A Ramadan to remember: How our community is adapting this year

Words & interviews by Shayma Bakht, Edited by Sunayah Arshad

Last Ramadan, no one could have guessed life would change so radically in 2020. With a global pandemic halting the movement of communities across the world, the religious and cultural celebrations of our AZEEMA family will be unprecedentedly different. Muslims can be found, right now, fighting on the international frontline in the healthcare sectors across the globe, volunteering and cooking food for the vulnerable, praying in the isolation of their home, or simply surviving - because this Ramadan is centred around keeping ourselves and others safe. It has brought new challenges to a religious community that has existed - mostly unchanged - for thousands of years.

Through virtual meetings, online messaging platforms and social media ‘lives’, Muslims across the world have found innovative ways to stay connected with loved ones. And while this article shows that many have found joy in the quiet and stillness of lockdown, the pandemic has also forced a reimagining of many cherished routines and a greater emphasis on personal well-being.

As we enter the second Ashrah (stage) of Ramadan, we ask our own global community – who are scattered across the UK, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and everywhere in between – how they’ve adapted their habits during this holy month in lockdown and how to stay connected from afar.

Dubai-based Artist, Malaika Munshi (@wweary), says she’s using the spare time to create something small every day, which was not possible in previous years. She says, “I’m grateful to have a big family … It is definitely not lonely. Celebrating Ramadan in lockdown will be a totally different experience because we are used to spending late nights with friends and extended family. One thing I will be doing differently is creating a 30-day scrapbook. My advice for passing time is to set daily missions: one in each category: creativity/ spirituality/ relaxation.” To ensure our community has the resources to tap into these categories throughout Ramadan, we have organised a host of Instagram takeovers. From self-care recipes on making DIY glow balms and body butters, to fitness sessions in collaboration with NIKE, and conversations with Muslim nutritionists.

*Sabira, Founder of Huq That - Image by Jameela Elfaki*

Sabira, the founder of modern Henna collective HuqThat (@huqthat) says, “My family are going to be doing Iftar on Zoom which is really nice. They have sent a Ramadan PDF, which lets you track and plan the things you want to achieve”. She acknowledges that, while Muslims across the world use Ramadan to strengthen their spirituality and empathy, it can be challenging for those suffering with mental health disorders, particularly this year with the COVID-19 outbreak. Sabira lists “small practices that give [her] joy” - and keep her mind healthy - like journaling, dancing, writing, practicing yoga, watching Netflix and making art. She talks about forgiveness, and insists that we should experience “grief and down days without feeling too guilty.”

Ramadan is often imagined as a collection of divinely-lit nights, surrounded by loved ones and strangers in prayer, but the reality is that it can be lonely. And, this year, many mental health conditions will worsen with the uncertain backdrop of a global pandemic. As funding for mental health sectors are cut, life events are cancelled, and some loved ones are lost, the community are finding ways to prioritise their own health. Sabira’s aunty, who is clinically diagnosed with Bipolar, wanted to pass on a message of hope to AZEEMA readers fasting in lockdown: “Mental health is a funny thing [and people] will have different coping mechanisms. But we are not alone...we’ve been through far worse and can for sure come out of this stronger.”

Hulya Erzurumlu, founder of mental health website 1 in 4 Gorginas (@1in4Gorginaas), hasn’t been able to fast for over ten years because of her disordered eating, but encourages those suffering with similar disorders to still join in the festivities: “It has never stopped me from celebrating Ramadan and appreciating my religious roots.” She says, “Growing up in England, I’ve always found it hard to stay connected with Islam, but Ramadan...gives us all an opportunity to be a bit more introspective”. “The hardest thing for me, is not being able to spend time with my Nene. In many ways, she is the one that ties me to Turkey and Islam. Although, we’ve hooked her up to Skype and she’s adamant to leave me Dolma, Borek and Baklava on the doorstep when I drop [shopping] supplies off to her”.

Poet Rakaya Fetuga (@rakayaesime) also acknowledges the hidden benefits of fasting under lockdown. “Ramadan in isolation will actually be a blessing in disguise as it’ll make pause, stillness and reflection part of our default state.” She says. Though she admits, “I'm definitely going to miss the community feeling of gathering for Iftar, praying taraweeh together and making du'a with friends under the stars - but there are so many online initiatives doing what they can to fill those gaps.” Rakaya, herself, is part of this virtual movement, and has hosted many online events including a poetry night on AZEEMA’s instagram story.

Writer Hedeel Askar (@111Hedeel111) tells me how, at the beginning of the pandemic outbreak, “it was extremely difficult digesting all that was happening, and I felt seriously disconnected from my faith … my mental health also plummeted.” However, Hedeel explains that she put her suffering in perspective: “I’m thankful for the privilege of self-isolating that Palestinians, families in my hometown in Iraq, and people all over the globe are not afforded.” Her recommendation for the AZEEMA family who are fasting in lockdown is reading: “the writing of Rumi and Hafiz have really been there for me. Check up on your sisters in this difficult time as well”.

BBC reporter and producer Samhar Gowhar (@itssamharxo) says: “I’m still trying to figure out [this Ramadan] myself. I’ve started to write a plan of what I’d like to achieve by the end of Ramadan...The key is to keep your goals simple, that way it’s easy to manage and I can feel like I’m being productive”. Samhar asserts that “The most important thing is to look after your mind. It’s a weird time, and forcing productivity can be daunting. So, I want to say: it’s okay to take some time to just be still.”

Makeup artist Maryam Rafi (@Stressers) is spending her first Ramadan at home after 6 years. “It’s the best time to change some quarantine habits that I know I’m not the only one guilty of - sleeping being the main culprit. Ramadan is always the best time for self-improvement but, often, we get lost in our work and daily routines. Spend this time with family, learn new skills, become fitter - but generally just [work on] improving our mental and physical health, which in essence makes us stronger Muslim women”

While the world feels uncertain right now and parts of Ramadan have changed, and even Eid celebrations are not guaranteed, the AZEEMA community continues to pull together and support each other. Whether fasting or not, it’s important to remember to look after your health, both mental and physical, and be kind to yourself. This Ramadan has been a unique experience for the community so far, but is one that we can reflect on to help guide us in the future. From the AZEEMA team to yourselves, we wish you an amazing and fulfilling Ramadan.