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Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Medical test for Coronavirus disease does not invalidate fasting, said eminent Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdullah Al Hammadi. However, he stressed that those who are not well or have doubt that they might be affected by the Coronavirus should not fast. They should make up for the lost days after Ramadan when they are healthy.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Hammadi made the observation while replying to a question during the third session of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis held online Monday night. The Ramadan Majlis this year is being hosted by the Sharjah Press Club of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau online on the social media platform, Instagram, in view of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Abdullah Al Hammadi said, “Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every Muslim except those who are sick. So those who are affected by the Coronavirus should not fast. They can make up for the lost days after Ramadan when they are healthy. As for the doctors battling this disease, they can also skip fasting now if it is likely to affect their health and hamper their duty. They too can fast after the end of this crisis.”

He advised the faithful to spend their time in the sunnah and nafil prayers, the remembrance of Allah (zikr), reading the Quran and in seeking forgiveness and mercy of Allah.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Hammadi was joined by another distinguished Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdullah Al Kamali and moderated by Emirati journalist Ahmed Sultan from the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Kamali called for strictly adhering to all regulations and guidelines that the UAE has put in place to confront the Coronavirus disease. Speaking on the issue of “Common mistakes during fasting,” Al Kamali stressed that all Muslims are required to obey the directives of their leaders and rulers, especially when they are aimed at the safety and wellbeing of citizens and residents.

Tackling the common mistakes and misconceptions during fasting in the holy month, Sheikh Abdullah Al Kamali underscored the importance of tolerance and purification of hearts in this blessed month through prayers and supplications as well as by curtailing our excessive addiction to the smartphone and the Internet etc.

Ramadan is the month of studying the Holy Quran, remembrance of Allah and reaching out to the less fortunate through charity and donations in addition to feeding those fasting, pointed out Al Kamali.

One of the most common mistakes is to spend the precious time of this blessed month in idle gossip and useless, unproductive activities, rather than in ‘zikr’ (remembrance of Allah), he added pointing out that the main purpose of abstaining from food and water from dawn to dusk is to attain piety and earning mercy and forgiveness of Allah.     

The speakers lauded the admirable role that the United Arab Emirates has been playing to stop the spread of the pandemic, offering all possible safety and security to both the citizens and residents as well as offering aid to countries around the world.

During the previous session of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis experts lauded the measures taken by the UAE to take on the Coronavirus pandemic, stressing the vital role of the media during crises in disseminating accurate information and confronting rumours and fake news.

The speakers recalled the historical Arab experience and competence in dealing with such global epidemics and crises. They also stressed on the critical role and responsibility of the media in tackling such crises by supporting the national efforts. The media needs to constantly promote public awareness in times of crises and keeping people informed with transparency and credibility, argued the speakers.

The 9th edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis continues the tradition of tackling a wide range of issues and topics with the participation of top government officials, thought leaders, media figures, sportspersons and social influencers.

The fourth session of the Ramadan Majlis will be broadcast live on Sunday at 10 pm and will shine the light on the humanitarian efforts made by the UAE.