Highlights
- Muslims around the world fast during the month of Ramadan
- Families get together to share meals especially at Iftar time (when fast is broken)
- COVID-19 and the lockdown has affected Ramadan activities including visiting mosques for prayers
Muslims fast throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the breaking of the fast which Muslim families celebrate by getting together and sharing the meal.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, there has been a limit for people gathering at one place affecting the family bonding element of iftar during Ramadan.
But some have found a way to join the families and friends.
By using videoconferencing apps, they are connecting with their family members and celebrating a ‘virtual iftar.’
In Sydney, Nasir Nawaz Tarar and his wife Sabeen Nasir hosted their family and friends from other suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne to a ‘virtual iftar’ via videoconferencing.
“Collective prayers and gatherings have a lot of importance in Ramadan,” Nasir told SBS Urdu.
“Under normal circumstances, we would open our fast with our friends and family. Virtually at least now we can see our relatives over the phone and TV which makes us feel close to them.
“It feels like we are next to each other.”
Sabeen Nasir says Ramadan is a spiritual month and the thought of families not being able to meet was quite challenging.
Source: SBS
"I had a chat with other women in the family and my friends too about getting together via videoconferencing. Everyone liked the idea; we tried and so far it has been an amazing experience.
"We are able to meet everyone at iftar which was not looking possible this year."
Before the start of the Muslim month, the Australian government urged Muslims to maintain social distancing protocols ahead of Ramadan.
Mosques in Australia that usually witness packed gatherings during Ramadan have also been closed for any activity.
“The holy month of Ramadan is a time of special devotion for Muslims across the world. It’s a time of fasting and prayer, as well as reflection and renewal. However, this year will be very different as we all experience a global health crisis,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a video message.
“This year Iftars will only be with those you live with”
Muhammad Abdul Qavi, who joined the iftar with his family members in Sydney, says virtual iftar is helping the families to stay connected during the pandemic and he is not only seeing the other members but also ‘sharing the feelings’ during meal-time.
“This is the first time we have used video conferencing technology for iftars as distances have grown between people due to COVID-19.
Muhammad says that the social distancing rules advised by the government must be followed and people must stay at home when possible.
Sabeen Nisar cooking food for the iftar dinner at her home. Source: SBS
“I think Virtual Iftar should become a norm as it helps massive gathering of people without requiring a lot of space.
It enables a lot of people to open their fast together, share their feelings, socialise and connect with each other. Muslims are very excited at iftar time as they get to eat a meal after the whole day.”
“Virtual Iftar due to COVID-19 is a new concept but I think it should continue as it helps us connect to people not only close to us but to our parents and relatives who are overseas.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
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