#RamadanAtHome
Guidance for Ramadan 2020 under lockdown

Salaam Alaykum, Peace be upon you,

I hope this message reaches you and your community in good stead during this difficult period for everyone in the UK.

We are now approaching the best of months, the blessed month of Ramadan. Though Ramadan 2020 will look different - away from the mosques and from our loved ones - there are many ways we can still engage with our communities and make the most out of the holy month. Here is how we at the MCB can help you.

The MCB has produced guidance to support Muslims and mosques in making the most of Ramadan from home socially and spiritually, from hosting and attending virtual iftars to tuning in to and setting up livestream services at mosques. In addition to providing support for individuals fasting, the guidance has advice for mosques and prayer facilities, employers and line managers.

Ramadan is also a month of giving, be that financially to charity or physically in service to others. With many mosques relying on donations to sustain services, the pandemic has made it increasingly difficult for mosques to raise funds. The #SaveOurMosque campaign, led by Muslim crowd-funding platform LaunchGood and the MCB offers mosques an online donation platform for congregants to continue to give money.
Check to see if your mosque has signed up, or donate today: saveourmosques.com

The pandemic has also seen a surge in efforts to care for and help those in need. Huge numbers of Muslim-led community initiatives have sprung up across the UK, from using mosques as foodbanks to delivering medication and essentials to vulnerable people.
Visit the MCB’s community initiative portal to find out about how you can get involved with helping others in your community: mcb.org.uk/covid-volunteer-initiatives

Many of us are feeling the strain of the coronavirus pandemic on our finances, but help is available. The National Zakat Foundation can provide hardship funds to eligible people during this difficult time.
Apply today: nzf.org.uk/apply

In the Qur’an, Allah tells us “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for people before you so that you attain Taqwa (God consciousness).” (2:183)

In this month of the Qur’an, let us use this uniquely testing time to gain a closeness to Allah, reflect and show compassion to others. I pray that this Ramadan is a spiritually uplifting month for you and your loved ones, and that you remain safe through Ramadan and beyond.

I pray that  you, your family and your community be given  the strength and comfort as we all go through the tribulations of the Coronavirus pandemic.

On behalf of everyone at the Muslim Council of Britain, a very warm Ramadan Mubarak.

Yours faithfully,

Harun Khan
Secretary General