WHO Guidelines for Ramadan Practices

The World Health Organisation has released guidelines to be followed for celebration of Ramadan in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a religious occasion in Islamism and one of the Five Pillars of Islamism. It is a month long observance of fasting, prayer, community and reflection. It commemorates the first revelation of Prophet Muhammad. It is one of the most important religious observances in Islamism. In some Islamic countries, non-observance is even treated as a crime.

Features

• Obligatory fasting- also called sawm
• Predawn meals called suhur and nightly feasts called iftar
• Salat (prayer), recitation of Quran, etc.
• Abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, sinful behaviour, etc.
• Eid- marks the end of Ramadan

WHO Guidelines

• Recommended the cancellation of social and religious gatherings.
• Standardized risk assessment exercise should be carried out to decide whether mass gathering events can be restricted/ modified/ postponed/ cancelled.
• Use of virtual alternatives- TV, radio, digital and social media for celebrations.
• Early involvement of religious leaders in decision making process.
• Actively engage religious leaders in communicating decisions regarding the event with the masses.
• Adherence to physical distancing and hygiene practices during gatherings.
• Vulnerable people are to avoid attending the gatherings.
• Gatherings to be held outdoors and in short time spans.
• Pre-packaged boxes at iftar banquets, etc.