During this time of self-isolation, it’s easy to feel like the persistent tether of the community we’ve all grown accustomed to and taken for granted is diminishing. Nobody is making plans to go pray tarawih together, there will be no iftar parties, and for the foreseeable, prayer congregations won’t be possible. We are simply unable to be one body in the coming weeks. Or are we?
This Ramadan, it’s important to recognise that the bond of Muslim communities hasn’t faltered. We have remembered that community isn’t about a specific location or physicality; it’s about support. New spaces have emerged in spite of the lockdown and global pandemic. They aren’t replacements of the old, but neither are they second-class substitutes. They are brave and unique, created in our time of need for one another, and are providing us with a sense of belonging and comfort in these odd days.
Mothers are coming together to organise virtual events on Facebook (their social lives thriving), local community groups are helping one another, and there are sisters-only support groups as domestic violence rises. We’ve found forums where we can continue to take comfort in our faith with virtual halaqa classes as well as initiatives for Ramadan digital community spaces. Quranic classes are happening over Zoom, we can tune into Friday jummah prayers virtually, and there are wholesome faith-based quiz nights to keep our deen in check while having fun along the way. Meanwhile, Amaliah and Maslaha have supported creatives with a variety of workshops including drawing, guided journaling and creative writing.
As some of us are fortunate to sit in our homes with fridges filled with food, there are others who fall into higher-risk categories and are unable to buy their own groceries. Many may be anxiously chipping away at their savings, but more than a few simply don’t have enough. Community is an extension of family; you fight and makeup and there is always an annoying uncle, but in this time of need, Muslims have bravely run towards danger to help their brothers and sisters. Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, one of the first mosques to close down, has organised a food bank and food delivery operation. Everything is run by volunteers. It has even set up a morgue. Acknowledging those working there is important. They are putting themselves directly in danger to allow the many Muslims who have passed away to be handled with dignity in death — a solace for families who have been affected.
With uncertainty all around, Muslim Youth Helpline has been working around the clock to support those who have suddenly been left without work. For Muslims who don’t have a family during this isolating period, My Open Iftar will be moving online from their usual Ramadan Tent in London and hosting iftars virtually. They are building on the Ramadan spirit and creating space for as many as possible; their goal that no one feel left behind.
As we grieve those who have passed away and worry about those in our families who are working on the frontline not sufficiently protected, each new space provides hope, faith and for some moments, escape. We are stronger together and our compassion and kindness are needed more so now than ever.
So, while some may say “don’t worry about how you spend your time during this lockdown”, as Muslims, our time isn’t simply our own. Let us continue to rise to the occasion and play our part however big or small. So far, we are proud to see, as a community, we have come through.
