Muslims should not feel guilty about struggling to observe Ramadan during the coronavirus crisis, a senior Muslim academic has said.
Speaking at the start of Ramadan, University of Edinburgh scholar Mona Siddiqui said the pandemic was instead a chance to practice “compassion and mercy” and help others “spiritually as well as physically and emotionally”.
Speaking on a broadcast on BBC Local Radio, Ms Siddiqui, who holds the posts of Assistant Principal for Religion and Society and Dean international for the Middle-East at the University of Edinburgh said, “It shouldn’t surprise us then that there will be Muslims who would normally observe Ramadan but this year may not be able to cope with the demands of fasting when so much of normal life has been suspended.
“With work and family tensions amplified, in these times, helping one another spiritually is helping people as they struggle, as they live out their faith as best they can.
“Let’s make sure we don’t judge anyone for what they can and can’t do, that we don’t frighten people with God, that we show compassion and mercy.”
Ramadan is traditionally a communal time with group meals – or Iftar – and praying.
With places of worship closed the BBC is broadcasting weekly Christian services and Muslim reflections on Local Radio stations. They are also available on BBC Sounds.
Speaking on Friday morning’s broadcast, Ms Siddiqui said lockdown forced us to “rethink the rhythm of religious rituals."
“In this current pandemic, living well is a challenge and only by nurturing a sense of purpose and compassion towards one another does our life continue to have greater meaning,” she said.
“Because if Ramadan is about fasting, it is also about hospitality.
“Not simply in the food we prepare, the charity we give, but an attitude to life. If Covid-19 has shown us anything it is how much simple acts of generosity and hospitality matter – quite simply these acts can be transformative to our own life as well others.”
Muslim reflections air each Friday at 5.50am on 14 BBC Local Radio stations: Leeds, Sheffield, Lancashire, Manchester, WM, Leicester, Stoke, Derby, Nottingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, Three Counties, London, Merseyside and Berkshire.
A Christian service is broadcast each Sunday at 8am on all 39 BBC Local Radio stations.
