Ramadan in the era of Covid-19
Ramadan in the era of Covid-19 | BBSI guidance for Ramadan | BBSIG-05 | 2020/1441 H
The BBSI is an apolitical national assembly of imams, traditional scholars and Islamically-literate Muslim academics formed to facilitate scholarly intra-Muslim research and dialogue. Our aim is to provide authoritative ethico-theological guidance and leadership on matters relevant to Muslims, whilst promoting wider community welfare. It primarily seeks to do this by developing theological leadership that can authentically represent the rich scholarly inheritance of Islam, whilst responding flexibly to the context of modern times. Its ultimate aim is to both serve and represent the Muslim community in an ethical, inclusive, professional and scholar-led way. The BBSI especially takes seriously the responsibility to provide theologically grounded, practically focussed, holistic and – above all – cool-headed and far-sighted guidance to the community in times of generalised anxiety and panic.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consultation with community organisations, health and medical experts, the BBSI has been providing ethico-religious guidance to the community. Muslim health workers and professionals, religious and community leaders, and institutions have been requesting the BBSI to communicate a comprehensive yet non-exhaustive guidance for the month of Ramadan and fasting. The BBSI is acutely aware that the Muslim community will likely not able to perform some of the communal activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as attending the mosques and arranging large iftar (fast-breaking) gatherings with friends and family.
Given this, the BBSI would like to remind all Muslims that Allah – the All-Merciful and Generous – has promised that He will reward us for simply having the intention to do good, even if we are unable to perform what we intend due to forces beyond our control. We take solace from this and exert our efforts to fulfil our duties and responsibilities as best as we can. ‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity’. (Q, 2:286)
To read the full guidance paper please click BBSI Guidance for Ramadan COVID-19 – BBSIG-05
NB: any amendments to the pdf will be uploaded on this page.