Thursday 02 / January / 2025
Muscat: Following the announcement that Tarawih prayers can once again be performed this Ramadan, those observing the Holy Month in Oman are hopeful that they will be able to observe the other traditional customs as well.
With Ramadan traditions put on hold for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and with doctors still asking people to follow the COVID protocols, people were apprehensive that they would not be able to observe events typical of the Holy month of Ramadan.
“When we heard the news that we would be able to perform Tarawih prayers once again, we honestly believed it was a blessing for us ahead of Ramadan,” said Balqees bint Suleiman Al Hassani, the head of wellbeing at Al Sahwa Schools.
“During the last two years, we were unable to properly observe this tradition, which is a very important part of our faith, and of Ramadan.
“When you are praying alongside your fellow worshippers in the mosques, there is a feeling of oneness and peace that you really cannot experience anywhere else, and that is when you experience the true spirit of Ramadan,” she added.
“One of the biggest lessons we have been taught by the COVID-19 pandemic is that we must learn to appreciate things, and not take anything for granted.
“One of the most important tenets of our society and our communities – especially during Ramadan – is to be mindful of our fellow beings, and I would like to remind everyone that while things are improving, we must still continue to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Al Hassani.
“Let us spare a thought for the doctors, the nurses and other members of our society who were not able to always get time off over the last two years because they were treating COVID patients.
“We have experienced the impact of complete and partial lockdowns, and I am sure we do not want to see such measures again. So let us be thankful for being able to celebrate Ramadan with family and friends once again and at the same time not ignore the importance of staying safe from COVID-19,” she went on to say.
One of the aspects of Ramadan Balqees is most looking forward to is sharing the values this month holds for us with her children and extended family and seeing those values in action on a daily basis.
“This Ramadan, my son will be standing outside the mosque with a bottle of perfume to freshen the hands of all those going inside for prayers,” she revealed.
“Charity does not just mean receiving money from your parents and giving it for a good cause, but doing good through everyday actions. I look forward to teaching my children the importance of our values and of Ramadan.”
Meanwhile, Dr A Basheer, a senior internist and diabetologist at Badr Al Sama’a Hospital in Ruwi, said that although many COVID restrictions had been withdrawn or eased, it is important that people continue to follow the protocols such as wearing of masks indoors and sanitising their hands.
“The most important thing, however, is to voluntarily stay away from large-scale gatherings if you have COVID-like symptoms, because that could spread to other people, and could have quite serious consequences,” he said. “We have just emerged from a rather tough phase, and I am sure nobody wants to go back to that.
“Infection rates in Oman are low right now and it is up to us to keep them that way,” he added. “Follow the protocols laid down for indoor rooms, wear a mask and keep your hands sanitised. Do not become lax in following the rules, and if you see others who ignore them, please remind them of their importance. I foresee that protocols such as mask-wearing will be in place at least for another year or so.”
After two years of Ramadan sans iftar and suhoor events – an intrinsic part of Ramadan – hotels and restaurants are once again keen to welcome guests. Firas Rashid, director of sales and marketing at Kempinski Hotel Muscat, said a number of measures have been planned to ensure diners’ safety.
“You look at the events that have taken place over the last few weeks and they have been very well attended…I think it shows how happy and relieved people are to attend public events after so long,” he said.
“We will continue to maintain the sanitisation protocols required of us, and for Ramadan we have put up clear safety barriers in front of our buffet stations to make sure our guests are safe.
“We have also made sure there is enough space between tables and will provide masks and gloves to all our guests who will be joining us so that they can serve themselves safely,” he added. “It is the first time since 2019 that we are able to organise such events, so we are looking forward to really celebrate this year’s Ramadan.”
Moath Al Saeedi, an Omani from Wilayat Khabourah, is looking forward to this year’s Ramadan for not just one, but two reasons: after performing his Tarawih prayers this time, he will go to play football and basketball with his friends…something he has not done in two years.
“What makes Tarawih special is that this is a prayer that adults and children, people both old and young, perform as one,” he said. “When you hear the prayers in the mosques through the loudspeakers, it is a very wonderful feeling. During Ramadan, we fast in obedience to our Creator, and we feel joyful as we gather with family and relatives to eat with them at sunset.
“During Ramadan, there are certain foods that are cooked that are not prepared during the rest of the year,” he added. “Even the food tastes better during this month, because it is very special to us.”
Rashid Al Sudairy from Wilayat Yanqul said the feeling of returning with family and relatives for Tarawih prayers would be wonderful, after a two-year hiatus.
“After Tarawih, I would love to take my family to visit my parents and brothers, and then go for a picnic to enjoy the Ramadan atmosphere,” he further said.
