Local Muslims To Partake In Ramadan Amid COVID-19 Again

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — Yes, not even water. Beginning Tuesday, Muslims all over the world will participate in the holy month of Ramadan, where they will partake in acts of charity, prayer and most notably, fasting from dawn until dusk.

The Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs is located at 3950 Industrial Ave., Rolling Meadows.

In Islam, Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which is 29-30 days each year. The holy month is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Lunar Calendar, which is approximately 354-355 days in a calendar year. Because Ramadan follows the Lunar Calendar and not the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan starts around 11 days earlier each year. Meaning someone who is 33 years old would have experienced Ramadan in every season.
Fasting involves abstaining from food, any consumption of liquid and intimacy, among other acts.
Ramadan is important in Islam because it is the month Muslims believe the Muslim holy book, known as the Quran, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Only those who are healthy are to partake in fasting. Pregnant women, people with health-related concerns or illnesses, the elderly and pre-pubescent children are not obligated to fast.

In the religion, Muslims follow what is known as the five pillars of Islam, which include fasting, the declaration of faith, prayers, charity and the Hajj pilgrimage. In a normal, non-COVID world, many Muslims would congregate after breaking their fast at dusk, praying side-by-side.

Daily Salah and Tarawi’h: at The Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs

• ISNS will be open for all daily Salahs and Tarawi'h.
• There is no need to register if you have registered previously. If you are coming to ISNS for the very first time, please register, one time only, via the following link: tinyurl.com/ygnnntn3
• There's NO accommodation for sisters for the Friday salahs, however, they are welcome to attend any other salah, including Tarawi’h, and will be accommodated in the women’s prayer area.
• Brothers will be accommodated in the men’s prayer area and the banquet hall. Once we have reached full capacity in these areas, any overflow will be allowed on the basketball court weather permitting. Please come prepared with a padded prayer rug, a tarp and a jacket in case of cold weather.
• Children under the age of 10 will NOT be allowed.
• CDC guidelines MUST be followed and everyone MUST wear a face mask at all times, MUST NOT socialize within the building and MUST maintain proper social distancing while at ISNS.
• Everyone MUST bring their own prayer rugs.
• Bathrooms will NOT be available except for emergency use only.
• Entry will be based on a first come, first serve basis. Doors will be CLOSED when capacity is reached. You may pray outside at your own discretion given proper weather conditions.
• ISNS anticipates doing Khatamul Qur'an on the night of 29th.
• Tarawi’h will start PROMPTLY WITH the Isha Salah – please arrive on time. Following Huffadh will be leading Isha and Tarawi’h this Ramadan: Hafidh Yousuf Choudhry, Hafidh Ali Shareef, Hafidh Ismail Mustafa, and Hafidh Raza Mian.

Find out more at The Islamic Society of the Northwest Suburbs here.

This is the second time Muslims will participate in Ramadan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prayer Center of Orland Park Imam Kifah Mustapha said it is permissible for Muslims to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on the days they fast.

"The vaccine does not break the fast, as it is not food," Mustapha told Patch. "We are holding the second vaccine shot in our vaccine drive April 13 at the [mosque], which is the first day of Ramadan."

Are you a Muslim participating in Ramadan? Decorating your home? Have a special Ramadan tradition you'd like to share? Send your photos, traditions and more to yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com to be featured in a round-up of Chicagoland Ramadan celebratory article.