through our COVID19 FAQ sheet.
As Muslims, we pride ourselves in many practices which bring us close together, and allow us to assist and care for each member of our community, whether they are young or old, muslim or non-muslim. These practices include, Salaah in congregation 5 times a day, extended families living together with the elderly, close contact of hugs and handshakes, sharing food etc. These are truly praiseworthy traits and they are always done with increased enthusiasm in the Blessed month of Ramadaan.
Our concern during this COVID19 pandemic, is that some of our usual practices may put us at increased risk of catching and spreading COVID19. As Muslims we have been taught to be responsible and especially cautious of not causing harm to others. This does not mean that we should abandon our good practices this Ramadaan, but rather that we navigate and reduce the risk towards others by introducing some precautionary measures while still carrying out good deeds.
Our concern during this COVID19 pandemic, is that some of our usual practices may put us at increased risk of catching and spreading COVID19. As Muslims we have been taught to be responsible and especially cautious of not causing harm to others. This does not mean that we should abandon our good practices this Ramadaan, but rather that we navigate and reduce the risk towards others by introducing some precautionary measures while still carrying out good deeds.
Avoid leaving your home unnecessarily:
During Ramadaan we tend to shop more than usual - food shopping in the beginning and Eid clothing shopping towards the end. We should limit this as much as possible. When you do shop, try to buy sufficient stock to last for a week or two ,so that you reduce the number of times you will have to leave the house. However, do not panic buy or hoard stocks beyond your usual needs. The less you attend public spaces, the lower your risk of catching and spreading COVID19.
Those who leave the home for work or other necessities should be cautious not to bring the virus back to those who are at home. Special care should be taken to protect the elderly and vulnerable in our homes. When returning home from outside, before touching anybody - be sure to:
Visiting other family members puts them at risk of you bringing the virus into their home without you realising it. The objective of lockdown is to reduce the movement and mixing of people to reduce the spreading of the Virus. However, we should try to find ways to keep in contact with each other (like video calls, family chat groups etc) so that nobody feels isolated or alone. Just because we won't be visiting each other, doesn't mean we should lose contact with each other.
If you go out to assist in relief work, still follow the basic rules of hygiene (hand washing before and after every task), and social distancing (keep at least 2 metres distance from other people). Wear a washable cloth mask whenever you are outside of your home. Do not participate in any activities outside your home if you have any symptoms of illness (no matter how mild).
During Ramadaan we tend to shop more than usual - food shopping in the beginning and Eid clothing shopping towards the end. We should limit this as much as possible. When you do shop, try to buy sufficient stock to last for a week or two ,so that you reduce the number of times you will have to leave the house. However, do not panic buy or hoard stocks beyond your usual needs. The less you attend public spaces, the lower your risk of catching and spreading COVID19.
Those who leave the home for work or other necessities should be cautious not to bring the virus back to those who are at home. Special care should be taken to protect the elderly and vulnerable in our homes. When returning home from outside, before touching anybody - be sure to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly,
- disinfect your phone, wallet, pen shoes, spectacles etc (any hard, or waterproof surfaces) and
- if possible, shower and change outer clothes.
Visiting other family members puts them at risk of you bringing the virus into their home without you realising it. The objective of lockdown is to reduce the movement and mixing of people to reduce the spreading of the Virus. However, we should try to find ways to keep in contact with each other (like video calls, family chat groups etc) so that nobody feels isolated or alone. Just because we won't be visiting each other, doesn't mean we should lose contact with each other.
If you go out to assist in relief work, still follow the basic rules of hygiene (hand washing before and after every task), and social distancing (keep at least 2 metres distance from other people). Wear a washable cloth mask whenever you are outside of your home. Do not participate in any activities outside your home if you have any symptoms of illness (no matter how mild).
Sharing food:
COVID19 is not food transferable, however it can be transferred to and from the food containers. There have already been instances of this in South Africa. Therefore we should be very cautious about this. Avoid this where it is not necessary - but don't leave out feeding the poor, which is even more needed during this crisis. When serving food to those outside our home, maintain social distance and try to use disposable containers that can be wiped with a disinfectant solution prior to handing it to somebody else.
COVID19 is not food transferable, however it can be transferred to and from the food containers. There have already been instances of this in South Africa. Therefore we should be very cautious about this. Avoid this where it is not necessary - but don't leave out feeding the poor, which is even more needed during this crisis. When serving food to those outside our home, maintain social distance and try to use disposable containers that can be wiped with a disinfectant solution prior to handing it to somebody else.
Iftaar:
During lockdown have your iftaar and salaah at home. You can still get the rewards of sharing iftaar by donating to an organisation that gives out iftaar packs. If lockdown is lifted and masjid gatherings are permitted then follow the procedure at your local masjid - it is still advisable to have iftaar at home or in your car and only enter the masjid for your Fard salaah during the COVID19 Pandemic.
During lockdown have your iftaar and salaah at home. You can still get the rewards of sharing iftaar by donating to an organisation that gives out iftaar packs. If lockdown is lifted and masjid gatherings are permitted then follow the procedure at your local masjid - it is still advisable to have iftaar at home or in your car and only enter the masjid for your Fard salaah during the COVID19 Pandemic.
Don't FORGET!
If you get any symptoms of COVID19, get tested as soon as possible.
If you get any symptoms of COVID19, get tested as soon as possible.
We make DUA that Allah SWT accepts all of your Fasting and Ibaadat and Sadaqah during this Mubarak month, and that Allah SWT keeps you all healthy and safe throughout this pandemic.