Finding unity during the pandemic: Hofstra’s Muslim community celebrates Ramadan
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
With Ramadan having begun last week, Hofstra’s Muslim community is now tasked with commemorating the Islamic holy month in the wake of an unprecedented challenge – the COVID-19 pandemic. With most New York mosques closed, some feel devoid of the sense of community integral to Ramadan, while others have found peace in social distancing.
"Ramadan during the pandemic is tough," said Mariyam Shami, a freshman and undecided major. "Most ethnic restaurants, grocery stores and even mosques are closed. It's definitely a little harder this time, but it's a learning experience," she expressed optimistically. Islamic Hadith are often thought to champion concepts like positivity and faith through turbulent times, and many hope to embody these tenets through introspection and prayer.
Ramadan is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims partake in fasting from sunrise to sunset and engage in different acts of worship such as giving extra charity, taking part in extra prayers and reading from the Quran, Islam’s holy book, which is believed to have been created during this month.
"This year, Ramadan was not how I imagined it," said Arsalan Jamal, vice president of Hofstra’s Muslim Students Association (MSA). Jamal noted that the organization’s executive board members planned iftars – breaking of fasts – and other events for the semester that would educate students about the Muslim community, which ultimately, fell through due to Hofstra’s sudden closure.
"Interestingly, with school being closed, I have spent a lot of time on self-reflection and cherishing this unique position to be closer to my family," he added. "We plan on hosting online events that are centered around learning more about Ramadan, and understanding the importance of this holy month for Hofstra’s Muslim community."
In addition to the cancellation of in-person classes, other students grapple with unforeseen circumstances at home. "My house got flooded a couple of months ago and currently we are going through the rebuilding process. So, besides the usual, I have to paint, go get new doors and do a lot of heavy lifting which increases the difficulty of Ramadan," said Ibrahim Naseer, a sophomore political science major.
Naseer noted that Ramadan is expected to be challenging, but the added factors of his house flooding and the closure of the University have made this experience far more different than what he is used to. "Also, because of the coronavirus pandemic, we can no longer do taraweeh – nightly prayer done in mosques during Ramadan," he added.
In lieu of open mosques and MSA’s weekly jummah [prayer] on Fridays, some students have found spiritual solace within their homes and among their families. As the threat of the pandemic ensues in the outside world, Hofstra’s Muslim students have gained a newfound appreciation for the support and togetherness found with their parents and siblings.
"The amount of resources available online to help us learn about our faith is incredible and has helped me to appreciate the infinite blessings we have within our own homes. This quarantine has helped me, and I’m sure many other Muslims, to focus on what really matters: connecting with our families and most importantly, with our Creator," said Safa Illyas, a junior bioengineering major.
Aadil Hashmi, a senior engineering science major, agrees. "The month of Ramadan is special to all Muslims in that it is a blessed time when God opens up his doors of mercy to us," he said. "This year is especially difficult because the mosques are closed. During Ramadan, mosques are open the entire night where worshipers spend the night standing in prayer. However, these new circumstances give Muslims a chance to engage in prayer at home with our families."
With online classes, uncertainty surrounding summer plans and COVID-19 cases increasing by the day in New York, thinking about the pandemic can cause anxiety. Yet, Hofstra’s Muslim community is confident that a positive mindset is key to getting through it all.
Alishbah Sadiqqui, a senior and triple major in political science, global studies and geography, expressed how the COVID-19 outbreak has barred big gatherings, feasts at sunset and collective prayer at mosques. "Despite this and the hardships people are facing all around the world, I believe this Ramadan we will truly be able to experience the true essence of what this month is meant to represent: appreciating all of the blessings we have, enjoying the little things in life, being grateful for the people in our lives and strengthening the connection and bond with our Creator," she said.
