Till now I haven't been able to fully accept that I will most probably be spending Eid all alone and at home.
Any tips on how to overcome this?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
We can ease these feelings of loneliness by more online connection.
You may also wish to see if your Masjid or another Masjid, is streaming live khutbahs and prayers.
You may also wish to see if there are restrictions being lifted where you live regarding gatherings.
I kindly suggest that you try to use this time alone to intensify your study and worship.
You may also wish to do some charity work such as helping to feed the homeless or providing food or other resources for those in need.
Assalam alaykum,
Thank you for writing to us. I am sorry to hear you are feeling depressed this Ramadan. As Muslims we are used to having more social times during Ramadan. It is after all, one of our most sacred and important holidays.
Customary, we look forward to having iftars at the Masjid, with family or friends, going to visit others at their homes, or inviting people to our home. We also look forward to breaking fast and praying together at the Masjid.
Unusual Circumstances
As this Ramadan has unusual circumstances because of the pandemic, we are unable to be together.
You are not alone in how you feel. Many Muslims worldwide are feeling the same sense of isolation. However, insha’Allah we can ease these feelings of loneliness by connecting more online.
Connecting Online
I realize connecting online is not an optimal solution however it is one for now. I would kindly suggest that you seek out Muslim groups online who are providing a support to one another during Ramadan.
Please ensure they are valid and properly moderated. You may also wish to see if your Masjid or another Masjid, is streaming live khutbahs and prayers. While you cannot pray behind an Imam online you can listen and pray away from the screen.
Finding out what are Restrictions
You may also wish to see if there are restrictions being lifted where you live regarding gatherings. It may be possible to meet with 10 or fewer Muslims friends using social distancing and masks.
Preferably in an outdoor location for reading Qur’an together, having iftars and prayers. This of course will depend upon the laws in your city.
Using Time Wisely
As this is a time of isolation, it should also be a time of deeper contemplation. I kindly suggest that you try to use this time alone to intensify your study and worship.
This is our time without interruptions of our usual daily routines, to really focus Ramadan and its meaning in a fully uninterrupted way. In fact, this may be a blessing if we look at it this way.
Check out this counseling video:
Charity Work
Insha’Allah you may also wish to do some charity work such as helping to feed the homeless or providing food or other resources for those in need.
There are organizations who are in compliance with the mandates of the lock down yet are still managing to have very small charity drives which provide food, masks, toiletries, etc. to those in need.
This may help you feel better by providing a sense of helping others as well as providing you with the company of others who seek to do good works.
Conclusion
Insha’Allah, we will be able to gather for Eid if even in small numbers, only Allah knows. Yes, many are lonely. We are not used to this.
Perhaps this is a time given to us though as Muslims, to strengthen our resolve and really focus on the points of Ramadan. We think we are alone, yet we are not-we are with Allah-so we are not alone.
We wish you the best.
salam,
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