Muslims are being reminded that they can get their COVID-19 vaccine during the month of Ramadan if they are asked for one.
That's the advice from the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, as Ramadan officially starts today.
Ramadan Kareem to everyone who's observing, this second time in lockdown. ☪️
Hopefully better days are not far away now, and the next one can be when people can celebrate together again. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vLUEAbE2Re— Joan // Stay apart, Mask up (@clicky_here) April 12, 2021
One Of The Most Important Months For Muslims
Ramadan is a month where Muslims participate in fasting, prayer and reflection.
It's one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar.
It's usually the busiest month for the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, which is based at the mosque in Clonskeagh in Dublin.
Head of Community Welfare at the centre, Summayah Kenna, says they've moved online this year:
"We have established several programmes on a daily basis."
"They address different groups within the community."
"Youth programmes alone are running on a daily basis, we also have educational classes."
Ramadan Mubarak. It’s the first day of fasting and the second Ramadan in lockdown. We’re here with @Msoe_Dublin who are prepping supplies for those in hostels and Direct Provision. pic.twitter.com/mb3MY12ADR
— Brianna Parkins (@parkinsbrea) April 13, 2021
Vaccines Can Be Taken During Ramadan
One of the biggest elements is fasting, where people only eat before dawn and after dusk.
It has led to questions about whether Muslims can take a vaccine during the month.
Summayah Kenna says they've been asked many times, and the answer is they can:
"So vaccines are for our benefit."
"Because it's for the better for us, our health and the better of mankind."
Ramadan runs until May 12th, where it ends with the Eid, to recognise the breaking of the fast.
