Today, the fasting month of Ramadan for millions of people begins again.
The month of fasting and the feast of Ramadan take place on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During this month, you are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke or have sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. Both men and women fast, but the Qur’an gives exemption to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Children do not fast, but can be encouraged to try little by little as they get older. When the new moon can be seen on the first day of the tenth month then Lent turns into a feast that can last up to three or four days.
Ramadan will be special this year as it is also affected by the pandemic and Covid-19. The social interaction that usually characterizes the holy month does not exist, now that the world continues to fight a global crisis. Restrictions hold up as hard as last year, if not even tougher than they used to be. During the latest press conference, it is announced that restaurants will continue to be closed for consumption after 20.30. Restaurants may only be open after 20.30 for take away or pick-up.
How do the restrictions affect Ramadan?
It can be tougher for people who fast to be able to get the food and drink they need when the sun has gone down and fasting is over. Restaurants that usually have many guests fasting during Ramadan are normally accustomed to receiving guests late at night. These restaurants risk getting tough financially next month and should, if they do not already do so, offer all the food for takeaway. The restrictions in Sweden will continue until 2 May. We do not currently know if the restrictions will be extended, but possibly the restrictions will ease up a bit before Ramadan is over, 12 May …
