Ramadan begins Friday, and as the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend life, those in the Islamic community are forced to find new approaches to following traditions and religious rituals.
The Islamic Center of Owensboro has suspended Friday congregation and closed the center until further notice.
“We’re trying to safeguard everyone’s welfare and do right by our neighbors as well as our family and our community that we live in,” said Naheed Murtaza, vice president of the Owensboro Human Relations Commission and member of the Islamic Center. “We want to make sure that we do our part to protect everybody.”
Murtaza said officials at the Owensboro Islamic Center are adhering to Gov. Andy Beshear’s orders and don’t want to add to the problem because they are simply a part of a bigger picture.
The Muslim community has to grapple with how to deal with this year’s Ramadan — a month of fasting and extended communal prayer — as the safety guidelines have curtailed large gatherings.
With upcoming activities canceled, Murtaza said prayers are being done at home.
This is also the case at Temple Adath Israel in Owensboro, where Friday bible studies have been conducted virtually via Zoom. Passover on April 8 also took place virtually.
“We’re affected so far as the comradeship and we miss the alliance and discussions and the studies,” said Stuart Spindel, a Jewish member of the synagogue. “We’re essentially shut down.”
Spindel has been a member for more than 20 years and leads holiday services and most of the Friday evening study sessions at the synagogue.
Murtaza said not being able to worship in a sacred place such as the Islamic Center has no been a hard thing to deal with for many.
“Most certainly there is a very high significance of everyone going to the Islamic Center to worship and the churches to worship,” Murtaza said. “But you can find God in your own home as well.”
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