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Working together to uplift ourselves from the distress of Covid-19


Published : 22 Apr 2020 09:06 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 08:00 PM

The Citizens’ Platform for SDGs has provided us with an important observation. They have emphasized on the need for the government authorities to get associated with non-state actors across the country for providing succor to the needy. This has a special significance at a time when we have to tackle the panic created by COVID-19.

As suggested by the health authorities all over the world, we in Bangladesh are also practicing social distancing, going around with a mask on one’s face and not participating as part of the congregation in a mosque. These elements are in keeping with what is also being done Muslim countries elsewhere, including Saudi Arabia. 

At times, we are failing to observe these government measures and creating concern and anxiety. A classic case of this took place on 18 April, when despite several efforts, we had the Namaz-e-Janaza in Sarail, Brahmanbaria of the leader of an Islamic organization. The last thing we need right now is creating further chaos through the promotion of infection.

We are all looking forward to to observing in a few days the important month of Ramadan, an iconic part in every Muslim’s life. Fasting during this month is considered as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The fourth week of April will see the vast majority of the Bangladeshi population participating in a format where they will be willfully refraining from eating for a period of time.

 Fasting during this month has not only spiritual connotations but also Sufistic elements. Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing, fighting, and having lustful thoughts. There is a symbolic interpretation in the matter of observing fasting, particularly during Ramadan and that needs to be upheld with all sincerity.

During this month we need to practice discipline and help each other in overcoming socio-economic challenges. The month of Ramadan should assist us in moving forward with greater determination. This can be facilitated through inter-active engagement within all institutional sectors within the society.

Fasting should assist in strengthening control of our impulses and help develop good behaviour. During this sacred month of Ramadan, believers can strive to purify their body and soul and increase their taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul will harmonize the inner and outer spheres of every individual.

For more than one month we have watched in the electronic and print media how the virus and the imposition of quarantine and semi-lockdown has resulted in pain for hundreds of thousands of people and their family members who have not been able earn enough for daily existence. 

There is concern that despite aggressive government actions the overall approach in many areas appears to be less than sufficient. Many people lack consistent access to water and soap, space for social distancing, and health care access. Wide swathes of the population are also out of work. This factor can be resolved through joint efforts within our socio-economic framework.

 Our government, despite being a representative of a Lower Middle Income countryhas been trying its best to reduce their terrible misfortune. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has initiated a US Dollar 1.7 billion relief package for farmers affected by the restrictions, part of a government stimulus worth $11.3 billion so far. 

The efforts of the government have also included helping the more than 4 million workers in the RMG industry and also those associated with the health sector. The government is also trying its best to ensure quarantine conditions through the extension of the nationwide holiday and providing free food to those who are elderly and also below the absolute poverty level..

Fasting and the month of Ramadan in its own way could also probably not only help us to feel this general distress but also play a more pro-active role in overcoming the emerging challenges. .

However there is also the denotation matrix within the framework of fasting. It needs to be remembered that Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Overindulgence in food is discouraged and eating only enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged. Muslims believe they should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty.

On a moral level, believers will also strive to attain the virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They will try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others and exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, true Muslims will try to improve what they believe to be good moral character and habits. 

We have faced such pandemics and health emergencies many times before- probably not on the same scale. However, if we are able help each other, particularly in the distribution of amenities, in a transparent manner, without succumbing to corruption - then we will be paving the way for rehabilitation as we try and emerge out of the terrible after-effects of the Covid Virus.

During Ramadan, Muslims are asked to remember those who are less fortunate than themselves and try to look after them. Although fasting during Ramadan is fard (obligatory), exceptions are made for persons in particular circumstances. Some of these conditions are applicable in the case of: (a) prepubescent children; (b) one suffering from unconditional vomiting; (c) serious illness; (d) if one is traveling; (e) an ill person or old person who is not physically able to fast; and (f) a mentally ill person.

It is at this point that one needs to understand how the spiritual injunctions in Islam can be helpful in a COVID-19 affected situation. Our Hadith specifies that those who will not be able to fast can donate a meal (or an equivalent amount of money) to the poor or needy for each day of missed fasting. In the case of women, for each day of fasting missed during Ramadan, they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet to the poor or needy. These stipulations will however apply only if the concerned person is financially capable.

At this point one also needs to draw attention to the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr. For Muslims, this is a joyous festival that has both spiritual and social connotations. However, this time round, in a COVID-19 affected country, efforts need to be undertaken that the happiness is shared throughout the community. 

All of us, who can, either through individual or institutional means, should try to bring joy and fellowship for the young and old living with and around us. No-state actors can definitely help to diversify our efforts in the distribution of support mechanism. We need to remember that a combination of low income and no income can be disastrous.

Our efforts have been successful will be clear and visible when we see laughter instead of tears in the faces of children, their parents and also among the elderly. One has to remember that there is a generic symbolic aspect- and that was reflected in the famous line of Kazi Nazrul Islam- “Ramzaner oi rojar sheshey elo khushir Eid”. 

Let us all try and work together. Every smile that emerges because of our efforts will help us to move forward and overcome challenges within every tier of our social framework. It will also re-affirm the nuance as enunciated in Surah 107 (Al- Maun) – true worship requires faith and also love for the needy.   

Nevertheless, before concluding, one needs to make a particular suggestion. During the month of Ramadan, in all likelihood, we might be asked to continue to fast and remain at home practicing social distancing. That will mean having the drawback of not being able to participate in Tarabih prayers in a congregation in a mosque. 

However, the relevant authorities, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Information, could possibly consider arranging Tarabih prayers being uniformly telecast or broadcast from one common media source. In such a situation, citizens interested in participating in this prayer could do so from their residence – maintaining social distancing.


Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialized in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance, can be reached at [email protected]