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https://socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2020/05/22/reflections-on-faith-and-keeping-safe/

Reflections on faith and keeping safe

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Care and support, Communities, Coronavirus
Worshiping in a time of pandemic has unique challenges but our faith communities are finding ways to adapt and maintain connections. Copyright All rights reserved by Ahmed M Eld

Keeping faith in challenging times

As Ramadan departs, Eid al Fitr arrives. Eid is a time of rejoicing and celebrating with our family and friends. It is a day of goodness, kindness, charity and reaching out to others in the best possible way.

It is a day given to us after a season of worshipping Allah during the month of Ramadan. During this month of reflection we have become more conscious of the way we behave and of our character and conduct.

Therefore, Eid to me is about continuing the changes we have made. It is about continuing with similar compassion, similar goodness not forgetting the beautiful changes we made to our lives during the month of Ramadan.

During this year’s Ramadan, I have written a few reflections which link in with social work values, ethics and practice. I hope to keep these reminders for myself to encourage and inspire my practice as a social worker.

Mosque
Mosques and other places of worship will be quieter this year. License copyright All rights reserved by Khaled M. K. HEGAZY

Eid with a difference

For the first time this year, Eid will be spent in a non-conventional way. Typically, every Eid I would wake up and attend prayer at the local mosque. At the end, everyone would greet each other, shake hands or hug and say ‘Eid Mubarak’ and enjoy a catch-up with friends whom they may not have seen for months.

Cousins from abroad and family members up and down the UK would descend on Bradford to meet up at my grandmother’s home. Four generations all sat eating food and listening to her tell stories.  The days were filled with happiness.

This year, Eid will not be spent like this, there will be no praying at the mosque, we will not be able to see old friends, and lastly, my family will not be able to follow the tradition of meeting up at my grandmother’s home.

As social workers, we may serve others who celebrate festive periods alone. As the lockdown will affect how many people celebrate Eid, for some it will be business as usual. Some individuals will be spending their holidays how they spend it each year - alone.

This lockdown has taught me how important it is to ensure individuals we serve are supported through festive periods. One thing I will do differently is to incorporate festive periods within support plans. Just like I have memories of happiness from each festive holiday, individuals we serve should also have the same positive recollections.

Eid al-fitr sweet biscuits
License copyright All rights reserved by Khaled M. K. HEGAZY

Goodwill in a box

So we wanted to do something different for the young people and families we serve that are celebrating Eid this year. We sent them goodwill packages: a small token from us to them to show they are in our thoughts and to spread love to one another.

The packs contained:

  • Sunflower seeds and soil so our families could nurture and grow something beautiful at home
  • DIY magnets so they could make a keepsake from their celebrations
  • A Tasbih to guide our families in prayer
  • Handmade personalised biscuits - the gift of food is a strong tradition across Muslim cultures.

These were put together from a mix of donations from the local community, fundraising by the team and support from one of our local Mosques. Making these packs also helped us strengthen our bonds as a team.

When this pandemic has run its course, hopefully we can all get out together, see people and reconnect with the communities we serve. In the meantime, Ramadan and Eid remain periods of reflection, celebration and fellowship. This small piece of work has helped us reflect on what being a social worker is all about.

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2 comments

  1. Comment by Janet Lightowler posted on

    What a wonderful piece to read, thank you for your kindness and I am sure the young people receiving the gift boxes will be touched.

    Reply
  2. Comment by Jo Hooper posted on

    Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and telling us how you have helped others remember that they are not forgotten, particularly at this time when you would usually be celebrating. As a Christian, I had to celebrate Easter, whilst being at home, and although it was very different from other Easters in similar ways to the one you have described, I still felt connected to my brothers and sisters in faith. I especially like the suggestion that we need to help people support plan for festive periods. I know it's a little belated but I wish you both ‘Eid Mubarak’

    Reply

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