Ramadan; an Opportunity or Threat to Fight COVID – ۱۹ in Iran and other Islamic Societies

In the month of Ramadan according to the special spiritual atmosphere prevailing in society, the amount of social and physical behaviors has a significant decrease. In the next year, Ramadan is approximately from April ۳, ۲۰۲۲, to May ۳, ۲۰۲۲; i.e. one month. This period can be introduced as social distancing and an opportunity to fight COVID-۱۹. On the other hand, the field observations from Ramadan in Iran show that the social activities and visiting relatives these days increase, significantly which can consider as a threat to fight COVID-۱۹. Therefore, Ramadan may act as a double-edged sword which can result in better controlling or developing COVID-۱۹.Thus, health authorities and government officials are required to constitute temporary regulations on controlling the social activities in Ramadan. Also, they should consult with imams in mosques to establish the necessary plan regarding preventing from holding the Tarawih; so that this social–religious event does not act as a threat to the health of society.

Keywords:

Ramadan , COVID – ۱۹ , Iran , Islamic Societies