We know that Ramadan is off to a challenging start for many, and we truly empathize! We miss bonding with our families and friends over long Iftars, Ghabqa’s and Suhours. We definitely miss seeing the roads slow down right before Iftar, with kind volunteers passing out donated meals to those working late into the night. We also miss the buzz of the streets at 1 am. We miss it all, but we’re doing our best to adapt to these times. This is why we decided that we’re not going to let this lockdown ruin our Ramadan vibes. Here’s our quick guide to making the best out of Ramadan while also practicing safe social distancing.
Keeping Ramadan Traditions Alive (At Home)
Since the beginning of this pandemic, we’ve adapted conducting our social lives online. Virtual game night? Done. Zoom birthday parties? Done. Virtual Iftars and Ghabqas are no different! Connect with your loved ones via your favorite video chat apps (We like Houseparty and Zoom). Better yet, create a cute Ramadan backdrop in your living room, even if it’s by the small addition of a lantern, or something as grand as hand-crafted wall hangings, and make that the setting of all of your online Ramadan festivities. Keeping these traditions alive at home with your immediate family during the holy month might provide you with some form of normality and a peace of mind.
Remember to Donate
Our community needs our support now more than ever. The Holy Month of Ramadan is marked by so many charity activities. Platforms like Give allow you to virtually donate to various charitable entities in Kuwait, and Kuwait’s Food Bank is also accepting online donations. Don’t forget that you can make the biggest difference with the smallest of gestures, financial or not. Donate food, money, old clothes to the street cleaners you see around your office building or home, the security guard, the 7aris, delivery drivers, and anyone in need in your immediate community.
Gather with your Family
More time at home with family is actually a great opportunity to bond. Take turns coming up with the daily Iftar menu and prepping the Ramadan table. Don’t forget about watching those Ramadramas together. There’s a surprisingly huge amount of shows that have made it to air this year. Bored and need help passing the time during the day? Play several games of Uno, scrabble and other family friendly games.
Observe Rituals at Home
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with looking inwards; staying home and being safe doesn’t have to take away from your spirituality during this month, or any other time for that matter. From planning out charitable activities with large groups of people to praying at home, we’re all invited to take two steps back and observe our spiritual practices at home this year.
Order your Ramadan Goods Online
Avoid the queues, stay safe at home, and order your groceries online! We’ve gathered so many useful resources for you. If you must make a visit to your local co-op, then definitely consider doing this off peak times and if you plan to go after curfew, make sure you apply for the right permits and to book your appointment at the co-op too through the Ministry of Commerce’s website.
Explore Exercising Apps
Ramadan tends to re-ignite our desire to stay fit, and to manage our diets more wisely. But, since the lockdown started many of us have either gotten used to the daily/weekly home workout or simply not. Exercising and getting a few workouts in during the day or after Futoor is one way of killing time though! So, here are some helpful apps to download in case you needed one or more:
Uncancel Gerge’aan
Another Kuwaiti tradition we love dearly which usually comes up mid-Ramadan is Gerge’aan. Just like the other traditions, and whether it’s cancelled or not it can still be practiced at home in a fun way. Make it a DIY small project, create your very own Gerge’aan with your favorite or classical candy, and give it away to the members of your family. You can even use the time to bond with both the kids and adults at home by making it, and doing so will create cherished memories during these times.
Dara’aa OOTD Anyone?
If you’re tired of lounging in your PJ’s all day, all night, and would like a change of outfit but to also get into the Ramadan vibe, take those hidden Dara’aa’s/Kaftans and put them into use at home! We’ve got some inspirations to look at, plus, simplicity and comfort is key during Iftar time!
How are you handling social distancing during Ramadan? Tell us! Connect with us on Instagram and talk to us all about it.
