It is the ninth lunar month and in the Islamic calendar this means Ramadan: the time of fasting. After a long corona period, Muslims are allowed to gather again this year in the mosque to celebrate Ramadan.
Yasar Eraslan, chairman of the Hicret Mosque in Hoogeveen, is ‘very nice’ that everything is allowed again this Ramadan. Because it was impossible to get together in the past two years. “We had to adapt a lot during the corona period. We were also closed for a long time,” says Eraslan.
People were sitting at home and could not come to the mosque for prayer or to be together. “We have an evening prayer during Ramadan and that was not possible in recent years, now we can pray together again,” says Eraslan.
Fasting and reading the Quran for a month is part of Ramadan, but it is also known as the month of reflection. “We pay more attention to people who have less, such as the elderly and the sick.” Eraslan likes to contact other faith communities and local residents. “The Hicret Mosque in Hoogeveen is known for its solidarity, everyone is welcome and we treat everyone equally.”
“Being together in the mosque means more social contact, which is important because people also want to tell their story in the mosque,” explains Eraslan. “I prefer to call the mosque a place of worship because of the social factor, it is a kind of social meeting center for young and old.”
During Ramadan, Ramadan meals are eaten together. The Hicret Mosque previously shared these meals with local residents. “We do not have the opportunity to prepare a Ramadan meal for everyone this year. Previously, girls from the youth department went door-to-door with the meals, unfortunately that is not yet available this year. We do not share more than two or three times this month. three meals out.”