UK Muslim Council issues guidelines on ‘Ramazan amid lockdown’

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) – which is the largest Muslim organisation in the UK – has issued guidelines for millions of people who will spend Ramazan amid coronavirus lockdown.

According to a BBC Urdu news report published on Tuesday, there will be no out-of-home worship during the ongoing lockdown, no prayer at the mosques and no large parties or gatherings of friends and relatives will be permitted. Instead, MCB has suggested online virtual breaks with their loved ones and relatives using video chat as an alternative and has given guidance in this regard.

The issued guidelines have also directed people to plan meals in advance so that they don't have to go to the store repeatedly to shop.

MCB has advised people to eat foods that can provide substantial amount of energy in the morning which can be maintained throughout the day, the publication added.

It has also directed Muslims to "take care of their workplace and their duties and to show patience with the people around them", adding that employers who do not show flexibility during fast will be held accountable for "illegal acts and indirect discrimination".

The holy month of Ramazan is of special importance to nearly two billion Muslims around the world, said the publication, highlighting that this month is of great generosity and goodwill and collective worships through which we can restore faiths and blessings of God Almighty.

The report also underlined that due to lockdowns, there will be no enticing streets and markets because people will be confined to homes. However, Dr Aymanal Badawi, a specialist in Islamic jurisprudence, said that the spirit of Ramazan will still be alive.

He said that many specific worships of Ramazan can be maintained during isolation. "In fact, for some of us, the spiritual aspect of worship may increase due to less distractions than usual."