Ramadan and other religious festivals under lockdown

[MattA7]

Ramadan starts tomorrow and Muslims in the UK and across the world will begin fasting. this year will certainly be different due to the lockdown. All masjids (mosques) in the UK are closed so no prayers and the traditional family gatherings for breaking the fast at sundown will be off limits. I hope this doesn’t have to much of a impact on people’s mental health as it would be like telling those who celebrate Christmas that they can’t be with their families on the day.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Yes I feel for Muslims. It will certainly be a difficult time for them. I suppose each family group could break fast together. Traditionally done with dates and black olives iirc.

 

[bramling]

Ramadan starts tomorrow and Muslims in the UK and across the world will begin fasting. this year will certainly be different due to the lockdown. All masjids (mosques) in the UK are closed so no prayers and the traditional family gatherings for breaking the fast at sundown will be off limits. I hope this doesn’t have to much of a impact on people’s mental health as it would be like telling those who celebrate Christmas that they can’t be with their families on the day.

Regarding the last point, we sort of had that with people denied the opportunity to catch up with family over Easter, which for those who celebrate Christmas rates as the second most important festival.

 

[Darandio]

Regarding the last point, we sort of had that with people denied the opportunity to catch up with family over Easter, which for those who celebrate Christmas rates as the second most important festival.

And Mothers Day right at the start of all of this, many found that difficult.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Yes, it's going to be a difficult time but Muslims can "share" a virtual meal with distant family and friends at iftar using technology and social media. Not the same I know but it's been difficult for Passover and Easter etc.

 

[MattA7]

Never thought of Easter Not sure what traditionally happens on Easter but I imagine it would have been a difficult time for those who normally celebrate it.

as for Mother’s Day I forgot all about it and was totally mortified however my mother was fine with it as she worries enough about me going to the supermarket regularly for food and other essentials (I have underlying health issues) Incase I catch the virus

 

[scotrail158713]

Regarding the last point, we sort of had that with people denied the opportunity to catch up with family over Easter, which for those who celebrate Christmas rates as the second most important festival.

As a Christian I view Christmas and Easter as important as each other. You can’t have Easter without Christmas, but Christmas isn’t important without Easter.

Never thought of Easter Not sure what traditionally happens on Easter but I imagine it would have been a difficult time for those who normally celebrate it.

I don’t meet with family for a meal at Easter like you would at Christmas. There’s usually a couple of extra church services I’d go to though so that was out the window, and was probably the hardest part. We had a service on Zoom, but some of our more elderly members of the congregation struggled with that a bit.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

And Saudi Arabia has already asked Muslims to delay Hajj bookings. Of course, come summer and hot weather and high UV it may be safer then. However, desert is a dry climate. Interesting to see what happens.

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia asks Muslims to delay Hajj bookings

The kingdom says it is concerned about the safety of pilgrims amid the coronavirus pandemic.

www.bbc.com

 

[amateur]

I thought the speech Matt Hancock gave on the 5pm brief was very sweet. See link below.

 

[Bedpan]

As a Christian I view Christmas and Easter as important as each other. You can’t have Easter without Christmas, but Christmas isn’t important without Easter.

I don’t meet with family for a meal at Easter like you would at Christmas. There’s usually a couple of extra church services I’d go to though so that was out the window, and was probably the hardest part. We had a service on Zoom, but some of our more elderly members of the congregation struggled with that a bit.

Not something I've particularly thought of before but how very true! We have our two daughters (both single) round for Christmas, and again on Easter Sunday, often with my brother in law too. It wasn't too bad this year as we had a turkey which we bought at Christmas and had put in the freezer.

How do church services work on zoom. I assume only a limited number of people can join a meeting or else the individual picture sizes would be minute. Or is it sound only so you can all say prayers and sing hymns together?

 

[scotrail158713]

How do church services work on zoom. I assume only a limited number of people can join a meeting or else the individual picture sizes would be minute. Or is it sound only so you can all say prayers and sing hymns together?

We worked it so everyone was muted apart from our minister. And I set up my screen to have him as a larger image, with everyone else on the scrollable list thing at the side.

 

[Bedpan]

Oh I see. But presumably you can't hear hymns being sung by the congregation. I'm one of those people who only attends once every couple of months or so, I ought to see about joining a virtual service and then I can see for myself.
.

 

[Dr Hoo]

Oh I see. But presumably you can't hear hymns being sung by the congregation. I'm one of those people who only attends once every couple of months or so, I ought to see about joining a virtual service and then I can see for myself.
.

(Being slightly hesitant to comment about Christian services on a Ramadan thread) my church is 'broadcasting' recorded hymn singing during the Zoom services, so we can all join in from home. We have settled into a suitably uplifting and reverential routine after a few weeks' practice. Plenty of time for welfare and charity discussions after the services too.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

AFAIK there are no major Christian events coming up soon. However, Ramadan maybe especially difficult this year for Muslims. Problem is under lockdown people have a tend to eat more. So fasting will be especially difficult under lockdown conditions. At least with the Hajj it is only a requirement for at least once in a lifetime so there are always future years. Ramadan is not the same. It is supposed to be observed every year iirc.

 

[MattA7]

Not sure about churches however The masjids(mosques) in my area are giving the weakly sermons online through social media platforms. I think the closing of places of worship has had a detrimental impact on many as it is often not only the religious significance but for a lot of people (especially the elderly) it was a place to socialize with others.

 

[Aictos]

Northampton Cathedral actually live streams all Masses so if you can't get there, you can still join the service.

One Mass I observed had the priest repeat everything twice, once for the items he's meant to say then again when he spoke to represent the congregation.

 

[Strat-tastic]

Regarding the last point, we sort of had that with people denied the opportunity to catch up with family over Easter, which for those who celebrate Christmas rates as the second most important festival.

As a Christian, I see Easter as the most important festival.

 

[Aictos]

As a Christian, I see Easter as the most important festival.

I see both equally as important however for Catholics, Easter is extra special as it's the time that new members are welcomed into the Catholic church.

Both are far too much commercialised but that's today's world.

 

[MP33]

One advantage of this is that the Jehovah Witnesses are not prowling the streets or hanging around transport facilties.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

One advantage of this is that the Jehovah Witnesses are not prowling the streets or hanging around transport facilties.

Rotflol - they have been instructed not to go door knocking also.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

AFAIK there are no major Christian events coming up soon.

There is a very important Christian festival coming up at the end of May...

 

[GRALISTAIR]

There is a very important Christian festival coming up at the end of May...

Which one - I assume counting days -approximately 50 you are talking about Pentecost or is Ascension day still celebrated?

EDIT just seen that Ascension is a Catholic Holy Day of obligation.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Which one - I assume counting days -approximately 50 you are talking about Pentecost or is Ascension day still celebrated?

Yes, OT for this thread but Pentecost is still celebrated