Celebrating New Norms: A Virtual Iftar & Eid in the Covid-19 Era

When the circuit-breaker measureswere announced by our Prime Minister on the 3rd of April, they drew a myriad of responses from the Muslim community. Fears of a spiritual void developing in the face of missing the congregational Friday prayer consecutively were among the concerns some had. When the circuit-breaker was extended to 1st of June, it was confirmed that this would be an atypical Ramadan, without the much- cherished practices of performing Taraweeh prayers and supplications in congregation. The prospect of not being able to break our fasts in large-scale community iftars left many feeling heavy- hearted. This time of year is one that strongly characterizes the diverse Singaporean social fabric. These were more than ordinary get- togethers; they were always the products of an amalgamation of hardwork and heartwork put in together by people of different ethnicities and religions, loyal to the Singapore Spirit.

In line with the national directive of staying “in”, and in the spirit of protecting the health and safety of the public, many organisations found themselves transitioning to the virtual space. IMPROF was no exception and was quick to adapt to changing circumstances and held its first virtual iftar, “Iftaar Inside” on 16th of May .

And just before we break our fast, let’s do the mandatory screenshot of our Zoom meeting!

The Iftar was well-received and drew a 40-strong crowd of diverse individuals from varying ethnic and religious backgrounds. Iftaar Inside was conceived out of the need to embrace emerging “new normal(s)” as part of a re- defined human social experience in a new world order created by the pandemic.

We held deep conversations about each of our religious practices offering a sense of calm during this period, and also had a chance to engage in some light-hearted socialising. Members of other faith groups had a chance to observe how Muslims break their fast as well as listen to the explanation given by the Imam who led those fasting through the fast-breaking process with the recitation of the Iftar supplication. It was soul-satisfying to observe participants in their traditional garb engaging in cheery conversation during the breakout sessions.

Dr Hamid Razak, a founding member of IMPROF shared that while the circuit-breaker may have temporarily put the brakes on his favourite sport, football, he discovered new ways of relieving stress by engaging in craft activities with his two young children. Not only did this present the opportunity to strongly bond with them, but it was also a means for him to recognise how highly creative his children could be, converting recyclable delivery boxes into beautiful works of art.

Mr Seeni J, another founding member of IMPROF, commented on how the Covid-19 crisis became a teachable moment for him to impart the age-old values of mutual respect and kindness unto his young sons who would ask about the comments made about different communities in the wake of viral social media posts that had caught their attention.

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With so much food for the mind, the stomach was certainly not forgotten! Participants were treated to a delectable Iftar spread from Prata Alley, a cosy, quite contemporary Indian restaurant in Clementi that serves all the classics alongside plenty of signatures.

The spirit of Ramadan was made complete with Ramadan Radiance, a novel effort by IMPROF to reach out to needy families within the Muslim community during a particularly trying Ramadan through the distribution of meals. What was heart-warming was that this initiative was made successful thanks to the kampong spirit it imbued, drawing on the kindness of individuals from diverse backgrounds. One such volunteer was Dr Suren who had this to say when asked to cite a memorable moment during his time delivering food to the beneficiaries.

“I was delivering to an 11-member family in a 2-bedder. There were 7 children and 4 adults. Despite this, he only asked for food for 6 people simply because he “didn’t want to trouble us and increase the costs and felt it was okay to share among 6 people. What struck me was how this man was able to demonstrate empathy despite facing challenges himself.”

The end of Ramadan gave way to a very quiet Shawal.. The usual sights of families dressed to the nines and often in colour and design coordinated outfits were missing from our streets.. However, the spirit of Eid was kept alive in many homes in alternative forms such as mass Zoom/Google meets.

Riding on the success of Iftaar Inside, IMPROF held its second virtual celebration, “Eid Inside” on the 30th of May, where guests were treated to an evening of music and poetry alongside newfound friends. From listening to members of a locally founded spiritual music band to enjoying a poem written in honour of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to doing the Ezhuvom Salute led by local celebrity, Shabir, guests certainly had an enriching time, while basking in the festive atmosphere even this virtual-Eid brought!.

Covid-19 may have redefined the entire human experience as we know it, but it also showed us how the resilience and adaptability we have within us can unite us all!

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