Muslims across the world began the fasting month of Ramadan in an entirely different atmosphere.
Ramadan rituals and gatherings have been limited to homes with people are not allowed to invite anyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adnan Hafeez is among many of those Muslims who began their fasting in mandatory isolation after returning back to Australia from overseas.
Highlights
- Community Iftaar and nightly prayer's gatherings are part of Ramadan
- Mosques are closed across the country
- Australian Muslims returning from overseas has begun Ramadan in mandatory quarantine
Adnan Hafeez started his fasting this week in quarantine in a Brisbane hotel after returning back to Australia from the US.
"Ramadan was on my mind since I boarded my flight from Los Angeles as I knew that I would have to live in mandatory isolation in a hotel after reaching to Australia", Adnan Hafeez told SBS Urdu.
Adnan was in the US when the coronavirus pandemic started griping America. His family in Melbourne was also worried about him as his previously booked Air New Zealand flights were canceled and many other airlines ceased their operations. He was able to secure a seat on a Virgin Airline that was bound for Brisbane instead. He was sure that his quarantine would be in a different city far away from his family in Melbourne and his fasting will also begin there but he decided to travel back to Australia where the pandemic was far less severe than America.
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قرینطینہ میں میرا رمضان
After landing to Brisbane, all passengers went through security, quarantine, and health check and were also asked to fill and sign various forms. The entire process from landing to reaching the hotel took almost two hours.
On the first morning in quarantine, Queensland health authorities called Adnan to brief about the help and assistance available if there were any health issues.
I advised hotel reception about dietary requirements during Ramadan and now get additional food for sahri (early morning breakfast before dawn) with dinner in advance
Adnan has three children who are looked after by his wife Fariha in Melbourne. Mrs. Fariha is ensuring that her husband is taking care of himself while she is looking after the home and the children.
Adnan says that he has set a routine based on daily indoor activities to keep himself fit and healthy.
"My routine includes phone call/video chat with the family in Melbourne and that is the time when I do my walk in the room", he added.
A typical fasting day routine includes prayers, recitation of the Quran, and a healthy moderate diet in Iftaar (fast-breaking at sunset) and Saher.
Adnan setup bath towel as prayer rug in hotel's room. Source: Supplied
Authorities have given a release date to Adnan at the time of check-in subject to staying well and fit.
"With a changed eating schedule in Ramadan, staying fit could be challenging in quarantine and becoming unwell could delay the stay", he added.
It is important that I should keep my self away from any symptoms of the virus that includes fever, sore throat or cold as it could increase my quarantine period
Source: Supplied
Daily rituals are part of a typical fasting day of Hafeez Source: Supplied
Now I am looking forward to spend remaining Ramadan days with my family in Melbourne after completing my quarantine period on the 1st of May
Information about COVID-19
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 meters away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household. If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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