Zimbabwe, May 2020

By Cynthia Nyam

The lifestyle blogger known for visualizing and showcasing Africa in a way she (Africa) is not often seen, takes us through what it is like to observe Ramadan during a global health pandemic, and in a country that has chosen a lockdown as a curbing mechanism.

In May 2020, Muslims around the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan under the grip of the global health crisis that is COVID-19. A period of fasting, reflection and charity usually characterised by communal prayers and feasting looks different this year as most countries are under social distancing measures, lockdowns, curfew and other socially restrictive conditions, all in an attempt to slow down the spread of the virus and save lives.

Mimi acknowledges that the restrictions are necessary, and adherence reflects the spirit of Ramadan and the Islamic religion, which insists that we take responsibility not only for one’s self but to one’s community. She acknowledges that personally, it is not all negative to be observing Ramadan under the current restrictions to movement in Zimbabwe. Working from home means that her observance is not overtaken by her daily routine (work, errands etc.) as was the case in previous years and the fasting is less tough on her body and psyche. In contrast, she is experiencing a rather mellow and relaxing flow to her day that provides the right headspace and energy for the self-reflection required during this time.

On the flip side, she acknowledges that there have been some struggles.

Previously I will prepare and enjoy Iftar with my immediate family on the weekdays and extended family and friends on the weekends but it’s different this year. The restricted interaction is quite tough and a change to routine.

The togetherness with family and friends and that element of community is a big part of Ramadan and has been impacted this year. For instance, the Tarāweeh (The night prayer performed after Eshā’ during the month of Ramadān) which is communal and takes place in the mosque has not been possible this year due to the lockdown of mosques and restrictions on public gatherings. Interestingly, for people with access to the internet, they can join these prayers from the comfort of their own homes.

In some of the predominantly Muslim countries, there have been protests against the restrictions to gatherings at the mosques and the curfews which make it hard for people to go out for food and basic necessities in the evenings after fasting. In Egypt where the government has instituted a curfew rather than a complete shutdown, it has shortened its curfew to 9pm to 6am and allowed shops to stay open till 5pm in response to Ramadan. Mali also lifted its curfew this month but, in both countries, other preventative measures like social distancing and limitations on the number of people allowed to gather remain in place. Mimi acknowledges that over time, people have become accustomed to a specific way of observing Ramadan and with the restrictions, everyone is forced to adopt different attitudes and behaviours which is not usually easy to do. She believes that the best decisions in these times are the ones that keep us all safe and small adjustments like nominating one person to go out and purchase food for the family and maintaining social distancing are not too much to ask for. We are after all in unprecedented times.

Religion and spirituality are usually our refuge for solace and hope in difficult times and it has been interesting to experience how in this pandemic, we have been restricted from practicing our religion in the manner we are accustomed to. In fact, we are now required to develop new practices or make adjustments to old practices instead.

We shifted gears and discussed the charity and giving element of Ramadan and how that is practiced under the current shutdown. Normally, there would be collection points outside the mosques where people can make donations, but Mimi is hoping that there will be opportunities for people to make their contributions via mobile money. There are also mosques in Harare that in previous years, provided food and dates after prayers but none of these are happening this year. Outreach programs that provide daily meals for vulnerable communities will be challenged to get assistance to the people who need them the most.

We talked a little bit about the struggle of maintaining our mental health during this crisis especially with the added scenario of observing the holy month. Mimi shared some of her coping mechanisms like seeking out positive Islamic role models on social media like Mufti Menk whose daily live videos and motivational posts get her in the right headspace. She also escapes into other types of online content like TikTok videos, memes and other lifestyle content.

Mimi took a moment to reflect on the gift of life especially with the passing of friend and popular Zimbabwean journalist, Zororo Makamba who succumbed to the virus in March 2020.  We agreed that staying alive is a priority and we all have to figure out a way to carry on during this time while keeping ourselves, our families and our community safe. Ramadan is not disheartening under a pandemic, just different and this difference presents the opportunity to go beyond the communal aspect of Ramadan to a more introspective and inward-looking process. If we as a society have ever needed God, this is the time.

Mimi blogs at https://kickingitwithmimi.com/