Ramadan this year may seem very different from how it used to be previously. People have to continue social distancing in efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic, which includes avoiding gatherings for Iftar and Suhoor.
As people from across the world have made Qatar their second home, people from different religious and cultural backgrounds also get a chance to observe Ramadan as they try to understand the spirit of the holy month. However, the experience of this year is quite unique and unprecedented.
Nigerian expatriate Victor Ikoli has been living in Qatar and observing Muslims carrying out their religious duties during Ramadan for a long time. An active member of the Nigerian community, Victor hails from Bayelsa state of Nigeria. He lives with his wife Didi and son Azariah. Though he works in the field of information and marketing, he is more known in Qatar as a community leader for last 10 years.
Victor is currently the president of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Qatar, an umbrella body of all Nigerian groups in the country and the Asian arm of the Nigerian global diaspora network.
Like many other people, Victor has been coping with the preventive measures against Covid-19 pandemic alone as his family is in his home country. He, however, has been involved in different community activities during the health crisis and its economic fallout. “I have been coping well following directives from the government to observe social distancing order. Being alone, it is much easier to observe social distancing. I shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy close to my house, keeping safe distance from others.
“Thanks to my employers, I work from home instead of the office. I am unable to attend worship services as we worship online right now on Fridays. No haircuts for now, I am fine with it and hope to keep it that way until the salons are open.”
About his community work during the health crisis, he said: “Recently, I have been live on Facebook and Instagram to interact with the members of my community since large gatherings and meetings have been cancelled in the country. Interestingly, despite my stay at home, I find myself more engaged in community activities, especially through phone calls, where I have to answer questions, pass information and encourage the needy in our community to hope that the pandemic will end soon.
“I had to attend the recent Qatar Charity’s food donation delivered to NIDO at the Nigerian Embassy, where I had to be physically present to receive and distribute boxes of food among members of our community. We strictly observed distancing measures. I along with other colleagues collect food for and distribute among those who are not able to commute.
“NIDO is working hard to keep all Nigerian residents informed about the current situation with regard to Covid-19 and about what is happening from a community perspective. We share information, tips and updates from the relevant government agencies consistently.”
Speaking about his understanding and experience of Ramadan, the Christian resident said: “I know during the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar. Iftar happens to be a favourite of mine because I get invites to join the break of fasting.
“Another experience of mine during Ramadan is that it is common for mosques to host large Iftars, especially for the poor and needy. The nightly prayers called Tarawih also take place in mosques after Iftar. It is improper to eat publicly during Ramadan. Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and I have observed friends, colleagues, locals dedicatedly practice it.”
The Nigerian community leader further said: “However, this year’s Ramadan is very strange amidst the coronavirus pandemic. There are no early morning large prayers from the mosques.
“Although I am a Christian, I observed fasting in the last five years of Ramadan. I see it as a time of spiritual purging, drawing closer to the Almighty, developing and strengthening our self-control and a time of charity and generosity.”
Victor applauds the role of Qatar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent Society for being the drivers of generous donations during Ramadan.