As in 2020, Muslim traditions related to the holy month and the daily breaking of the fast will be largely restricted. Overview of states that have already taken measures.
No more reunions in cafes, big iftar dinners with loved ones, festivals in the streets … For the second year in a row, the Ramadan celebrations, which begins Tuesday April 13 for one month, will be affected by the Covid pandemic -19. For the majority of the 1.8 billion Muslims in the world who observe the fast, the holy month will be celebrated in restraint, within the family circle.
Curfews in Algeria, Marocco, Tunisia and Lebanon
Several countries have already imposed restrictions for the entire period, such as Algeria, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco, in order to limit gatherings. On April 7, the Moroccan authorities decreed a nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to stem night-time movements. Collective evening prayers are de facto suspended in mosques in the Cherifian kingdom, in a state of health emergency since mid-March.
In Lebanon and Tunisia, the curfew will begin at 7 p.m. Iftar tents and traditional banquets are prohibited. On the other hand in Lebanon, mosques will be able to accommodate the faithful, at 30% of their capacity. Those who wish to go there must first register via a platform.
What about UAE ?
Same story in the United Arab Emirates, where the authorities have introduced strict social measures. “For the health and safety of society, we advise everyone to avoid evening gatherings during Ramadan, to limit family visits and to avoid distributing and exchanging meals between households and families” , tweeted the National Crisis, Emergency and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). As a result, no meal distributions inside. As a consolation, the agency recommends that the Emiratis maintain the link via digital platforms.
Ramadan in Egypt ?
In Egypt, prayers will be authorized in some mosques and broadcast live on television to allow as many people as possible to follow them. Classes and seminars, usually organized in mosques, are on the other hand suspended.
Ramadan in Indonesia ?
In Indonesia, one of the traditions of Ramadan, Mudik, is to return to the family village. But this year again, 20 million people will be deprived of travel. In Malaysia, the state of Johor has allowed tarawih, the daily evening prayers, in mosques, without limitation of people. The authorities indicate, however, that these festivities should be reserved primarily for men.
Vaccinated in to Hajj and Omra
For its part, Saudi Arabia has indicated that the total number of worshipers in Medina will be limited to 60,000, against 350,000 usually. Last year, prayers in the two holy cities, Medina and Mecca, were suspended. The pilgrimage can take place provided that the country of origin has authorized links with Saudi Arabia, but above all subject to being vaccinated. Zamzam water fountains, considered miraculous and blessed by Muslims, will not be available, and replaced by water bottles. The sharing and distribution of food will be prohibited inside the mosque. In France, specialized travel agencies have canceled all trips for a year.
Another consequence of the pandemic, the tents of charitable organizations, set up to ensure distributions to the most deprived, will not be able to exist in the majority of countries, depriving thousands of people of a hot meal to break the fast. As in 2020, Ramadan, which celebrates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, will be held primarily on Zoom, and with family only.