How I'm observing Ramadan during lockdown

Shouting over family members, fighting for a seat at an already crowded 12-seater table, and picking out the best food to break fast with, is what a normal Ramadan looks like at home.

But observing the holy month during a national lockdown is a much more sombre affair.

For one, I'm not at home, which would normally be bursting at its seams accommodating my four brothers, four sister-in-laws, nine nieces and nephews, my dad, and myself as we all travel home to celebrate Ramadan together. That 12-seater table doesn't seem so big now does it?

For obvious reasons, that's not possible. So breaking fast with family, an important tradition, is out the window and a void that is most keenly felt by many.

I would normally be celebrating breaking the fast with my family, including my dad and my nieces and nephews Credit: Tahmeena Alam

So how exactly do you continue the customs and traditions during a pandemic?

Being part of a world where technology is second nature has its benefits.

Virtual Iftars (breaking of the fast) can take the place of gathering with loved ones and online lectures and classes are substitutes for attending mosque.

Traditionally breaking fast at home is usually a big feast. Credit: Tahmeena Alam

The Muslim Council of Wales have started on online radio to bring together live feeds and lectures, making it easier to remain connected to your local mosque, which is great.

However, technology is more of a hindrance when you have a 79-year-old father who isn't always in the best of health. But more importantly it's not quite the same when it's the first time you're away from him during Ramadan.

So I'm focusing on a different aspect.

Much like everyone else, I've been forced to make changes in how I live and practice religious customs, but lockdown has provided a unique opportunity to practice the core values of the holy month - self-reflection, reconnecting with God, and the importance of helping those in need through charity.

Decorations are put up around the house for Ramadan. Credit: Tahmeena Alam

Giving charity:

Every year, in honour of my late mother, I like to pick out some charities or projects to donate to. It's an act of worship that was very close to her heart.

Over the last five weeks we've seen incredible acts of kindness for the most vulnerable and NHS staff, so this year, I'm going to take some time to find ways to helps those closer to home.

Although staying indoors far more than usual has been a rollercoaster of emotions, having more time to myself means I can focus on what is important to me - religion.

  • Reconnecting with faith:

Four years ago I was lost when my mum passed away unexpectedly, and Ramadan which came soon after, helped me reconnect with my faith and find my feet again. But working long hours and in a fast-paced industry, means that was somewhat on the back-burner.

So being forced to slow down and stay at home means I can turn to reciting the Qu'ran again, learn more about my religion and its teachings, and implement it without distractions.

While lockdown may seem like the antithesis of Ramadan, it doesn't strip the month of its importance, and it doesn't take away our ability to give and help others. If anything, it's vital at this moment of time.

I miss my family, but so does everyone else, and I have the privilege of still being in lockdown with my brother, my-sister-in-law and my beautiful nieces.

There may be more empty seats, but I still have food on my table.

Whether in lockdown or not, I'll be celebrating Ramadan with the same enthusiasm, sobeit in a different way.

In the words of The Queen,'we will meet again'. It's a small sacrifice to pay if it means being able return to a home overflowing with laughter, and overcrowded with same people for the next Ramadan.