Sheffield’s Muslim community advised to carefully consider Ramadan traditions this year

Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for Muslims all over the world.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, it will be necessary for many Muslims to change how they would normally practise Ramadan traditions.

Imam Ismail, Imam and university chaplain, who serves communities in Sheffield, said: “Ramadan is very important. We fast, we gather, we go to mosques, we give charity, we invite our neighbours and we share things with our families and friends and neighbours. That is not happening because of lockdown.”

There are many Muslims who work in the health service and Imam Ismail believes those individuals working on the front line should pay particular attention to the advice surrounding fasting.

He said: “In this situation, they are now under pressure. Their duty times will be changing, their shifts will be changing, they will be wearing different kinds of clothing and they might face dehydration.

“That might affect their lives, which is very important first of all, and then the lives of others. That is why we think that it is very important that we issue this advice. They can make their fast later on some other time.”

Muslim leaders have advised that there will be ‘no penalty’ for breaking the fast and making up for it later if an individual is struggling.

Ramadan also usually involves Muslims gathering at mosques up to five times a day and during the night.

Although all mosques should be closed currently, representatives in the region were sent a letter from South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, urging communities to stay at home.

Dr Alan Billings, wrote: “In normal times you would also spend time in the mosque with fellow believers, hear verses from the Holy Qur'an and do good in the community.

“But these are not normal times.”

He has called for Muslims in Sheffield to observe Ramadan at home, as the Jewish and Christian communities have done with Passover and Easter.

Dr Billings added: “This would be an act of charity for the sake of the health and well-being of the whole community.”

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