By Ramadan, the best time of the year, is upon us again! This blessed month has come seemingly quickly after a whirlwind of a year. It seems like only yesterday it was 2020 and the beginnings of the pandemic were upon us. Last year we spent Ramadan and Eid in quarantine. Now it’s our second year of the pandemic, and some of us will be spending our second Ramadan and Eid in quarantine, while others will be able to enjoy a sense of normalcy.
Vaccines are out and being widely distributed, but that doesn’t mean the human race is out of the woods just yet.
In order for us to get past this pandemic in the safest way possible, we all must still follow all the rules and practice safe COVID precautions. Whether we are vaccinated yet or not, COVID is still circulating among us.
Last Ramadan, we were virtually all quarantined and stayed home for Ramadan iftars and Eid celebrations. This year may look slightly different. Some groups of people may still want to or have to stay at home for all the festivities, depending on their location. And others may deem it safe for them to go ahead and head to the mosque. It’s up to you to do what’s permissible, safe, and responsible for you, your family, and community. Here are some tips to get you through the visits to the mosque as safely as possible if you do opt to visit the masjid. Each mosque may have a different pandemic strategy, so reach out to your local mosque and get the information you need regarding their protocols. This way there are no surprises during your visit. However, here are some universal best practices and precautions to keep in mind.
If you’re sick, stay home!
Anyone who is feeling sick should definitely stay home and away from groups of people in order to avoid spreading any illnesses. Spreading any illness, not just COVID, is frowned upon.
Perform wudu at home.
Wudu should be performed at home before coming to the mosque. Because of the risk of respiratory droplets spreading, wudu areas at the mosque will most likely be closed.
Continue social distanCing at the mAsJId.
While in the mosque, you should continue to practice social distancing. That means staying at least six feet away from others.
Wear a face mask.
We aren’t quite done with face masks yet. Even vaccinated people need to continue to wear their face masks and everyone must wear one during the duration of their visit.
Bring your own prayer rug and Social distance for prayers.
Mosques should implement adequate distancing during prayers. That means each row of individuals must be spaced out six feet. It would also be extremely helpful to bring your own prayer rug.
Remember to bring your hand SANITIZER.
Mosques should have hand sanitizers available to everyone who needs them. But always remember to bring your own, just in case.
Hold Prayers outside when possible.
Whenever weather is permissible, have prayers outside. According to current CDC guidelines, it lowers the risk of transmission.
Open windows and Use air pUrifiers.
Fresh air and proper ventilation is much needed, so mosques should open window and/or allow air purifiers in the building.
Get the vaccine. It’s Halal.
We should all feel safe getting the vaccines that are available to us. They are 100% halal and do not invalidate your fast during this month of Ramadan. If after getting the vaccine you do become ill, then you can definitely break your fast in order to get better faster. These general principles when it comes to being sick during Ramadan always apply.
All in all, we must all look out for one another during this Ramadan. Encouraging each other to follow the guidelines is everyone’s responsibility, as getting through this pandemic is something we can only do together and as a unified front. May Allah bless us during this holy month and keep us all in good health. Ameen.