WREN Stories: Being a Muslim during Covid-19 - Ramadan, vaccination and the importance of health

This month's WREN (Workforce Race Equality Network) Stories blog comes from Siphelile Williams, a registered learning disability nurse and Muslim of African heritage.

Bismillahi ar-arkhamni ar-rakhim (In the name of Allah (God) the most Merciful the most Beneficent)

Surah Al-Baqar, Verse 183 says, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil)”. For me, it is an obligation I should follow. Islam is a religion and a way of life I have chosen – a religion that gives me a balance between worldly life and hereafter, and the religion that encourages me to engage in life and help others.

Fasting is a major part of the month of Ramadan. However, Ramadan is also the month of peace, the month of tranquility, the month of cure, the month of goodness, the month of forgiveness, the month of mercy, the month of attaining paradise, the month of the Qur’an, the month of revelation, and the month of celebration of being a Muslim, where we practise self-restraint.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said in His hadith that:

“Whoever fasted in Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven...” (Bukhari)

From this hadith, I am reminded that Ramadan is a month of forgiveness and blessings, and observing fast makes me realise the blessings I have been granted and reminds me to be thankful to Allah for those blessings. Therefore, as a practising Muslim woman, it is even more important to be able to observe fast during this month of Ramadan. Abstaining from food and fluid intake from dawn until sunset whilst working is a huge challenge, and is even worse during these most challenging times where we must wear protective equipment due to the pandemic we are currently facing.

Fasting also makes one aware of those less fortunate and it reminds one to always help others. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Whoever helps his brother in his time of need, Allah will be there in his time of need” (Saheeh Muslim).

I see myself as a resilient person following my difficult experiences growing up as an orphan under difficult circumstances in Zimbabwe. This experience brought out an ability to navigate through life challenges and also equipped me with skills that I have transferred to nursing such as being empathetic, listening, and effective communication.

Islam also attaches great importance to health, so taking good care of one’s own health is a religious duty. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not only did he instruct people to take medicine, but he himself invited expert physicians for this purpose. With this in mind, I have had my vaccine as part of my religious practices, to look after my own health and as part of my profession to contribute to the promotion of health, and prevention of ill health.

As we all know Covid-19 has negatively affected individuals from ethnic minority groups, and I took it upon myself as a Muslim woman and a nurse from an ethnic minority group to advocate and encourage my friends and relatives to take the vaccine. During my redeployment to the Vaccination Hub, I took the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of taking the vaccine with my colleagues from ethnic minority groups and Muslim communities. It has been extremely rewarding and satisfying to have been involved in activities that uphold the nursing standards which also incorporate my cultural upbringing and religious beliefs.

Nursing regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve – all of which I feel I possess to deliver care to patients successfully. However, my African heritage can be a barrier for some patients and those who do not understand my culture. All the same, I try by offering reassurance and sharing about myself to allay their anxieties.

The Qur’an and teachings of Muhammad (PBUH) teaches that all people regardless of their origin, are equal and that people should be fair with each other to help achieve a balanced and harmonious society. The Qur’an also states that, “Allah (God) does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly…”, Qur’an 60:8.

Let us continue supporting each other through promoting good health and recognising our differences. Despite the negatives that Covid-19 has brought, let us also remember that it has brought us together and made us realise the importance of togetherness and promoting good health.