Belgian Muslims Adapt Ramadan Traditions Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

"The Ramadan period is a month of rejoicing, family reunions, solidarity and self-discovery. [...] The deprivation of food allows us to discover other aspects of our humanity and our potential," declares to La Dernière Heure, the imam of the largest mosque in Verviers, Frank Hensch.

Some practices will change due to the lockdown measures imposed on the population, in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Thus, Muslims will have to break the fast at home, in private, in the evening, during the "iftar" meal. Contrary to previous years, it will not be possible to gather together to commune.

"The upheaval will therefore be double for Muslims this year". First, because Ramadan is a special month that disrupts our habits and leaves room for introspection. Then, because with the lockdown, the entire community experience will not be able to take place. At best, the faithful will see the faces of their loved ones appear on a screen to break the fast" virtually together, explains Frank Hensch.

Similarly, there will be no gathering for the night prayer at the mosque (tarawih). This will mean that trips to the holy cities of Islam are also prohibited. "However, fasting coupled with confinement will make us taste the lack, even more than in previous years. This may develop empathy for people who are isolated all year round," says the imam.

Another change: there will be no celebrations in the mosques. "This does not prevent the practice of worship. One can very well pray without an imam, even if there is no fraternal feeling that we feel during collective prayer," emphasizes Frank Hensch.