CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #43- The Beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan

April 23, 2020, Thursday

“I disagree. Now is ‘not’ the time to take action. Now is the time to be thoughtful, reflective, and prayerful. The action comes after that.”

– Craig D. Lounsbrough

CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #43

 The religious practice of fasting during the Ramadan has always been one of the most fundamental parts of Islam, and this period has always been a time to celebrate and strengthen our relationship with God, our family, and our loved ones. It is also a time for reflection and repentance, and during the daytime, Muslims from all over the world flock to mosques for worship and muqabala. However, as we go through the COVID-19 pandemic, this practice does not seem to be a feasible idea this year.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health reported 151 new COVID-19 cases, 55 recoveries, and 1 death, bringing totals to 2,399 cases, 498 recoveries, and 14 deaths. Among the new cases, 12 were travel-related (mainly from the UK), 132 were from contact with confirmed cases (mostly Indian, Bangladeshi, and Egyptian residents), and 7 cases had other sources.

 One thousand, eight hundred and eighty-seven patients are currently receiving medical treatment, while 55 are in the intensive care unit with 22 cases being critical; another 33 are stable in the last 24 hours and seven more cases being transferred to the ICU. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases decreased. 

Schedule for the Beginning of Ramadan

Today marks the 43rd day of quarantine and the 33rd day of curfew in Kuwait. The Moonsighting Committee announced that Ramadan will begin tomorrow, Friday, following a meeting led by Chairman Justice Youssef Al-Mutawaa. On this occasion, Minister of Justice Dr. Fahad Al-Afasi extended greetings to His Highness the Amir, government authorities, citizens, residents, and the Muslim world.

Since the Holy Month of Ramadan is about to start, I have noticed people rushing to supermarkets, cooperatives, and other grocery stores in a bid to purchase the necessary goods and foodstuffs for the iftar, ghabqa, and suhour. For those who do not know, these are Islamic traditions wherein family, friends, and loved ones gather after sunset gather together to partake of a sumptuous meal. This year’s Ramadan, however, is expected to be celebrated differently due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially due to the imposition of curfew and other precautionary health measures designed to curb the rate of infection among the residents of Kuwait.

There are concerns that these measures may dampen the festive mood of the Ramadan meals, which are now limited only to immediate family members and not the usual large gatherings due to the social distancing protocols set by the Ministry of Health. Those who wish to go out and buy their groceries must also follow the stringent health protocols and the curfew, which is from 4 PM until 8 AM, which will start on the first day of the Ramadan.

The health authorities of Kuwait would also like those who wish to shop for food during the curfew to practice the social distancing measures in supermarkets and groceries. The cooperative stores will only be open from 9:00 and to 3:00 PM during Ramadan. There is also the option for online shopping, which has recently become the norm during the pandemic as it is arguably much safer than going out and risk being infected. For those who have curfew passes and earlier booked orders, cooperative stores will be open for online delivery from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Since the Holy Month of Ramadan is about to start, I have noticed people rushing to supermarkets, cooperatives, and other grocery stores in a bid to purchase the necessary goods and foodstuffs for the iftar, ghabqa, and suhour. For those who do not know, these are Islamic traditions wherein family, friends, and loved ones gather after sunset gather together to partake of a sumptuous meal. This year’s Ramadan, however, is expected to be celebrated differently due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially due to the imposition of curfew and other precautionary health measures designed to curb the rate of infection among the residents of Kuwait.

There are concerns that these measures may dampen the festive mood of the Ramadan meals, which are now limited only to immediate family members and not the usual large gatherings due to the social distancing protocols set by the Ministry of Health. Those who wish to go out and buy their groceries must also follow the stringent health protocols and the curfew, which is from 4 PM until 8 AM, which will start on the first day of the Ramadan.

The health authorities of Kuwait would also like those who wish to shop for food during the curfew to practice the social distancing measures in supermarkets and groceries. The cooperative stores will only be open from 9:00 and to 3:00 PM during Ramadan. There is also the option for online shopping, which has recently become the norm during the pandemic as it is arguably much safer than going out and risk being infected. For those who have curfew passes and earlier booked orders, cooperative stores will be open for online delivery from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

This Thursday, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah extended his greetings to Arabs and Muslims worldwide on the arrival of Ramadan, wishing safety and prosperity for all. He also received congratulatory cables from His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, and other senior officials and leaders, including members of the National Guard and judiciary.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Highness on the occasion of the blessed and Holy Month of Ramadan. May he continue to enjoy good health, and may safety and prosperity be granted to him, the citizens, and the authorities of Kuwait.

As we remain in our homes during this quarantine, let us remember that even in crisis, there is always good to be found. With more time for reflection, this Ramadan offers a special opportunity to strengthen our bond with God, cherish our families, and connect with our loved ones. May Muslims around the world embrace this holy month with fasting, prayer, and faith, entrusting their struggles to God.

Updates from the Philippine Embassy

In the Philippines, the Department of Health announced 271 new COVID-19 cases with sixteen additional deaths and twenty-nine recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 6,981 cases with 462 fatalities and 722 recovered incidents. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait released a statement this Thursday wishing our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines, Kuwait and around the world a blessed and socially distanced observance of Ramadan—the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait wishes to thank Madam Iqbal Behbehani for her second round of food donations to POLO-OWWA, which will benefit around 500 OFWs affected by the coronavirus lockdown in Kuwait. Madam Behbehani’s previous contribution also produced about 500 relief packs for the food drive.

As food donations from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office continue to arrive, I kindly appeal to the compassion and understanding of the displaced Filipino community in Kuwait regarding any delays in distribution. I fully understand the frustration and hardship many are facing. However, it’s important to recognize that our Filipino Community Organizations and leaders are volunteers—working without compensation and often covering their own costs for transportation and logistics.

The Philippine Embassy, along with these dedicated volunteers, is doing everything possible to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. I salute their tireless efforts and selfless service. Let us all show gratitude for their sacrifices and continue to support one another through these challenging times.

 As we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the Ramadan, we, as members of the Filipino community in Kuwait, must always be mindful of our words and actions, especially during this holy celebration. I advise everyone to dress conservatively, refrain from eating or drinking in public, especially during the fasting hours, and also to partake of the silence during these hours of prayer and reflection as a sign of respect towards their traditions.

Ramadan is a time of the year that all Muslims look forward, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pass, we must resolve to treat our fellow human beings with care and compassion and do whatever is in our ability to ease their sufferings. We must put aside mere words and replace them with action for what we do in the present is a measure of who we are now and what we will be in the future. This crisis, too, shall pass, and as we spend our time in isolation, we must use this opportunity to build our inner strength, practice self-improvement, and help those who are less fortunate.

Kaniyang inilatag ang ulap na pinakakubong; at apoy upang magbigay liwanag sa gabi,Sila’y nagsihingi, at dinalhan niya ng mga pugo, at binusog niya sila ng pagkain na mula sa langit.Kaniyang ibinuka ang bato at binukalan ng tubig; nagsiagos sa tuyong mga dako na parang ilog.

Mga Awit 105:39-41

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