How to Cope with Covid-19 during Ramadhan
Undoubtedly Ramadhan this year will be different from all the other Ramadhans that we have experienced in the past. Gone are the bazaar Ramadhan, praying at the mosque for Tarawih and iftar events with the community. We can now only observe this holy month with our own bubble, whether it be with your family, friends, or maybe just by yourself. Whatever the situation may be, let us just be grateful that you are able to observe another Ramadhan and that you still have time to make more ibadah/worship.
I understand that not only is this year’s Ramadhan is different, it can also be difficult. For some, you may miss the company that the physical closeness that Ramadhan could bring and for others, they may have lost their job and do not know when our next income will come through, or unsure of how to eat for iftar or suhoor, or how to make ends meet. For those that are struggling, my thoughts and prayers are with you but please do have trust that Allah ALWAYS gives you what you need and that you always have ENOUGH for the time being. Do not lose hope and keep praying but also take action.
A powerful dua made by our Prophet Musa (a.s) to recite during times of need is “Rabbi Inni Lima Anzalta Ilayya Min Khairin Faqir” which translates to “My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” Insha’Allah, you will be taken care of.
For those that are more financially able to, please reach out and make sure that your family, those closest to you and your neighbour has enough to eat during the month of Ramadhan and if you can, donate to a charity that helps those in need.
Since we are now in our own bubble with restricted movement this means that there will be fewer distractions. Therefore, let us make this year’s Ramadhan as an opportunity to truly focus on our acts of worship/ibadah. Alhamdulillah, I realised that since my bubble consists all of my immediate family we are now able to do ibadah together with more frequent jamaah, reading of the hadiths together, encouraging each other to read the Quran and memorising new surahs or duas, and learning together to grow and become better Muslims.
Nonetheless, these are my tips on how to cope with Covid-19 during Ramadhan:
Keep close contact with family and friends. Make sure to call and ask for forgiveness while you can. Ask them how they are and what you can do to help. Talk to them to how you are feeling as well.
Set up a routine and set goals to strive for during Ramadhan. Ramadhan is the perfect time for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and individual transformation. It is also a time to stop bad habits and to start new habits.
Read more of the Quran with the meanings. They say that the Quran is how God talks to you. You can also increase other acts of ibadah with dhikr (remembrance of Allah), pray more sunnah prayers and to give more zakat (charity).
If you are feeling anxious due to Covid-19, making more dhikr and doa to God could help you to put yourself more at ease. In times of uncertainty, trusting in God and hope is what keeps us going. Remember, we plan but Allah is the best of planners.
Do some light exercises an hour before iftar such as taking a walk or doing light stretches. Remember to eat healthy and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables and to eat in moderation.
Take advantage of the internet. The internet is full of (mostly free and accessible) Islamic knowledge such as videos, courses, blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts. You can also tune in to live online khutbahs or classes. Some of my favourite online platforms are Yaqeen Institute, Seekers Guidance, and Muslim Central podcasts.
Say Alhamdulillah every day and write down at least three things that you are grateful for.
I pray that we all can fully take advantage of this year’s Ramadhan to reap all the beneficial rewards and that we are kept healthy and safe. Amiin!
Ramadhan Kareem to you and your family!