Ramadan 2021 has been a low-key family affair for the second consecutive year this year due to the unprecedented, unrelenting grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. And with Eid al Fitr coming up next week, a series of restrictions have been put in place to curtail celebrations and revelry in public places as well as gatherings in homes and farm houses to curb the spread of the virus in Oman.
No commercial activities May 8-15
The Supreme Committee in charge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic held a meeting on April 30, chaired by H E Hammoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, and took several decisions to curb the spread of the virus.
The committee stated that it has studied the epidemiological situation in the sultanate in light of the latest data on the virus and its various strains, and the rising cases of those infected and in hospitals and intensive care in addition to the number of deaths.
To protect communities from further spread of the disease, it decided the following:
- The continuation of ban on all commercial activities and movement of individuals and vehicles from 9pm to 4pm till May 8 in all governorates including Dhofar.
- Prevent the movement of individuals and vehicles from 7pm to 4am, starting from May 8 until the morning of May 15, with the exception of previously announced categories.
- Prohibition of all commercial activities throughout the day, starting from May 8 until May 15, with the exception of food stores, gas stations, health institutions and pharmacies, and home delivery service for all goods.
- Suspend employees’ attendance at their place of work and adoption of remote working system for the various units of the state administrative apparatus starting from May 9 to May 11. The Supreme Committee urged private sector companies to implement plans to work remotely and reduce the number of employees at offices.
- No Eid prayers and traditional Eid markets (habtas) and prevent gatherings of all kinds whether at beaches or parks during the days of Eid al Fitr, including gatherings of families and collective celebrations of Eid.
Observances with precautions
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and the holiest month in the Islamic faith, began in Oman from April 14 this year, following the sighting of the moon by the locally appointed committee the previous evening. The month of fasting and prayer will last until around May 13 (depending on the sighting of the moon) and will be followed by festivities of Eid al Fitr the following day.
The pandemic has, however, necessitated the continuance of a host of restrictions and community norms to ensure public safety and curb the spread of the coronavirus. This includes measures like compulsory wearing of masks in all public places, including vehicular transport, maintaining social distancing of 2m between persons, and frequent washing of hands with soap and water or use of sanitisers.
All community programmes, including prayers and meals, have been banned while people have also been prohibited from gathering in homes and farm houses, either for breaking the fast or for socialising.
During Ramadan, Omani households get set for a month that is marked by discipline and devout behaviour in the form of prayer, fasting, penance, charity and alms giving. All family members are bound by religious responsibilities that govern the individual, the family as well as the community. It is also a month for reflection, self introspection and self refinement in order to find favour with the Almighty.
People in Oman clean up their homes and decorate them with traditional décor in the form of festoons, lanterns as well as inscriptions of religious slogans and texts that define the essence fo the holy month. Provisions are stocked up in homes for preparing traditional meals to break the fast at home – a time when all members of the family comes together along with relatives, friends, neighbours and guests.
No community iftars or celebrations
This year, due to the pandemic (which had also restricted all community celebrations and iftars during Ramadan 2020) restrictions in community observances and celebrations continue unabated. Community iftars, either in residential areas or in commercial establishments, are not allowed. Hence, neither open air community iftars nor those in tents attached to malls or those within mosque compounds have been organised in order to ensure safety of all citizens and residents as per the guidelines of the Supreme Committee for monitoring COVID-19 in Oman. However, iftar buffets and dinners in hotels are allowed provided the norms of social distancing and other health and hygiene guidelines are followed.
Beginning March 29, a movement ban on vehicles and people from 8pm to 5am everyday was in force, to help curb the rising number of infections in different parts of Oman. This ban continued till April 8, following which new regulations are expected for the Ramadan 2021 season. Currently nighttime curfew is is in force from 9pm to 4 am during which all movement of individuals and vehicles is banned and defaulters are liable for penalty/punishment. Commercial establishments, including hypermarkets, are supposed to wind up their business by 7.30pm, so that customers and staff are able to reach their homes before the 9pm deadline.
Last year, Ramadan was a totally restricted affair, for the first time in history, due to the widening grip of the pandemic. All religious institutions, including mosques, had been kept totally closed and the faithful were not allowed to visit mosques for daily prayers or socialising, and people were compelled to break the fast only in their homes during Ramadan. This year, however, only major mosques are kept open for short intervals during the prayer timings everyday. It is not yet clear if there will be any change in the regulations for Ramadan 2021 as clear cut guidelines are awaited.
Role of women
Whether community celebrations are allowed or not, Omani women nevertheless have a substantial role to perform everyday as they prepare for the evening iftar at dusk, meals for suppertime, as well as for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal on everyday during Ramadan. Ladies make a list of their favourite recipes and prepare sumptuous meals for their families everyday. Though people spend the entire day from dawn to dusk fasting, preparations have to be done all day for the evening time which is a time for sharing and caring in the household as well as in the community.
Omanis give much importance to building family bonds and strictly follow all religious traditions, so as to nurture the younger generation with desirable virtures and scruples that will help them grow into righteous and responsible citizens.
Reminders for public conduct
During Ramadan all citizens and residents belonging to different faiths are called to maintain the sanctity of the holy month by abiding to certain disciplinary behaviour in public places, which includes workplaces, offices, educational and other commercial establishments. Eating/drinking/smoking in public is considered offensive and may attract disciplinary action from the authorities concerned. The same is not allowed in corridors/lobbies, even in parked private vehicles, as well as in parks or beaches.
Those not fasting and need to consume meals should do so within the confines of their own homes during the daytime. Also, playing loud music at home or in cars is prohibited to maintain public decorum.
Dressing conservatively during the month (shoulders and knees to be covered) is also something expatriates and tourists need to be mindful of. Revealing and tight-fitting attire should also be strictly avoided so as not to attract attention or provoke others who are abiding by all the regulations to maintain a dignified atmosphere during the holy month.
