A BRADFORD community figure is urging British Muslims to “stay safe” this Ramadan, amid the holy month coinciding with the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Dr Javed Bashir, who is a safeguarding consultant with Bradford-based Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI), has said that, in the month of Ramadan, “Muslims can still reflect, improve, pray, share and care – but they can do so from a healthy distance”, adding that people must still take precautions when it comes to Covid-19.

Dr Bashir also suggests using “virtual alternatives”, encouraging people to avoid large gatherings, which, under normal circumstances, would be common during Ramadan.

When Ramadan begins is dependent on a verified observation of the moon, with some sources forecasting the holy month to begin on 12 or 13 April this year.

Lockdown restrictions will ease from 12 April, with hairdressers, outdoor hospitality venues, non-essential retail and gyms, among other establishments, being allowed to re-open.

Despite this, Dr Bashir has urged the Muslim community to stay sensible, encouraging people to do everything they can to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"The holy month of Ramadan is usually marked by social and religious gatherings, where Muslim families and friends unite to break their fast together", said Dr Bashir.

"Many Muslims also increase their attendance at mosques during this month, and congregate for longer prayers, known as taraweeh.

"Some Muslims also spend the last 10 days of Ramadan staying inside the mosque, which is known as i’tikaf.

"But, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, many of Ramadan’s rituals and traditions will be curtailed once again this year.

"People who are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of Covid-19 should avoid attending events and follow the national guidance on the follow-up and management of symptomatic cases.

"Older people and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions - such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer - should not attend gatherings, as they are considered vulnerable to severe disease and death from Covid-19.

"Healthy people should be able to fast during this Ramadan as in previous years, while Covid-19 patients may consider religious advice regarding breaking the fast in consultation with their doctors, as they would do with any other disease.

"Proper nutrition and hydration are vital during the month of Ramadan. People should eat a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day and drink plenty of water.

"Tobacco use is ill-advised under any circumstances, especially during Ramadan and the Covid-19 pandemic. Frequent smokers may already have lung disease, or reduced lung capacity, which greatly increases the risk of serious Covid-19 illness.

"Also, when distributing iftari meals during Ramadan, people should use individual pre-packaged boxes/servings of food.

"Ensuring that family, friends and elders are still engaged in light of physical distancing needs to be considered, encouraging alternate and digital platforms for interaction is paramount.

"If cancelling social and religious gatherings, where possible, virtual alternatives can be used instead.

"People should not invite anyone outside of your household for prayers or for iftar. There are still ways you can engage with your community while staying at home during Ramadan.

"Open Iftar is providing a way to virtually interact every day with guest speakers over Zoom, for example.

"Offering special prayers for the sick, alongside messages of hope and comfort, are methods to observe the tenants of Ramadan while maintaining public health."

Dr Bashir also encouraged people in the Muslim community to take the Covid-19 vaccine when it is their turn, adding that the vaccine does not affect fasting.

"Taking the vaccine does not invalidate the fast, as per the opinion of Islamic scholars. Individuals should not delay their Covid vaccinations on the account of Ramadan", he said.

"We would also urge anyone with an underlying health condition that makes them vulnerable to coronavirus to speak to their GP to see if they can fast safely during Ramadan.

"If your GP does not recommend fasting, you can speak to your local imam who can advise you on alternative ways you could get the same reward."