01 May Emotional well-being under lockdown – Part 3
Ramadan in lockdown
Who would have thought this year’s Ramadan festivities would be celebrated in such a strange time.
As the weeks have gone by, the extended lockdown has meant different experiences for different people – some have settled into a comfortable pattern, some are enjoying the slow pace of life, some are finding it more frustrating and anxiety provoking, some have been ill or lost loved ones, and some are in incredibly difficult environments.
The arrival of Ramadan has possibly also been welcomed in much the same way, a confusion of excitement and anxiety. The normal routine for many have changed this year: men are not able to pray tarawih in congregation, what a weird feeling that must be, family/community iftars and annual events will be missed, and a huge question mark remains on what Eid will be like this year… What are your feelings about Ramadan amongst Covid-19 Lockdown?
Rafia – “I, personally, am looking forward to a Ramadan at home, what a rare opportunity for us to take advantage of. I look forward to the slow pace of life, as opposed to the daily rush of my usual routine, so I can inshaAllah make the most of the time I have this month. Regardless of this, I also feel anxious about everyone’s health during this unprecedented time. May Allah keep us healthy and make this Ramadan easy for us, Ameen.”
Nazmin – “This year is the first Ramadan I will predominantly be at home and not at work, and the first as a mother. This in itself has come with its own challenges. Being at home, I have set myself more goals regarding my ibadah, such as memorising more duas and surahs, praying more Quran etc. However, being a mother to a young child often makes it difficult to achieve these goals. I am still grappling with this difficulty but slowly accepting that it is okay. Is lockdown making this different? Yes as I am having to find inventive ways to keep her occupied at home, but alhamdulillah I have a garden, and I am humbled by this as many others do not. This year due to Covid19 I have started to appreciate things more, no matter how small, and been able to better reflect.”
Be easy on oneself
Every year, perhaps we set ourselves goals such as completing the Quran or teaching our child a surah, but the truth is many people are not able to fulfil all the goals they set. This may be even more so during Lockdown when there is no school or work for family members. Mothers of younger children especially may find it difficult, but that is okay. One must remember that tending to family members, is a reward in itself, a sacrifice a mother makes in raising her children is raising her in spiritual degrees which she may never attain through the acts of other worships.
The husbands and fathers are now also at home, let them help and support you, but not only this, let them spend more time with the family, where they may not have been able to before due to work commitments.
At-Tirimidhi (3895) narrated from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said “The best of you is the best of you to his family, and I am the best of you to my family” Classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al Jami’, 5625.
Ramadan Activities
Create a Ramadan environment at home – include a reading corner, a prayer space, decorations, a Ramadan advent calendar with little gifts or daily quotes. We have seen some great pictures on social media – share your ideas with others to inspire them!
Try to focus on a theme each week in your household, and teach your children different aspects of Islam around this theme. For instance focus on the Seerah the first, prayer the second week, Quran the third, and Charity the fourth (particularly the importance of the last ten nights). For younger children, maybe teach them different aspects through arts and crafts, for older children a Q&A game.
Have a virtual Suhoor/Iftar with family or friends that you would normally see. Keep in contact with others to help you feel more connected with loved ones.
Challenge friends/family members to Ramadan quizzes or to online donations to charity.
Join Islamic lectures on Zoom or Youtube.
Take 5 minutes out of your day to ask Allah for something. In Surah Baqarah Dua is linked to Ramadan and Allah says I will respond to those who make Dua.
Remember us in your duas.
Written by Nazmin Rahman (Social Worker) & Rafia Yousuf (Psychotherapist)
For comments or questions please contact on rafnaz.psychsw@gmail.com
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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.