Celebrating Ramadan this year
We are approaching Ramadan and this year will be unlike any other.
Ramadan is usually a time to gather together with family and loved ones, and during these times of uncertainty, we know how especially important this is.
This year we are urging families to follow Government guidelines and pray and break fast only within their own households and with the family members they live with.
“This will be a Ramadan like no other where it is absolutely critical that residents continue to observe social distancing guidelines.
“Please do not come together with family members or friends outside of your home to observe daily prayer or iftar as you would usually – the greatest gift you can give this year at Ramadan is to stay at home and save lives.
“This year make Ramadan a family time by staying in and praying at home.”
It is vital that we all remain within our homes and reduce social contact as much as possible to protect our own health, and particularly the health of the most vulnerable in our community.
Please remember the safest place to pray this year is at home – we must not pray at our mosques or come together with family members or friends anywhere outside our own homes.
By making these sacrifices for the greater good, we can all be good neighbours and help save lives.
Ramadan is about community, and this year we can connect in different ways. Social media and apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom mean you can still pray with family and friends as well as stream lectures or taraweeh.
One of the principles of Ramadan is abstaining from food. Why not take this opportunity to donate any excess food you might have to a local foodbank or charity?
Government advice is that we should all only shop for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible. With that in mind, iftar menus should be planned in advance with time to spare, limiting trips to the store.
We should not forget however that getting both exercise and fresh air is really important, and providing we all follow the guidelines we should all try to keep active in the best way suited for us.
“Camden Council is here to support everyone. For our latest updates visit our dedicated website at: www.camden.gov.uk/coronavirus or talk to us directly on 0207 974 4444, option 9.
“Please stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Imaaam Abshir Mohamed, Al-Bayaan Institute said:
"We welcome the blessed Month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, charity, unity, piety and sacrifice.
"Ramadan teaches us many great lessons and amongst them one very important quality that we desperately need amidst this global pandemic, the quality of self-restraint.
"During these difficult times, self-restraint in social distancing becomes an act of worship as it helps save many lives."