For Muslims, to be unable to take part in congregational prayers and break the fast with family and friends during Ramadan was \u201cemotionally challenging, frustrating and culturally alien\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n

Shelina Janmohamed, the author of Generation M: Young Muslims Changing the World<\/em> and vice-president of Islamic marketing at Ogilvy Consulting, said: \u201cThis is going to be the most unusual Ramadan of my lifetime and I think in the living memory of Muslims across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Islamic holy month was \u201ca time of togetherness and spiritual congregation. Those are the two anchors [of Ramadan], and built into that is a nostalgia around traditions and rituals. Even those who might not normally classify themselves as observant Muslims feel drawn to Ramadan because those feelings of togetherness and community are built into us from childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like other faiths, Muslims are using technology to meet the challenges of lockdown. Ramadan prayers and the nightly recitation of the Qur\u2019an will move online, and fundraising for charities will also be digital. Platforms such as Zoom are expected to host iftar parties.<\/p>\n

Guidance is being drawn up by Islamic scholars on exemptions from fasting for people who are vulnerable to coronavirus. Muslims working long shifts in essential services will \u201cneed to be pragmatic in their approach\u201d to fasting, said Harun Khan, secretary general of the MCB.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Ramadan will be at a slower pace. It will give us more time for reflection and the opportunity to be closer to God,\u201d he said. Instead of visiting different mosques every day, Khan will be spending Ramadan at home with his immediate family.<\/h4>\n

According to Asim: \u201cThere is likely to be a tiny group of zealous people who may try to organise iftar events or congregational night prayers in their homes. My message to them is that selfishness has no place with God.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also warned that extreme rightwing groups were \u201ctrying to use the pandemic to create division\u201d and were scapegoating Muslims for the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n

At Finsbury Park mosque, there are plans to distribute iftar meals to people in need or alone who would normally come in person. \u201cPeople who volunteer with us every Ramadan are calling to say, \u2018Please, how can we help?\u2019,\u201d said Kozbar.<\/p>\n

The mosque will be streaming lectures and prayers, offering online counselling and organising members to take food to staff at nearby hospitals. \u201cThis lockdown is something new for us, like everyone else. It\u2019s a very difficult time, but we want to do our bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Source: The Guardian<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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