–will do 6,000 hampers this year in lieu of Iftar, in keeping with COVID-19 regulations

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) will be distributing 6,000 hampers, countrywide, during the month of Ramadan, starting April 17, so as to ensure that members of the Muslim community have adequate access to food while they fast. Ramadan is one of the most sacred events in the life of a Muslim, as it is during this period that they observe a strict fast, from dawn till sunset, whereby they are not allowed to eat or drink anything during these daylight hours.
This period of fasting, sources say, helps the devotee develop skills of controlling urges and desires, and brings more sensitivity to the needs of others. At the end of the day, the fast is broken with prayer and a festive meal called an iftar. Iftar is often hosted at masjids across the country, but due to the COVID-19 situation here, this will not be possible at all this year.
According to CIOG’s General Manager, Shameena Haniff, in light of what obtains the world over these days because of the pandemic, the CIOG was forced to come up with some innovative ideas, hence the decision to do the hampers.

“We are looking forward to Ramadan, starting either next Tuesday or Wednesday,” Haniff said, adding: “Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the masjids will not be open to accommodate the cooking and feeding of persons, due to the strict rules and regulations from the COVID-19 task force, hence the hamper distribution. Since we will not be able to operate normal, we are on a hamper drive to get the dry goods to the various families, in order for them to prepare their meals at home.”
She noted that the distribution will be done in two phases, the first of which will give priority to those families who are fasting. In the second phase, however, in keeping with the organisation’s mandate, priority will be given to those who are less fortunate. Haniff noted that while the hampers will lend some semblance of support to the Muslim community during the period of fasting, the feeling of camaraderie they usually have from fellowshipping at the masjids will be sorely missed during this year’s Ramadan.
“With the masjids not being open, it definitely affects the Muslim, in terms of the regular worshipping and socialising at the masjid; gathering with friends and families, and sitting and eating dinner, breaking fast together,” Haniff said.

“It will definitely affect the social aspect; and the emotions and sentiments, too, that come with that. Because, I mean, you’re fasting all day, and you’re accustomed and looking forward to break that fast with your family; your friends and your associates at the masjid,” she added.
She, however, noted that the masjids will be opened briefly in the evenings to facilitate prayers.
She also took the opportunity to remind non-Muslims that the CIOG’s motto is to promote “sharing and caring,” regardless of age, race, economic standing, or even religion, which has been the driving force behind all of the initiatives it launches.