Rumi, the Persian poet, who wrote beautiful verses about love, community, reflection and spirituality has been connecting the hearts and minds of countless generations of people seeking strength and happiness.

People from different paths of life are coming together to help one another, and social distancing is nothing but a chance to respect our differences and celebrate our uniqueness. After centuries of un-necessary wars, people from different religions start thinking about peace as a way of life.

This year, Christianity celebrated Easter in self isolation, and I was thinking that just like me, over 2,5 billion of people around the world were away from their family and friends, while in quarantine…The Muslim community just entered the month of Ramadan, and unlike the years before 2020, the whole world is in lockdown. Most people use this period for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, while scientists are tirelessly working to find a vaccine for Corona Virus.

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.

Rumi

The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the fast ( sawn) begins at down and ends at sunset. This is a time when Muslims reconnect with nature, distance themselves from material needs and wants, resisting consumerism and acknowledging the social and environmental struggles during lockdown and beyond. 

There is an invisible strength within us

Rumi

Celebrating Ramadan this year is different

For the last few years Muslims in London hosted the after sunset meal without food waste and free of plastic. Inspired by the legacy of Rumi, they are “Connecting hearts, minds & communities” and “building bridges in society.”

But this year’s Ramadan is very different, as during coronavirus outbreak millions of people are not able to visit their local mosque, friends and family.

Not far from London, Britain’s first eco-Mosque opened in Cambridge, is aiming for zero carbon on-site emissions, rainwater harvesting and air source heat pumps, and stands alone at this time, but in its beauty is a symbol of growing awareness, powerful counter-narrative on collectiveness, to protect the environment.

What is different during Ramadan 2020

As the global Covid-19 pandemic impacts almost every aspect of daily life, we had a look into how Muslims cope with fasting during the month? 

The Covid-19 crisis brought unprecedented social struggles and Muslims across the globe consider its deeper meaning. Since the outbreak, Muslims volunteered to  feed both the homeless and those trapped in their own homes, without discriminating against other religions in their local neighbourhoods

In an attempt to limit Covid-19 infections, in many countries Muslims are facing restrictions at local stores and have to make the best of the essentials they stocked in advance. 

Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.

Rumi

During Ramadan 2020 mosques must remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and with many countries in the Middle East under lockdown, large gatherings are banned, despite the fact that traditionally some specific prayers can only be recited as part of a congregation. 

Traditionally Muslim families and friends cook big meals and eat together to break their fast before praying. This year’s iftar is a time for solitude…

Rumi’s Kitchen in London remains operational until instructed to do otherwise to ensure that vulnerable people still have access to aid and constantly implementing measures to protect guests, volunteers and staff.

Looking at the deeper meaning Ramadan awakes in society in 2020, it is easier to see that each household is a space for healing, hope and self-love. It is one of the rare times when people become aware of their personal contribution towards making a better world.