Moroccans spend a Ramadan like no other

This year, Moroccans have to give up many traditions and practices associated with the fasting month of Ramadan to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The busy streets and markets as well as collective prayers at mosques and family visits had to be given up this year in order to limit contagion.

Authorities have extended the confinement measures until May 20 and imposed a curfew from 19:00 to 5:00 excluding staff working in critical facilities.

According to surveys on different Moroccan media, the bulk of Moroccans abide by the confinement measures as a necessary evil to avoid the surge in new coronavirus cases.

Morocco’s supreme religious council issued a fatwa asking Moroccans to pray in their homes, stressing that saving lives is one of Islam’s prime goals and takes precedence over any other consideration.

Many jobs that look at Ramadan as the peak time for business are ensuing losses. These include tailors of Moroccan traditional clothes and street food cooks.

This has pushed many people to home baking the delicacies of Ramadan and make cookies in their kitchens.

However, many people will miss the chance of extending help to families used to receive help during Ramadan.

This year, Mohammed VI foundation for solidarity has increased the number of beneficiaries from the foodstuff distribution campaign to 600,000 needy families across the country.

Meanwhile, Moroccans continue to express solidarity on the ground increasing their contributions to the anti-coronavirus fund to more than $3 billion.