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Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims celebrating across our district.
The month-long Muslim festival of Ramadan began this week. Social distancing means that sadly normal practices such as meeting for prayer and breaking fasts as a community cannot happen.
There is lots of advice available online for celebrating this holy / cultural festival safely at this difficult time. Many of our Muslim residents are likely to be working from home and while this may have benefits and provide ease in some ways to those fasting, it can also provide some new challenges.
A difficult time for us all
Chairman of Council Cllr Richard Bassett said:
This is a difficult time for us all, but particularly so for our Muslim communities at this special time in their calendar.
We’ve seen our Muslim residents step up during this time to safely support their neighbours, communities and the most vulnerable. We welcome their continued contributions to our shared national effort and know this will take on a special meaning during Ramadan.
Advice on fasting
Public Health England has posted a blog which includes advice on fasting and reinforces existing social distancing advice, faith guidance and public health messaging.
The Government has been clear that all places of worship should remain closed so mosques will not be able to open for worship during Ramadan. Social distancing rules also mean that people will be unable to meet outside their immediate households in the way they would normally do to share meals and prayers.
Take extra care when cooking
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has put out a message to help residents celebrate Ramadan safely and reduce the risk of fire in their homes:
During Ramadan the period of fasting often observed during daylight hours, means cooking takes place before sunrise and after sunset.
It is essential that people always take extra care when cooking in their home and particularly at times when they are tired or fatigued.
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