Lockdown means that Ramadan will be very different for all of us this year, but if we follow appropriate medical and religious advice - as with every other year - it can still be a month full of blessings.
We'll be releasing a series of #HealthyRamadanLockdown films across Ramadan, that provide spiritual and medical guidance on approaching Ramadan and fasting during this Covid-19 outbreak. You can watch the films here. Each film is translated into Sylheti, Urdu and Somali.
The films feature both imams and health practitioners, and provide specific advice around particular health conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions, as well as the basics of health during Ramadan, and mental health and wellbeing. We will also be providing guidance and resources around conducting Islamic burials, as unfortunately we know that Covid 19 has had significant impacts on how burials and funeral rituals can take place.
We’ll be updating this blog post throughout Ramadan with resources on wellbeing, keeping fit, cultivating community during Ramadan and interesting online events and talks. Please email us on info@maslaha.org if you have resources you would like us to consider including.
Wishing everyone a safe and very blessed Ramadan.
EXERCISE AND KEEPING FIT
A four minute workout that you can do anywhere in the home from one standing position, suitable for all ages!
Here are a range of fitness apps offering free membership and activities during the Covid-19 lockdown.
As part of our Muslim Girls Fence programme we are offering a range of physical activity, fencing and creative sessions, which are all online, and you can do at home with your family. For more information check the Maslaha twitter page.
If you have Instagram, Azeema Magazine are running a host of Instagram live takeovers including boxing sessions with Nike Trainer Nesrine Dally.
‘Rebounder’ trampolines don’t take up much room and can cost as little as £30 - rebounding is suitable for all ages - including pensioners. It is twice as effective at improving aerobic fitness and 50% more efficient at burning fat than running. You can see many ‘rebounder workouts’ on Youtube.
If you have a small outdoor space skipping is great exercise and a brilliant whole body workout. You can order a skipping rope for as little as £5 from many places online.
MENTAL HEALTH
Maslaha’s Talking From The Heart resource offers advice on depression and mental health from faith leaders and doctors in English, Somali, Urdu and Sylheti.
NHS Direct - provides online and telephone support. You can search for mental health services in your area.
Asian Women's Resource Centre - provides services for Asian women and children, including multi-lingual advice, counselling, outreach & training
Rethink - provides practical support through talking therapies, information & welfare advice, and further information on different conditions.
NAZ provides counselling and psychotherapy to those experiencing difficulties with their sexuality, relationships and sexual health
This blog from Muslim Youth Helpline has a blog explores how we should respond to media updates given how much fake news tends to spread.
Mental Health for Muslim's (@MuslimMental on Twitter) have put together a guide on religious practises for those who cannot fast for health reasons this Ramadan. You can also access more information via their blog here.
Mental health and wellbeing resources for young people:
These resources offer helpful information to answer questions from children about Covid 19.
These wellbeing activities from the Linking Network may be useful to work through with your child: https://thelinkingnetwork.org.uk/home-learning-resources/its-good-to-talk/.
There are some useful tips on how to manage anxiety in children during lockdown and Covid-19: https://www.myh.org.uk/post/managing-anxiety-in-children
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
The British Islamic Medical Association have released a Ramadan rapid review report that gives in depth medical guidance and rationale about fasting in Ramadan with common health conditions or unique personal circumstances e.g. fasting wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
During lockdown many of us are getting less Vitamin D than usual as we aren’t spending time in the sunlight. Public Health England have released guidance on taking Vitamin D supplements. You can get Vitamin D tablets online from in your local supermarket, pharmacy, and online.
Maslaha resources https://www.caringforyourheart.org/ and http://diabetesmatters.org/ give faith and medical advice on caring for your heart and managing Diabetes in a range of languages.
Read advice from Doctors of The World on Covid 19 in 47 different languages
BURIALS
Muslim Council of Britain and the British Islamic Medical Association have put together a guide for Muslim Burial during Covid-19 including a FAQs on performing Ghusl: https://mcb.org.uk/community/burialfaqs/
The British Islamic Medical Association have published this advice on preparing for the burials of loved ones.
Amaliah have put together this collection of duas for the deceased
Lote Tree has a blog exploring the hadith which affirms that anyone who passes away from Covid-19, passes away as a martyr.
CREATING COMMUNITY AT HOME
There are many interfaces such as Zoom or Skype that can be used for group iftars or prayers - here is a guide on how to use Zoom.
Amaliah have released this guide on how to pray Taraweeh at home you also might be interested in reading their ‘9 point guide on getting through a Lockdown Ramadan’
Cambridge Muslim College are running are a series of online Ramadan lectures on a range of topics you can watch them live or catch up with them here.
Inclusive Mosque Initiative will be running a number of Jummah and Taraweeh prayers across the month, you can follow their programme here or on Instagram.
Open Iftar 2020 are running their Iftar's virtually which will feature guest speakers and hundreds of participants. You just need to simply sign up online here.
Omar Suleiman and Yaqeen Institute are running a 'Qur'an 30 for 30' series exploring one of the 30 Juz' of the Qur'an with a selection of scholars every night - each episode is 30 - 40 minutes. You can also watch Omar Suleiman's 'Angels in your presence' series here - each episode is 5 minutes.