Ramadan During A Pandemic

Author: Rebecca Pena Hikal

As we enter the second year observing our Holy Month in the midst of a pandemic, many of us find ourselves frustrated and discouraged. Some of the best things about this month are  going to the mosque for prayer, and breaking fast with friends and family, and giving back to our communities. This pandemic has made many of these things challenging if not impossible, depending on where you live. However, it is still very possible to get the most out of this blessed month. There are several things that we can do to still enjoy every moment of this blessed month. 

Stay spiritually connected without community 

Community plays an important role in spiritual connections on the individual level. Lacking the physical sense of community this year because of the social distancing measures can cause many to feel a void, here are few ways you can stay spiritually connected. Most of your local mosques allow for you to connect virtually. Check with them to see what they offer. Deepen your religious understanding through podcasts. One episode of a podcast each day can go a long way. Check podcast platforms to see if Muslim speakers you like have podcast series you can follow during Ramadan. You also can find virtual Quran recitation groups in your area to join or you can create one with your friends. Reading the Quran with its translations and interpretations will feed your brain in addition to your soul. Quran.com includes translations and tafsir (interpretations) with every verse along with reflections from individuals from around the world. 

Try new recipes to satisfy those cravings 

Cooking for Ramadan can be difficult when you’re fasting from sunrise to sunset, so setting aside time to make some new recipes this year will change things up and satisfy all those cravings.  Our very own Marisa Lopez Chicote has been posting many delicious recipes on our blog. Take a look and try some of those.  To finish off iftar and help stay awake through night prayers, try making some Turkish coffee.  Serve with your favorite desserts — I recommend taking a look at some of Sister Marisa’s blog posts! 

Virtual iftars and suhoors

As much as we miss our gatherings with friends and family, you should stay safe. But just because you can’t invite guests over for iftar, doesn’t mean you have to have your meals alone. Setting up how many meals you want to share with others virtually and scheduling them in advance will give you some of that experience. For easier and more time-efficient scheduling, you can create a calendar for every meal you want to have with a virtual guest and share your information with friends and family. Calendy is a free app that you can use to do this. Friends and family will be able to see what days are available to them and sign up. They do not need to have an account, and the slots that are taken will not be available to other guests to see so you will not double book yourself.

Pray

Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth; it’s an opportunity to gain new habits that can continue throughout the year. For many Muslims, fulfilling their daily five prayers is one of the habits they want to leave Ramadan with.  Set goals. If you do not pray five times a day outside Ramadan, set prayer goals before Ramadan and follow up on a planner and calendar. Tracking your goals will help you set more realistic goals for future Ramadans and chart your progress during the year. If you already are in the habit of praying five times a day, consider adding extra prayers especially for nights. If you are struggling with prayer, find a prayer buddy to check on each other’s goals and encourage one another throughout the month. Set reminders. You can use the prayer app or set alarms on your phone if you need to pray around your schedule. Designate a space. Having your prayer-appropriate clothing, prayer beads and mat in a designated space will not only make it easier for you to accomplish your prayer goals, but also will get you in the mood for the holiday. Here in our home we have made a designated space strictly for prayer. ( see below)

Get festive and decorate 

String up some lights, hang up “Happy Ramadan” signs and put together a date and dessert plate to fill your home with the Ramadan spirit. You can find many items on-line if you don’t already have some. I personally have used The Eid Shop and My Royal House. As you can see I have found many beautiful, affordable items. ( see below)

Donate and help others this Ramadan season 

Charity is important all year long, but it is believed to be much more rewarding during Ramadan. Many Muslim-run organizations depend on sadaqah (donations) for fundraising. Check out your local organizations and donate what you can. You can find many of these organizations throughout social media. 

Although, we’d hoped we would be spending Ramadan the way we have so many times before, it doesn’t mean we can not enjoy it all just the same. Remember what Ramadan is all about. Getting closer to Allah swt. Self reflection. Sure we miss all of the togetherness, but remember Allah swt is the best company we could be in.  

May Allah swt keep us all safe. InshaAllah 

Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family. 

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