NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The COVID-19 outbreak is forcing Middle Tennessee Muslims to make changes to how they celebrate Ramadan.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and many gather at mosques in the evening for community dinners and prayers. Due to social distancing recommendations, mosques are closed, and Muslims will be praying at home.
"Normally at the Islamic Center of Nashville, we have 200 community members come every night and break fast together," said Sabina Mohyuddin, the Executive Director of the American Muslim Council. "Now we are trying to find ways to bring the mosques to our homes."
Imams are now leading sermons and daily Quran readings on Zoom and people are able to follow along from their homes.
Mohyuddin said with people isolating at home, there is more time for prayer and reflection. The new approach is also bringing families together.
"Instead of seeing friends at a mosque, we are spending extra time with family and that is a blessing," Mohyuddin said.
A committee of Muslim doctors released a list of recommendations for mosques in Middle Tennessee. Doors will be closed for prayers and services for the entire month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan normally involves a large celebration. This year that may look different, as well. Doctors also encouraged the community to continue washing their hands, and covering their faces while in public. When mosques do reopen, anyone who is sick is asked to stay home. Doctors said fasting is still OK during the pandemic.
