VOX POPULI

Ramadan, and indeed, life generally is different from how we know it in this pandemic. 

Lockdown restrictions and bans on congregational gatherings that have ensued from the 

COVID-19 outbreak that started last year December in the Wuhan city of China have affected 

Muslims globally. Our masjids have been closed and people have to stay apart from each 

other to keep each other safe. Although the internet and social media have helped palliate the 

effect on lecture gatherings and other beneficial communication in this holy month, the 

difference remains almost palpable for some.

Students also have it differently too. They are isolated from friends, people with whom they have grown in faith and have spent the last few Ramadans with; people they would normally share this lovely season with.

This segment interviews Muslim studentsof the University College Hospital on their experience of Ramadan in this pandemic. Below is a conversation between a board member and a fellow colleague and friend.

As-salam alaykum brother.My name is Toyyib, a member of the Al ‘Ilaaj Editorial Board.Kindly introduce yourself briefly.

Wa alaykum salaam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuh. I'm Farouk Lawal, from the MBBS 2016 class, UCH.

 

Great talking to you Farouk. How have you been, especially since the whole lockdown began?

Well I'd say AlhamduliLlah. It's been a different life so far but I guess I have gotten used to it. Plus being together with family has been wonderful. I haven't had this kind of opportunity since 100 Level (year 1).

 

That sounds great. I trust that your family is in sound health?

Yes, we all are. Thank you

 

AlhamduliLlah. How has Ramadan been so far, with the lockdown?

AlhamduliLlah. There were alot of speculations that this Ramadan would be different and it surely has been! With physical gathering impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not had alot of thethings that are associated with Ramadan liketaraweeh sessions, communal iftar sessions etc.

But on the very positive side, it's been a huge opportunity for self-reflection.

 

Would you say it feels much different from Ramadan of previous years?

Yes and No.

Yes in the sense that I'm not sure I've had a Ramadan with so much opportunity for Ibadaat before.

And no because strangely, my last 3 Ramadans have been away from UCH. In 2018, we had a strike action. In 2019, I was stored away in Igboora for my Rural posting. I was hoping 2020 was going to be the year I experienced the total Ramadan feeling with my brothers, but AlhamduliLlah.

 

So now that things are as they are now and there are so many restrictions, has the situation been of any benefit to your affairs in this Ramadan

Definitely.It has been very beneficial.

Ramadan is a month for self-reflection, and what better way to move closer to your Lord than when you're away from the people.It's kind of like we all got the opportunity to do a mini-‘itikaaf.

Due to the lockdown, I also got the opportunity to prepare myself properly for the month and I embraced it once it came.

 

Masha Allah. May Allah accept it from you and the rest of us.On the other side, has there been any disadvantage?

Ameen. Wa antum.

I wouldn't say disadvantages, just that I miss taraweeh prayers in UCH, and that it would have been nice to spend this Ramadan with friends.

Nonetheless, I say AlhamduliLlah.

 

How about the ban on congregational gatherings? Has that been a challenge or limitation for you?

Frankly, not really.

The practice of people building masjids into their houses is quite prevalent where I stay, and these masjids are usually not available to the public.

 

I'm sure your experience of Iftar and sahoor there are different too since you're with family?

Yes o. It has been different.

In school we just rough it, crash any iftar session you can find

 

So what kind of meals do you prefer for Iftar and sahoor now, and why?

Honestly, if I can get Eba for sahoor, I'm good to go. The reason is obvious, I get enough plus I just like it.

Then for Iftar, a large plate of beans would cut it(laughs)

Nothing fancy please, man needs to get satisfied.

 

(laughs) A full belly above all I see

(laughs in agreement)

 

You mentioned the Iftar sessions that senior colleagues host for us earlier, would you say that is one of the things you miss about fasting in school?

Also, what are the other things you miss about fasting while school is in session?

Why do you have to make it about food? (laughs)

I mentioned the taraweeh prayers. I miss them the most, and ofcourse, the free iftars(laughs)

 

(laughs)

If you had enough money and resources for charity, how would you give it out and why?

Tough question…

Well if I had enough and resources, I'd like to help the society and Muslim communities by providing healthcare facilities and standard education for the youth.Why because healthcare is important and can never be overemphasized in a country like ours.

I also feel the Muslim youths needs some degree of education, both western and Islamic so they can make headway in life.

I believe we can change the narrative where Muslims are the poorest and occupy the bottom rung of society.

 

Mashallah, a man for our youth. May Allah make it possible

Aameen

 

Ramadan is a month of self-discipline. How do you relate with this?

Relating to self-discipline, I see it as a month where we reduce the distractions of this Dunya for the sake of getting closer to Allah. For me, that was by uninstalling my social media applications like twitter and instagram.

It required a certain level of discipline to do that but Ramadan came through for me.

 

What advice would you give other fellow Muslims on how they spend their Ramadan in this pandemic?

One word, Reflection.

This is an opportunity for us to reflect on our lives, the good and the bad; what is important to us and what isn’t.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's that this dunya has nothing much to offer, it's just filled with distractions.It would go the way Allah has willed and nothing is sure,the only thing that's sure is the Aakhirah.

So, my advice is that we focus on our Aakhirah and never lose sight of it even when things return to normal.

 

Mashallah. Beautiful advice. We appreciate you sharing your experience and all this advice with us, Jazaakumullahu khairan.

Thanks for having me and keep up the good work.

Wa iyyakum.