How to Worship in Isolation This Ramadan

Ramadan usually means masjids and group iftars. What now?
Young muslim woman using mobile phone at the bar
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For most Muslims, Ramadan conjures images of warm iftars, communal prayers, early morning and late-night gatherings with family and friends. This year, it's all different.

It’s a strange feeling to know these gatherings won’t happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To curb the spread of the virus, the holy sites of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, and masjid’s around the world have closed, just in time for Islam's holiest month.

It is believed that, during Ramadan, God revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This year, the holy month starts around April 24, based on the Islamic lunar calendar. A young crescent moon lights the path for a clean slate. Every day, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset as an act of worship, putting daily distractions aside to build a better relationship with God. Whether Muslims are at a low or high point in their faith, many look forward to Ramadan for guidance. But this year, prayer may be clouded with thoughts of loved ones at risk of contracting COVID-19, in the hospital, or who have passed away. And, many will carry the weight of an uncertain financial future.

For believers, Ramadan is necessary to cleanse a worried mind and purify the heart, but how can we do that when we’re in isolation to avoid a virus ravaging our country, and the world?

To get around social-distancing restrictions, many are adopting digital worship techniques spiritual lectures via Zoom. At Roots, community space in Irving, Texas, directed by Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy, several programs are running online every day. From lectures for teens to women’s study circles, programs have now shifted to Facebook, Instagram live, and Zoom calls.

“We have to remind ourselves of our blessings. Even if you have one hour, to reconnect with faith is a blessing. What if this happened if we didn’t have the internet?” says Murphy. “We have to adapt. The good thing about Islam is there are so many opportunities to do good. Spiritual moments can’t happen in chaos or when people are busy. This moment will give us more of a chance to reflect, and we may not get this chance again.”

To heighten rewards in Ramadan while social distancing, Murphy suggests doing good deeds like giving charity every day, calling your family, and cooking food for people.

On social media, the Yaqeen Institute in Dallas, a research institution founded by Sheikh Omar Suleiman, posts articles, infographics, and daily reminders of faith. It aims to equip Muslims with knowledge on how to deal with the pandemic gracefully. The point is to keep in touch with your faith, despite trials like coronavirus.

“We all are starting to go through different timelines in our head, and it can cause us great stress and anxiety. But, patience is about how you wait. Whatever we do in the midst of all of this is going to be rewarded and compensated accordingly,” Sheikh Suleiman said in a post. He encourages Muslims to focus on this moment because ‘with hardship comes ease.’ A soothing verse in the Qur’an that assures Muslims can find glimpses of relief through the pain.

While it will feel odd for many to worship digitally, without the large gathering's we're used to, the increased digital presence during Ramadan will make it more accessible for some, and more inclusive for others who have been worshiping in isolation for years. It’s a familiar feeling for black Muslims, Muslims who converted, are disabled, or identify as queer. Vee Sharma, a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, who converted nearly three years ago, says her Ramadans are typically lonely.

“My parents don’t allow me to fast and don’t let me leave in the evening for iftar. It sucks when I see people complaining on the timeline how Taraweeh ‘won’t be the same’ and ‘we can’t have our big iftars’,” Sharma says, “It’s an ignorance of the Ummah to neglect the fact that they at least have a family to celebrate with. But, Alhamdulillah.”

She thanks God; some Muslims have a privilege that others may not. Sharma encourages people to focus on that this Ramadan.

Still, the loss of ritual is always tough. Muttauf Khan, an artist, says he started preparing for Ramadan in January because of coronavirus.

“Isolation was implemented, so it threw all the prep off track,” he said. “There’s family and other distractions that draw me away from what I want to do. I was looking forward to devoting time to just being in the masjid, connecting and reflecting. Being confined to home makes that connection harder.”

Khan’s experience may be the case for several Muslims. However, some say the situation is a blessing in disguise. Maryam Baig, a mother and a UChicago student of Islamic studies, thinks that Muslims should take this time to reflect on the spiritual essence of Ramadan.

“As bittersweet as our situation is regarding the pandemic and social gatherings, I find comfort in knowing that perhaps like me, members of our community will take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings,” she said. “Without the distractions socializing causes, even if it is well-intentioned, from worshipping our Lord.”

Alhamdullilah, Ramadan is a serene occasion where you do as much good as you can. Solitary might be new, and it may be uncomfortable. Reacting with panic will counteract a harmoniously rejuvenating month; it’s essential to cement maturity. Be mindful of this alone time and considerately self-reflect. I pray we God-willingly come out of Ramadan grateful, with a better understanding of our existence. Ameen.