PEOPLE in Bahrain are holding on to faith to get through the most unusual Ramadan in recent history.
Citizens and residents seem to be melancholic with how the holy month has coincided with such challenging times as the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented families from gathering and worshippers from attending mass prayers.
Ramadan signals a festive and spiritual spirit in Muslim countries around the world, with decorations covering the streets of Bahrain, families and friends gathering, public iftars being held and the sounds of prayer echoing into the night.
Quiet
However, this Ramadan’s quiet and sombre nights are a result of precautionary measures being stepped up to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease, while mosques across the country have been closed since March 23.
There are no Ramadan majlises, ghabgas, large family gatherings, mass iftars, and gargaoun or end-of-Ramadan celebrations, in addition to a ban on distributing iftar packets on roads and setting up donation kiosks in public places.
People have taken to social media to express how different their Ramadan activities have been this year, with some turning to video calling to stay connected with loved ones and many reflecting in prayer to get through these unprecedented times.
In response to an opinion poll posted by the GDN on social media, readers described how the pandemic has affected the way they observe Ramadan, with the majority expressing longing to visit mosques and gather for family iftar.
“(I miss) iftar with family and friends, along with iftar buffet and ghabgas at restaurants,” said one social media user, Faraaz Murad.
“Also, missing Taraweeh prayers the most.”
This seems to be the most common sentiment, missing out on Taraweeh prayers that brought so many people together during the holy month.
“This Ramadan looks like ordinary days, although it carries huge rewards and blessings, Taraweeh prayers are a big loss,” added Fozia Mohammed.
Even though people are praying at home they said it did not feel the same as gathering at the mosque.
“I am praying at home but I still miss the essence of praying at a mosque and the togetherness – this is definitely a test by Allah,” said another social media user, @femi.usman12.
“May Allah open all his doors of mercy and unite us back at his home like before and forgive us for our shortcomings.”
However, there is some silver lining as there are people who see this as a time to practise their faith more and spend time with their families.
“I was worried whether we’d get into the spirit of the month at all, fortunately, I’ve had nothing at all to worry about as working from home has actually allowed me to feel Ramadan more strongly,” said Yasmine Bouroubi.
“Unlike in previous Ramadans where we’re racing back and forth from work, making sure iftar is ready, the children are ready for school the next day and are in bed on time, not being able to always pray on time, and finding it difficult to observe moments of solitude to be grateful in and reflect.
Closeness
“It has certainly felt more spiritual this year than in previous years; quite simply because there’s a lot less distractions in our life at the moment.
“We’re spending more time with our family, fostering closeness and spirituality in the home that we’ve not had the time and sometimes energy for.
“We’re shut into our houses, but I’m really treasuring the days of Ramadan this year, in ways I’ve not been able to in previous ones.”
If the outbreak continues through the holy month, Eid Al Fitr prayers could also be performed at home, said the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia.
ghazi@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))