SHAFAQNA- IQNA: Muslims in Turkey, along with those in a number of other countries, are gearing up to welcome the holy Month of Ramadhan on Tuesday. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadhan is one of Islam’s five pillars. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion.
Like last year, Muslims in the country will observe Ramadhan under certain restrictions due to the pandemic. During the holy month, gatherings for Suhur and Iftar — pre-dawn and fast-breaking meals, respectively — are prohibited nationwide.
Taraweeh, the special night prayers during Ramadhan, will not be allowed at Mosques, according to the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). Additionally, weekend lockdowns will be in place across Turkey during the Muslim holy month. Besides, during Ramadhan, restaurants and coffeehouses will only be open for takeaway and delivery services.
However, around 3,200 Ramadhan drummers, who wake people up for the pre-dawn meal as part of an Ottoman tradition, will head to the streets of Istanbul.
Vaccination during fasting
It is permissible for the fasting person to take the COVID-19 vaccine jab and it does not invalidate the fast, a top official of Diyanet told Anadolu Agency. “There is no nutritious vitamin or food substance in any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Injecting such a thing into the body does not break the fast,” Idris Bozkurt said.
However, people also can get the vaccine after Iftar or before Suhur. Since its vaccination campaign began on Jan. 14, Turkey has administered more than 18.7 million vaccine jabs nationwide, according to official figures. More than 11.1 million people have received their first dose of a vaccine while second doses were given to over 7.6 million.