Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, is a little bit different this year for Islanders.
It is marked most noticeably by fasting from sunrise to sunset, but it is also a time of charity and community.
It’s the community aspects which are not happening due to coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic, said Zain Esseghaier, spokesman for the Muslim Society of P.E.I.
“These are very special circumstances,” he said.
“It’s a challenge and, I guess, it could be part of Ramadan to take on that challenge and see about the best way to practise under the circumstances.”
Ramadan, the ninth month in the lunar calendar, began on April 24 after the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon. It continues until May 23.
Traditionally, families would gather at the Masjid Dar As-Salam mosque in Charlottetown for a weekly potluck supper, along with the smaller nightly Iftar — meaning “breaking of the fast”.
There are also nightly voluntary prayers, the Taraweeh, specific to Ramadan when a section of the Quran is read aloud each day, so the entire book is read throughout the month.
With the mosque closed none of those activities can happen communally, but they can continue on a smaller basis at individual homes, with no impact on the significance or meaning of the monthlong holiday, said Esseghaier.
“We’re still fasting. We’re still breaking our fast together within the family.”
Since these activities can be carried out so easily on an individual basis, the Muslim Society isn’t looking at offering online versions, despite what many other communities have done to adapt existing traditions through virtual means.
This is because there are already exceptions allowed during Ramadan, like for those who may not be able to attend prayer at a mosque or on fasting for those whom it may harm, said Esseghaier.
“In Islam, we try to make things easier for everybody.”
Something that isn’t changing is the charity work done throughout the month, including preparing food baskets and monetary donations, called Zakat meaning “to cleanse ones’ wealth,” which are mandatory if someone has saved enough money throughout the previous year.
Of course, the community will sorely miss one another, but for now they will play it by ear to determine if any activities can begin based on the guidelines set out by the provincial government.
Esseghaier hopes his family will be able to carry out Eid al-Fitr, a day of celebration, gifts and activities, which will take place on May 24, the day after Ramadan ends.
“It’s a little bit like Christmas for our Christian brothers and sisters. It’s a joyful occasion.”
As one of only two such occasions in the Muslim calendar, Esseghaier would be saddened by the loss if the current restrictions on large gatherings remain in place. If that happens, they may consider taking things online.
“Health and well-being come first. We’ll follow the regulations and the law of land and the advice of the government of Dr. Morrison, like any other community.”
And regardless, Esseghaier has a message for everyone.
“Eid Mubarak,” he said, which means blessed feast/festival.
