The fasting month of Ramadan starts on Tuesday for nearly 1 million Muslims in the Netherlands. It is the second Ramadan during the corona pandemic. Normally it is a time when believing Muslims pray together a lot and gather after sunset to break the fast. This is not possible due to the corona virus: there is only limited space in mosques, the joint iftar meals have been canceled and due to the curfew, Muslims cannot meet outside.
The Contact Body for Muslims and Government (CMO), which represents 380 mosques, calls on Muslims to celebrate Ramadan at home with the family and not to visit family and friends. “Ramadan is fun and good food, but that's not the essence. It is also a moment of reflection ”, says CMO board member Saïd Bouharrou. He himself celebrated it alone with his family last year. “I thought it was very special. You put your focus much more on yourself and your own spirituality. ”
Ramadan begins when the first shekel can be seen in the sky after the new moon. From that moment on, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, make love and smoke during the day for a month. The fast starts every day at around 04.00:21.00 AM, just before sunrise, and lasts until evening prayer, around XNUMX:XNUMX PM. During the month of fasting, Muslims must do extra charity. Sick, pregnant women, young children and travelers do not need to fast.
Ramadan ends with the Sugar Feast, probably Wednesday May 12. The exact end date depends on the phase of the moon. The GGD in Amsterdam, together with representatives, made a video explaining how believers can safely experience Ramadan and celebrate the Sugar Festival.
Also read: Mobility Affects Islamic Community During Ramadan
