Islam’s holiest time of the year began similarly to how the celebrations played out in 2020, featuring socially distant prayer and limited capacity in mosques.
Though lockdown restrictions in several Muslim-majority countries have eased since the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, most of the world still has some limits on social gatherings as millions of Muslims begin preparations for Ramadan, a month defined by long prayers, fasting, and self-reflection.
AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN CHURCH AND ERECT FENCE AROUND BUILDING FOR VIOLATING CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
Anna Mardyastuti, who lives in Jakarta, said she agrees with her government’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia, where cases have been spiking, but argued against stopping people from worshipping freely.
“Easing restrictions is like a breath of fresh air for us who are tired by this COVID-19 outbreak. Yes, they should act to stop the virus, but not block the door to worship or change our tradition of Ramadan entirely,” Mardyastuti told the Associated Press.
Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, will allow mosques to open for Ramadan prayers with strict protocols in place. Worshippers will also be able to gather in restaurants, malls, and cafes at a 50% capacity for iftar, a traditional meal eaten at sunset to break fast.
Other countries also remain on alert after COVID-19 spikes in several counties, in addition to concerns about new virus variants.
Saudi Arabia, which is home to some of Islam’s holiest shrines, is allowing only people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to perform their annual umrah pilgrimage to Mecca that begins at the start of Ramadan, according to a report by AFP.
In Israel, Muslims with proof of vaccinations, called green passes, will be allowed to gather in larger groups than those who don’t hold one. But in the West Bank, which has faced major shortages in getting access to vaccines, a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place, preventing communal gatherings for meals.
Lebanon also faces soaring inflation as it grapples with one of its worst economic crises in its history that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Samiyeh al Turk, who was shopping at an open-air market in Beirut on Monday, said a lot of people have had to scale back their plans to celebrate Ramadan.
“We cannot buy anything. We ask how much the lettuce is, the cucumber, and the tomato. How we are going to get through the month of Ramadan? I don’t know,” al Turk told the Associated Press.
Others are more confident about this year. That includes Reyed Hallaq, who owns a shop in Jerusalem. Despite issues distributing vaccines to some parts of Israel, the nation has also led a rapid rollout, which studies say has contributed to the decline in severe coronavirus cases.
“We hope that it will be a good month after the great setback that the whole world was exposed to,” Hallaq said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins with the sight of the new moon, referred to as the hilal, according to the BBC.
The fasting portion of Ramadan is supposed to be an opportunity for Muslims to feel closer to God and strengthen their self-discipline.
