Muslim Association of Malawi (Mam) has directed Muslims in the country to observe the Holy Month of Ramadan at home as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The month, which is determined by the sighting of a new moon, is likely to commence tomorrow or on Saturday.

Mam spokesperson Sheikh Dinala Chabulika said that this year’s Month of Ramadan will be a difficult one as Muslims will be prone to various temptations at their homes but urged them to be steadfast in prayer.

Chabulika also urged all Muslims to observe fasting during the month.

“We have suspended gatherings at the mosque during this period. In as much as we were directed to [gather together] by Prophet Muhammad, we are also taught to be safe, which is why we have gone ahead with this move,” he said.

Reacting to the development, Ishmael Juma, a Muslim in Mzuzu, said the suspension of prayer gatherings during Ramadan has an impact on their prayer life as some prayers are better conducted in groups.

“One can’t do the prayers alone. We are supposed to be in a group and the suspension will be a challenge to most of us who stay alone and it might bring laziness. But we understand the situation we are in,” he said.

The Covid-19 pandemic also affected Christians across the world as their Easter period passed silently.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast to get closer to God and to remind themselves about the suffering of the less fortunate.