MECCA, Saudi Arabia (PA) – Muslims in many parts of the world marked the beginning of Ramadan on Tuesday, but an increase in coronavirus cases in several countries has once again put an end to the signed holy holidays and long prayers in mosques.
However, there are glimpses that Ramadan 2021 may feel less restricted than last year, when the holiest period of Islam coincided with the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Mosques have since reopened and traffic limits have relaxed as vaccine launches continue in Muslim-majority nations. Clerics in places like Indonesia have given assurances that the vaccine will not interrupt fasting.
Ramadan is marked by longer prayers, dawn to dusk, and nightly holidays with family and friends, although crowded shoulder-to-shoulder gatherings in mosques and large gatherings for meals remain banned due to the continued spread of coronavirus globally.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from any food or drink – including water – from morning to evening. The month-long practice aims to increase God’s remembrance, reduce unhealthy habits, and deepen gratitude.
In Mecca, home to the Kaaba – the holiest place in Islam – Muslims said socially distant “taraweeh” prayers, marking the beginning of Ramadan. Observer Muslims around the world pray to the Kaaba five times a day.
Only a limited number of worshipers are allowed inside the Grand Mosque that houses the Kaaba in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading. Saudi authorities only allow people who have recently been vaccinated or recovered from the virus to say taraweeh prayers at the Kaaba.
In Lebanon, most Muslims began Ramadan on Tuesday amid rising inflation. The small country is in control of the worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history, with the Lebanese currency losing about 80% of its value against the US dollar in recent months.
The crisis – the result of decades of endemic corruption and mismanagement – has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Many people need to reduce their preparations for Ramadan.
“We can’t buy anything. We are asking about lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes, “Samiyeh al-Turk said at a crowded open-air market in Beirut on Monday. “How will we get through the month of Ramadan? I don’t know “, she added.
In Iraq, an extinguishing available will remain in force between 19:00 and 5:00 throughout Ramadan, with a total block over the weekend. The Ministry of Health warned that non-compliance with these measures could lead to continuous blockades for three days. Citing economic concerns for business owners, restaurants and bakeries will be able to operate, but only through home deliveries.
Meanwhile, a 10-day blockade due to increased infections took effect on Tuesday in US-backed areas of northeastern Syria. The region, which borders Iraq and Turkey, is home to 5 million people.
In Indonesia, COVID-19 cases are also on the rise. Mosques are allowed to open for Ramadan prayers with strict protocols.
The government will allow people to hold “iftar” rallies during Ramadan in restaurants, malls and cafes, which can open at a capacity of 50%. Iftar is the sought-after time when Muslims traditionally break their fast during the day by eating dates and taking a sip of water before eating with friends and family.
“Reducing the restrictions is like a breath of fresh air for us, who are tired of this COVID-19 outbreak,” said Anna Mardyastuti, a resident of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “Yes, it should act to stop the virus, but not to block the door to worship or completely change our tradition of Ramadan.”
In Malaysia, a Muslim-majority neighbor, 21-year-old Wan Noradriana Balqis welcomed the return of community prayers to mosques, but said she would avoid the busy bazaars of Ramadan. Coronavirus cases in Malaysia have tripled since January.
“I do not think it is a good idea to reopen the bazaars. The rules exist, but many people do not follow them “, said the administrative officer of the database.
Vaccinations are a challenge for Muslim nations that administer shootings throughout Ramadan. Officials are working to ease concerns about Islamic teaching that Muslims should refrain “from anything to enter the body” between east and west.
Indonesia’s first clerical council has gone so far as to say that vaccinated Muslims are “forced” to fire during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, governments are also working to comply with some restrictions.
In India, where infections have peaked in recent days, researchers are calling on 200 million Muslims in the country to follow antivirus protocols and refrain from large gatherings. Many Indian cities facing viral surges have put out extinguishers at night and it is unclear whether believers will be allowed to say taraweeh prayers in mosques.
In Pakistan and Iran, the fast is expected to start on Wednesday.
The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has refused to close mosques in Pakistan, even as new infections reach levels similar to the beginning of the pandemic. Mosque leaders are entrusted with ensuring that no one enters after the age of 50 and that social distance is maintained, but followers rarely abide by these restrictions.
Muslims in India-controlled Kashmir continue to suffer from two back-to-back blockades that have left tens of thousands with no means of earning a living. The disputed region, the only Muslim-majority Hindu-dominated part of India, was in an unprecedented military blockade in 2019 before coronavirus blockades were imposed last year. Local charities plan to distribute Ramadan ration kits to families in need.
Meanwhile, a peaceful protest has been staged in the Spanish-speaking North African enclave of Ceuta, where about half the population is Muslim, to urge authorities to push back the 10pm nest during Ramadan. However, other Muslims have said they support the current curfew as an important measure to protect people’s lives.
In Egypt, too, the government prevented mosques from serving free meals during Ramadan and banned traditional charitable iftar gathering of foreigners at long meals.
____
Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. Associated Press journalists Eileen Ng from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India; Kathy Gannon in Islamabad; Zeina Karam and Fadi Tawil in Beirut; Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal and; Samy Magdy of Cairo contributed to this report.