Coronavirus: mosques across Asia deserted during Ramadan, but some ignore restrictions
- The Muslim holy month has started on a subdued note, with empty mosques, no iftar meals to break the fast, and anxiety about job losses
- Some religious leaders in Asia have shrugged off fears about the spread of Covid-19 and urged people to attend mosque
Ramadan is typically a period of both worship and socialising, but this year strict lockdowns limit gatherings for iftar meals at dusk when the fast is broken – a centrepiece of Ramadan. Many are also weighed down by anxiety about the pandemic and widespread job losses resulting from the worldwide shutdowns.
Although Covid-19 death tolls across Asia have been lower than in Europe and the United States, they are rising steadily, causing concern that the virus may overwhelm often underfunded health care systems.
To limit exposure, the World Health Organisation has urged countries to “stop large numbers of people gathering” in places associated with Ramadan activities, such as entertainment venues, markets and shops.
At Indonesia’s main Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, the call to evening Maghib prayers and a message asking people to pray at home echo in the empty hall – a stark contrast to last year when thousands thronged in to pray.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, has confirmed 8,882 cases of the coronavirus and at least 743 people have died.
