Ramadan will begin on Friday in France, the French Council for Muslim Worship (CFCM) announced on Thursday. This year, in full containment due to the epidemic of Covid-19, the context is unprecedented: the mosques are closed and family reunions strongly discouraged.
CFCM President Mohammed Moussaoui made the announcement at a meeting to set the start of this month of fasting, sharing and prayer, which was held in part in the Grand Mosque of Paris and by videoconference, broadcast on Radio East. He recalled that this month of fasting was held "as part of confinement" implemented since mid-March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, ensuring that "Muslims have prepared for it".
No prayer at the mosque
This year, the religious authorities strongly advise families not to reunite with family or neighbors during the "iftar", the daily meal of breaking the fast, while it is usually a social, friendly or even festive component of the month ramadan.
Another new fact: the mosques being closed until further notice, Muslims will not be able to go there for tarawih, the night prayers specific to Ramadan. Emmanuel Macron said to worship leaders Tuesday evening wanting to wait until early June or mid-June before any reopening of places of worship.
France has between five and six million practicing and non-practicing Muslims, according to several studies on the subject (Pew Research Center, Montaigne Institute, Insee, Ined), which makes Islam the second religion of the country. And makes the French Muslim community the first Muslim community in Europe.
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