5 ways to support Muslims through Ramadan & COVID-19
Dear friends,
Muslims around the world are now preparing the most beautiful month of the Islamic Calendar: Ramadan.
For those of you who are curious about fasting and how to best support your Muslim friends or colleagues through Ramadan in COVID-19, this blog will provide some key tips from the Lestari family!
But first, let us breakdown what Ramadan is really all about. There can sometimes be confusion with fasting in Ramadan. Muslims do not literally fast for a month straight, but they do fast from sunrise to sunset each day of this holy month.
Muslims fast as it is believed to support them in practicing self-discipline, control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Through fasting, Muslims can observe what it feels like to not have access to food during the day, like the less fortunate members of the community. The end of Ramadan is celebrated after the 30 days of fast and is considered a sacred day of prayer, togetherness and celebration.
As Muslims prepare for Ramadan this year, they must now adapt their traditions in light of COVID-19. Gatherings, praying at the Mosque and even breaking fast with family will not be allowed. It is a challenging time for many, so we hope this blog can guide you in supporting your Muslim friends during this time.
5 ways to support and respect your Muslim Colleagues, students and friends during Ramadan
1. Avoid compulsory lunchtime Zoom Meetings
Even though your Muslim colleagues or students have made the choice to fast, it is respectful to avoid eating or talking about food in front of them while they are fasting. Ramadan is a time to practise restraint and self-control, however talking about or eating your lunch in front of someone fasting is probably similar to eating ice cream and delicious desserts in front of a friend who is trying to diet. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but definitely doesn’t hurt to be considerate, especially if you have young students who are still getting into the swing of their fasting.
2. Organise a Virtual ‘Buka Puasa’/Breaking Fast/Iftar
One of the beautiful things about Ramadan is the togetherness, the meals, and the breaking fast with your families. Restrictions mean that a lot of people can’t enjoy this, and the Muslim community can’t physically be together during these times. In the Lestari household, people of all religions and backgrounds have always been invited to break fast and enjoy our prepared Iftar dinners as a big group. Perhaps if it seems appropriate, you can ask your Muslim friends what time they are breaking their fast and organise a Virtual Breaking Fast Dinner altogether! You could even offer to cook or send over some food for them to break fast with. We’re sure they will appreciate this!
3. Ask respectful questions
If you are curious about Ramadan or fasting, make sure you are asking your Muslim friends or colleagues questions in a respectful way. Often people can be sceptical about things they don’t know a lot about, so make sure you are being an ally and showing your support with genuine curiosity. On that note, if you notice a Muslim friend is not fasting, it could be for their own personal reasons, or due to the exceptions of fasting: Travel, Menstruation, Illness, Pregnancy or Breastfeeding. Maybe don’t be that guy that asks why a person isn’t fasting… It’s their own business, and their choice to share it with you!
4. Check in on those who have family overseas or are living alone
All of us are feeling the effects of isolation. It can get lonely and the thought of not being able to see family who are near and far can be overwhelming. Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan. The best comparison for our Australian friends is Christmas time. A time celebrated with family, just like Christmas time, Muslims will often go back to their hometowns to ‘mudik’ and visit their families and elders. Overseas students studying and working in Melbourne, as well as Muslims who have lived in Melbourne for a long time, will be feeling the effects of not being able to go home to mudik for Eid. Do your best to check-in with all friends, especially those who don’t live with any roommates or partner! You can organise a video chat, phone call or even go for a socially distant walk if you’re in the same area.
5. Let’s (not) get (too) physical
Despite Olivia Newton John’s advice in the 80’s - getting physical is something that should be carefully considered this month. Be conscientious of how much physical movement is involved in non-essential daily work tasks. For example, during the day might not be the best time to suggest a high-intensity Zoom work out with your students or colleagues. Perhaps offer an alternative in case they are feeling low on energy.
Ultimately, Ramadan is a month for Muslims to reflect and show solidarity worldwide. After the 30 days of fasting, Eid is celebrated with people gathering to pray and celebrate the closing of the holy month. On this day, instead of awkwardly greeting your Muslim friends with ‘Happy Ramadan’, you can use the phrases ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, ‘Ramadan Kareem’ or in Bahasa Indonesia: ‘Selamat Hari Raya’. We hope you have found these tips helpful and thank you for being a respectful and supportive ally to people of all cultures and religions.
Stay safe and stay home,
Peace Lestari