Many of us lost our social support system and faced increased anxiety during the pandemic. Since then, we’ve adapted and found new ways to be in community with others. This Ramadan, try some of these ideas to engage in social ibadah (worship):
Moonsighting
- Participate in sighting the moon yourself or with your family. If you have young children, build the excitement with nasheed and crafts, such as making binoculars or observing the phases of the moon.
- For older children and adults, use this opportunity to recite and remember the du’aa, or supplications of sighting the moon.
- Share your picture of the moon with family and friends.
Check-in with others
- Do a 30 days with 30 calls challenge – pick a family member or friend to call each day during Ramadan and find out how they are doing.
- Take the time to listen first and show empathy.
- Set up virtual or in-person connections to check in on each other, read and reflect on the Quran together, and follow up on each other’s Ramadan goals
- Reflecting and being grateful for having Muslim family and friends to connect with can improve your mood.
Virtual Iftars
- For those who are missing collective spiritual gatherings, find out if your masjid offers these programs online. Check out this list of organizations that offer online programs.
- Be sure to find virtual youth halaqas if you have kids. If you can’t find something, make a suggestion for a youth leader or imam to lead a spiritual talk for the community online, host Kahoot!, games, storytimes, and so on.
- Join Shoulder to Shoulder’s Ramadan Table initiative and get to know your interfaith neighbors through this virtual iftar program
Virtual Gatherings
- If you’re unable to gather in-person with others, coordinate a virtual iftar with family or friends, or plan a youth iftar for your child and their friends.
- Pack a couple of dates with a traditional iftar snack to share with your family and friends (make sure to follow social distancing regulations).
- If you’re able to, support organizations that are arranging for iftar food packages.
Offer Community to Others
- Many in our Ummah may not have a strong support system or sense of community – new Muslims, single parents, and people struggling with mental illnesses. Others may not be able to attend large gatherings. Make them a part of your virtual community!
- Call or send a message letting them know you are thinking of them
- Do a drive-by visit to brighten their day…and yours!
- Drop off some dates or a meal.
- Virtually invite them to any activities you are doing online such as a halaqa or book club.
