Jordanians observe Ramadan under lockdown

AMMAN – Jordanians prepare for the start of the holy month of Ramadan this year in a different atmosphere in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

People will observe the fasting month this year while confined to their homes and secure their Ramadan supplies on foot while adjusting to limited Ramadan rituals.

Um Anas, a mother of three, said that spending Ramadan in isolation is hard and challenging, but noted that “every challenge is an opportunity in a way or another”. During the holy month, she plans to spend time with her kids reciting parts of Koran, learn the meaning of its verses and simply enjoy the chance of having private time.

“Amid the coronavirus-imposed restrictions, we will enjoy the warmth of our little family,” Um Anas told the Jordan Times on Thursday.

Septuagenarian Abu Abdul Salam told the Jordan Times on Thursday that age has not curbed his enthusiasm for his ‘favourite’ month of the year.

“This month is usually filled with family gatherings, feasts and prayers at mosques, but in light of the unprecedented pandemic, we will spend our time in distance,” Abu Abdul Salam said.

This pandemic has caught us by surprise, and for sure it has affected many aspects of Ramadan, he said, adding that he retrofitted a prayer room in his home to get the true essence of what we were used to “in times before COVID-19.”

“We will manage to take advantage of the spirituality of this month, and this pandemic gave us more time to reflect upon deeper meanings in our religion,” Abu Abdul Salam said.

During a press briefing on April 21 at the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh called on the public not to conduct gatherings or feasts during the fasting month of Ramadan, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Ola Mohammad told The Jordan Times on Thursday that she usually feels happy at the sight of communal Ramadan tents, where free meals are offered for the poor to break their fast, but amid the pandemic “we will be cut off from many Ramadan rituals.”

In a statement, Adaileh also said that the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) will be in charge of receiving and distributing in-kind and food donations during the holy month.

“We are all going through hard times, but lanterns continue to emit the energy of the holy month,” Sana Said, a pharmacist, said.

Said is the one in her family who hangs Ramadan lights and decorations.

“Nothing will stop us from enjoying Ramadan, not even this crisis,” Said noted.