Yusuf Adow, Mohamed Awil, and Mohamed Musse on Eid in 2019
For those who might not know, Ramadan is a time of year all Muslims look forward to. All across the globe Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and reflect on community, charity, and faith. Ramadan usually follows the lunar calendar, and moves to different times each year. We are now three weeks into Ramadan, and coming into the last eight days of the holy month – in quarantine. As we hit the homestretch of Ramadan this year, time feels like it’s moving a lot faster than usual. Is Ramadan ending? What is next?
This Ramadan has brought a different kind of challenge, one that came with restrictions, and was observed in isolation. Many communal prayers were moved to virtual settings, and there has been no Iftar sharing in large social gatherings. This Ramadan, the first and foremost thing to be grateful for has been health, well-being, and life itself in these times of uncertainty.
Eid follows Ramadan, and marks the end of the holy month. We show thankfulness to Allah for giving us the health to fulfill one of our many obligations, which is fasting during the holy month. On Eid, we usually celebrate, and share meals with loved ones, friends, and strangers. With Eid just over a week away, it’s looking more and more likely that Eid prayers will not take place this year as they have in the past, because of the COVID-19 virus. Governor Mills’ administration recently released a four phase plan for reopening the economy, and unfortunately, Eid falls during the first phase of that plan, with its prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people. It’s safe to say that the effect of COVID-19 will be felt even more than it was felt during Ramadan this year when Eid comes around.
However, regardless of the situation, and despite the social restrictions in place, I hope we still find creative ways to mark the important occasion of Eid, just as we have been able to do during Ramadan. Eid is always a beautiful time. This year, we should be grateful for our health, and for the community that we love – and miss – and hope to celebrate with soon. I wish you all a great rest of Ramadan.
