Oak Lawn Muslims Partake In Ramadan Amid COVID-19, Again

OAK LAWN, 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.

In Islam, Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which is about 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 beverage 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 prepubescent children are not obligated to fast.

In the religion, Muslims follow what is known as the five pillars of Islam, which includes 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.

The Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview has shared a brochure of events being held virtually and in person this Ramadan. The brochure can be found here.

In addition, the mosque will continue to allow the five daily prayers to be held in person, along with Isha and Taraweeh prayers beginning at 9:30 p.m. A lecture will be held every night during Taraweeh, and the mosque says it will be sharing daily social media videos, such as the one seen below.

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 Patch Your Ramadan Displays to enter our décor contest.