Luton authorities urge residents to pray at home during Ramadan

Luton Council, Luton Clinical Commissioning Group and Bedfordshire Police are wishing Ramadan Mubarak to all Luton Muslims and reminding all those observing the Islamic holy month of the need to stay at home following government instruction on social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ramadan will be marked worldwide from Thursday, April 23, or Friday, April 24, with month-long fasting, prayers and observations of spiritual reflection due to end on Saturday 23 May.

This is then followed by Eid the festival of fast breaking where family and friends unite to attend special prayers and celebrate the end of the holy month.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder with responsibility for Public Health, said: “Ramadan is an important time for the Muslim faith where we would traditionally come together with family and friends to worship, pray and break the fast at the end of the day.

“However, we are urging communities to observe this holy month differently, by staying at home to pray, keep iftars limited to those you live with and to only shop for essential basic items as infrequently as possible.

"Even with these restrictions Muslims can still enjoy the community spirit that Ramadan provides by connecting with others by phone or online.

"It’s important we all pull together during this crisis so that we can reduce the spread of the virus, protect the vulnerable and save lives. Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims in the town!”

A Luton GP is also encouraging residents to adhere to social distancing measures.

Dr Uzma Sawar added: “I appeal to the Muslim community to please stay at home and not congregate at places of worship or visit family or friends during Ramadan.

"The government’s emergency measures mean that this year Muslims should only observe religious and social rites with members of their own households.

“Abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours throughout Ramadan is an important part of the Muslim faith, but must not be undertaken if it’s going to endanger your health.

"Anyone displaying symptoms or convalescing after having the virus should eat and drink normally as this will aid their recovery. To seek more guidance about this, you can speak to your Imam.”

Sergeant Karanjit Sanghera, from Bedfordshire Police’ s Community Cohesion team, said: “Ramadan this year will be a very different experience for the Muslim community across Bedfordshire as we all adapt to government restrictions due to Covid-19.

“We know that this is a time of prayer and reflection, and traditionally members of the Muslim community would hold congregational prayers at their Local Mosques in the evening and wish to break their fast with friends and relatives outside of their home.

“However, this Ramadan, due to the Mosques being closed we urge people to please stay home with only your immediate family – and consider connecting virtually with those outside of your households instead.

"This way, you will be keeping your loved ones safe, and limiting the risk of either contracting or spreading Covid-19. We all need to work together to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Please remember that you can only leave your home:

- To shop for basic essentials

- To do one form of exercise a day, alone or with other people you live with

- For any medical need

- To travel to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary.

For more information and advice about how to cope during Ramadan visit www.luton.gov.uk/coronavirus