Coronavirus lockdown restrictions may mean mass gatherings are restricted but Ramadan greetings will be exchanged digitally around the world
Muslims around the world have been preparing for the Holy Month of Ramadan, which this year will be radically changed by the coronavirus outbreak.
The lockdown restrictions in place around the world mean communal acts of prayer, and meeting friends and family for the daily ritual of the iftar meal, will be prohibited for most people.
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However, with technology allowing worshippers around the world to commemorate the holy month remotely, with seasonal greetings of “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” exchanged digitally across the globe – but what do the phrases mean?
What do ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and ‘Ramadan Kareem’ mean?
The more common of the greetings during the holy month is “Ramadan Mubarak”, which translates from the Arabic word meaning “blessed” – the phrase, therefore, means “Blessed Ramadan”, often used in the same way as wishing somebody a “Happy Ramadan”.
“Ramadan Kareem” is less commonly used, but translates as “Generous Ramadan” – while the phrase can be used as a greeting in a similar way to “Ramadan Mubarak”, it can also describe Ramadan in another context.
There is some debate around whether using “Ramadan Kareem” is appropriate, given that the expectation of generosity can be considered against the principles of fasting and prayer central to observing the holy month.
However, others argue that the greeting can appropriately refer to the generosity of acts towards others. Khaled Boudemagh, described by Gulf News as a Dubai-based language expert, said: “Ramadan is a month of generosity, therefore wish Kareem.”
Both “Mubarak” and “Kareem” are also given names in Arabic, which carry the same meanings as bestowed in the Ramadan greetings.
What is Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules all Muslims follow – along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.
It is when Muslims are required to spend 30 days observing fast during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith.
Beyond fasting, Muslims are also encouraged to read the Quran, with the holy text recited at the Tarawih, special nightly prayers held throughout the month.
Ramadan is based on the cycle of the moon, meaning that the dates are different from year to year, and cannot be predicted precisely.
However, this year the holy month is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday 23 April, and end on Saturday 23 May.
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