The theme for Ramadhan in 2020 (1441) is Deepening Spirituality, Strengthening Resilience (Memperdalam Iman, Memperkasa Amanah), said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis). It calls for the Singapore Muslim community to remain resilient during unprecedented conditions.
With the disruption to traditionally observed communal activities of community gatherings and congregational tarawih prayers at the mosques, the community is encouraged to continue observing Ramadhan meaningfully at home:
- Focus on the core duties of fasting and helping the needy with zakat.
- Retain the spirit of the community through alternative means by learning with asatizah online.
- Continue to support the vulnerable and community through online contributions as Ramadhan is about charity.
"Responsibility is one of the most important virtues and it is a testament to our faith – we must play a part to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone," Muis said in an online statement.
The Office of the Mufti recognises the critical role of the religious fraternity in guiding the Singapore Muslim community as new challenges arise amid the increasing severity of the COVID-19 developments.
The local religious fraternity will actively convey how religion comprehensively demonstrates and builds spiritual, social, physical and psychological resilience, while emphasising the importance of social responsibility during the COVID-19 outbreak:
- Spiritual resilience
Being adaptive in our religious practices that transcends physical spaces through uplifting religious narratives, and the importance of non-ritual elements to deepen one’s spirituality.
- Social resilience
Community to be united in supporting one another in times of need.
- Physical resilience
Health is a responsibility (أمانة, amanah), and it also extends beyond caring for our own individual health, to looking out for others.
- Psychological resilience
Staying mentally strong despite the tests we face; seeking help from family and others in the community if we need to.
- Social responsibility
Sacrificing personal interests for the greater good to prevent causing any form of harm on the lives and health of individuals and the general public. This also includes being mindful of others and not inconveniencing them through unnecessary acts.
The Office of the Mufti will also launch a Ramadhan 2020 handbook, Contemporary Irsyad Series Vol. 2, to guide the community in practising their faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. The handbook will emphasise the role of Singaporean Muslims as citizens in practising social responsibility to curb the transmission of COVID-19.
It will feature several religious advisories that have been issued during this outbreak. Related religious queries from members of the public will also be addressed.