Ramadan Lockdown Series
Introduction
During Ramadan 2020, we are releasing a series of #HealthyRamadanLockdown films throughout the month, offering spiritual and medical guidance on approaching Ramadan and fasting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lockdown has made Ramadan very different for all of us this year, but with appropriate medical and religious advice, it can still be a month filled with blessings.
The Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown have raised many questions about how to approach Ramadan from both medical and spiritual perspectives. Through these short films, we are addressing concerns, offering practical advice from imams and health practitioners, and covering health conditions such as diabetes and heart issues, general health during Ramadan, and mental health and wellbeing.
We are also providing guidance and resources around conducting Islamic burials. Sadly, the pandemic has significantly impacted how burials and funeral rituals can take place.
Our #HealthyRamadanLockdown series aims to address the many challenges facing Muslim communities during this crisis.
The Need
Combatting Misinformation: Many people are too scared to visit A&E or contact their GP due to misinformation and lack of accessible information. The doctors in our films emphasize the importance of seeking medical help when unwell.
Reaching Communities: Our award-winning health resources show that combining medical advice with spiritual and cultural context resonates more effectively with communities and fits into their everyday lives.
Addressing Inequalities: The pandemic has magnified social inequalities. Despite comprising 14% of the UK population, Black and brown communities account for one-third of critically ill Covid-19 patients. Many Muslim communities live in deprived inner-city areas with higher levels of economic inactivity, ill health, and poor housing.
Housing and Economic Pressures: Government policies on rented accommodation force many to leave home to work despite risks, disproportionately affecting Muslim communities. Overcrowded housing conditions are common among UK Bangladeshi (30%), Black African and Arab (15%), and Pakistani (16%) populations.
Frontline Work: Many Muslims work on the frontlines as health workers, care workers, shop staff, or in the transport sector. With Ramadan underway, we want to ensure communities have the advice and support they need during these unprecedented times.
What We Did
We released five films over the course of Ramadan, each translated into Sylheti, Urdu, and Somali.
For additional resources and advice on a #HealthyRamadanLockdown, visit the Maslaha blog for updates on wellbeing, fitness, community building, and online events.
Special Thanks
We extend our gratitude to the doctors and imams involved in these films, including:
Imam Yunus Dudhwala – Head of Chaplaincy & Bereavement, Barts Health NHS Trust
Dr. Ameen Kamlana
Dr. Melek Akay
Dr. Fadumo Omar Mohammed
Abbas Mirza – Community Engagement Programme Lead, Barts NHS Trust
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) for their contributions to the medical and Islamic advice featured in the films.
Watch The First Episode
Healthy Ramadan Lockdown Episode 1: Ramadan during lockdown