The novel virus has spread across all continents leading to global disarray. With Egypt being the first and the most affected country in Africa. As of now, the African state confirmed 4092 persons positive for corona. However, they have also confirmed 1075 recoveries and 294 deaths.
Irregular workers disobey the stringent measures amid the pandemic
As the virus continues taking a modest toll, the government of Egypt imposed stringent measures. A dusk to dawn curfew from 7 pm to 6 am being one of the measures. Consequently, it also reinstated lockdown, closure of educational facilities, and banned social gatherings. During the curfew hours, the government has prohibited both public and transport movements. The latter is inclusive of religious gatherings. The measures exclude the closure of bakeries, pharmacies, and groceries.
Most of the people in the country are irregular workers. Meaning they don’t have the advantage of getting insurance money. Despite the measures to curb the virus, they go about their business normally, disobeying the law. They wander in the streets carefree claiming they must provide for their families.
Mohammed Jaber who works at the construction told Al-Monitor “I have to work to feed my family. If I do not work every day who will feed my family? I heard about the coronavirus, but what can I do? I must work every day; health is the least of my worries. We are dead already.”
Coronavirus dims Ramadan celebrations
The novel virus has shadowed Cairo, distracting the holiest month of Ramadan. Muslim religious leaders felt disappointed when nobody turned up for prayers amid the lockdown. Tears dropped from their eyes as they wondered if God had abandoned them. The mass prayers and stifled celebrations are no more as people are slowly drifting to solitary prayers. However, it is not an easy task as most Muslims are having a hard time drifting from their rituals
Banquets of merciful canceled from the public
COVID-19 has dampened Ramadan celebrations. Although most Muslims have embarked on Ramadan celebrations, they are limited to their homesteads. In Egypt, most residents have expressed their concerns about the cancellation of the feasts from public participation. They say they regarded Ramadan as a time of joy. However, the novel virus has stolen their joy.
Ramadan is a period which Muslims refer to as holy. It is during these celebrations that people reflect, socializes, and trade goods after fasting and prayers. Iftar is a period during Ramadan when Muslims hold fast-breaking feasts. Unfortunately for this month, the government canceled it. Before Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, gather in the evening for family or community meal.
Some Muslims claim to hold Ramadan feasts amid the pandemic
Ban on Ramadan gatherings includes the prohibition of spending 10 days of prayer in the mosques. It is so evident this Ramadan will be so flavorless Especially minus the public feasts such as Eid Il-Fitr. For it was during such feasts that even the less fortunate become part of big banquets. Most of the faithful Muslims expressed their disappointment. Nevertheless, they stand no choice for the Muslim religious leaders across the world, including Saudi support the ban. Although some Egyptian Muslims have purchased lanterns and await celebrations despite the curfew in their country. Social distancing is keeping to controlling the novel virus hence governments have banned religious gatherings too.
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