Belgian Muslims Adapt to Ramadan Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

The Executive of Muslims of Belgium (EMB), the official body for the management of the Islamic faith, has issued a series of instructions and recommendations to help the faithful live a month of Ramadan under the sign "of wisdom, patience and solidarity". As mosques will remain closed to the public, the EMB specifies that "the Tarawih prayer can only be performed at home, with family members living under the same roof".

Muslims in Belgium are also asked to take their iftar meal at home with only family members. Inviting relatives, friends and neighbors is prohibited, as are gatherings after iftar. Jamal Habbachich is the imam of a mosque in Brussels. According to him, Muslims in Belgium have overcome disappointment and frustration to see in this difficult period "a unique opportunity to take a step back, refocus on their priorities and draw closer to God".

Even if they are forced to change many of their habits and rituals due to measures such as social distancing, the ban on gatherings and the closure of mosques, "nothing prevents them from spiritually recharging, performing their prayers and religious rituals," notes Jamal Habbachich in a statement to the MAP.

Muslims in Belgium intend to use this confinement period to "focus more on the essence of this month of introspection, worship and piety, in order to further strengthen family ties". The mosque he runs is supporting the faithful as best it can, by publishing daily video capsules on its Facebook page to provide the faithful with theological advice and support to "allow them to fully live their spirituality".

The imam saluted "the extraordinary outpouring of solidarity from the members of the Moroccan community and the spirit of compassion they have shown in this particular context". Thanks to it, meals and food parcels are distributed daily to the most destitute and homeless. According to Jamal Habbachich, this health crisis has not only had negative consequences. It has also helped to "further strengthen the values of solidarity and mutual aid and to strengthen the ties of Moroccans in Belgium with the members of their communities".

Like their co-religionists, members of the Moroccan community are trying to adapt to this new reality and change their habits. But they have no intention of doing without the culinary traditions and dishes that make this sacred month so special. "They find their happiness in the many businesses owned by Moroccans like them".

In order to avoid any health risk during this particular period, companies specializing in mobile "Click & Collect" solutions have launched online ordering and contact-free pickup sites dedicated to the month of Ramadan. Through "a search by city, they can easily find all the supermarkets, butchers, bakeries and pastry shops, as well as the businesses near their homes".

Even if the coronavirus crisis has disrupted the daily life of Muslims in Belgium during Ramadan, it will certainly have had the merit of "allowing them to grasp the deeper meaning of fasting and the true purpose of this blessed month, far from the excesses contrary to the authentic values of Islam".