Hari Raya Puasa in the year of COVID
The Holy Month of Ramadan is coming to an end, tomorrow in fact! Followers of Islam in Singapore as well as in other parts of the world are getting ready to welcome the month of Shawwal and with it the most auspicious day of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid-ul-Fitr). The celebration that marks the end of the customary period of Ramadan fasting is one of Islam’s most holy days. It is a day to celebrate happiness and give our blessings.
When you think about Hari Raya Puasa, what are the things that immediately come to your mind? Delicious food, mass prayer services and visits to loved ones are the three things that define the celebrations. However, this time around, the COVID pandemic has unfortunately forced (what one may consider to be) the usual rituals and practices to be carried out in a different manner.
The end of the month of fasting
Throughout the month of Ramadan, followers of Islam have been commemorating Prophet’s Mohammed’s time spent in seclusion, during which the Holy Quran was revealed to him. A month of fasting, charity and special prayers!
With the sighting of the special moon, the holy day of Eid-ul-Fitr will be welcomed.
Eid-ul-Fitr Salah
The Salat al-Eid or Eid-ul-Fitr Salah refers to the special prayers that are performed by believers during Hari Raya Puasa. The prayers are usually held in large gatherings at mosques. But this year, such gatherings will not be possible in most parts of the world.
Even during the month of Ramadan, mosques across the globe, including the famous Mecca and Medina could not be opened to the public. Circuit breaker measures in Singapore mean that congregational prayers during Hari Raya Puasa will not be possible, not just during the festive period, but also, months to come.
However, the Eid-ul-Fitr Salah prayers will be telecast online via social media and other platforms. Followers will be able to take part in the proceedings from within their homes.
Time for visits – the virtual solution!
It is customary for people to visit their loved ones, host feasts for relatives and celebrate together during Eid-ul-Fitr. The day is seen as an occasion for celebrating brotherhood and unity.
Alas, this as well will not be possible this year. In fact, it is really commendable that some religious leaders have come forward, asking the faithful to comply with the circuit breaker measures and refrain from making visits.
The customary visits will have to be substituted this year with video calls and online exchange of greetings ~ something unusual, but the wishes are all from the heart, and they would still be full of sincerity and love!
Special Meals, still there!
What about the delicacies that are prepared for Hari Raya Puasa? Well, at least those delicacies will be there as usual. However, the chance to have friends and family over to enjoy the meal together will not be possible. Families will be celebrating the occasion and taking part in special meals without visitors. On a positive note, this means that immediate families can bond more over the celebrations.
The true spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr
This special occasion celebrates love and brotherhood. Whatever might be different this year, nothing can take away this true spirit from the celebrations. This time more than ever, we need to be reminded about the true values of this holy day.
As we celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, let us remember the teachings of the Prophet. Let us take a moment to pray for our brothers and sisters across the globe, for all those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Let us contribute what we can to help the world and all its inhabitants back on their feet.
This Hari Raya Puasa, the external celebrations might be curtailed, but the true spirit of the day will be with us. May this festivity give us an incentive to act for the betterment of others and make us hopeful about the future.
Wishing all our Muslim families – Selamat Hari Raya! 🙂
The dos and don’ts of celebrating Eid Al-Fitr during the Covid-19
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