How to Have a Great “Socially Distanced” Ramadan

We are about to face a "socially distanced" Ramadan. Sorrow and sadness might be daunting. The missing out on Taraweeh prayers, enjoying the Imam's beautiful recitation, meeting with family and friends, sharing iftar, eating and laughing, and praying together might be causing anxiety. Seeing Makkah empty, our Masajid empty and closed creates another layer of sadness and emptiness.

So, let us re-shift our thinking and focus on the positives. This is the time to be together while being apart. Let us re-focus, revive, and relive the Ramadan of the Sahabah and the Prophet (S). During the time of RasulAllah (S), the Sahabah prayed Isha in Jamat and then went home and prayed Qiyam and Tahajjud. There was no surplus food for massive iftars. There is a blessing for a true believer in every situation. Our hardships in Ramadan will bring a greater reward insha Allah. 

Allah says:

مَاأَصَابَمِنمُّصِيبَةٍإِلَّابِإِذْنِاللَّـهِ ۗ وَمَنيُؤْمِنبِاللَّـهِيَهْدِقَلْبَهُ ۚ وَاللَّـهُبِكُلِّشَيْءٍعَلِيمٌ

"No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things." (Quran, 64:11)

Capture the Spirit of Ramadan:

• Get your family involved. Pray together, eat together, cook together, have a short talk after Isha (doing things together, and having a routine helps).
• Manage sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Take a nap after work and school (according to Sunnah)to stay up at night for prayers.
• You can pray Taraweeh on your own, read from a Mushaf (put Mushaf down on a pillow while in sajdah).
• Some of us might not be able to pray extra Taraweeh on our own, try to pray 2-4 extra Rakahs after Isha or before Fajr. The best time to pray is in the last 3rd of the night before Fajr. Do as much as you are able.
• Slowly build upon your Ibaadah in the first 20 days and nights of Ramadan, so by the last ten nights, you can do more.
• A good thing this Ramadan is that there will be no wastage of food with lavish iftar parties.
• Focus your attention on Quran contemplation, reading, and improving tajweed. Take online classes if needed.
• Maybe this Ramadan, we can memorize an ayah a day.
• Make a Dua list. Make a diary and start journaling your stresses and worries to share with Allah.
• This is the time to be mindful and aware of Allah's bounties. Time to think and contemplate-How are we blessed?
• Increase charity; attend online fundraisers. This is the year that everyone around the globe needs our help like never before. Invest your Zakat and charity for those in desperate need locally and internationally.
• Invest your time in helping others in whatever way you can.
• Make a family and friend chat group to stay connected. Share recipes, ideas, and Duas.
• Keep in mind that our kids are experiencing this for the first time.They are also away from their friends and school. Acknowledge their fears and be available to talk to them. Make Ramadan special by decorating, cooking, praying, and playing with them. Connect kids with their friends.
• Limit news exposure for kids. Decorate your home with Ramadan lights, involve kids in making the house look beautiful for Ramadan.
• Just do your best, and do not forget the people who are suffering globally.

May Allah help us in witnessing this blessed month with our families in good health. May Allah reunite us with a stronger faith and Imaan.