By Ibrahim Badawi

His Excellency Mr. Carlos Hernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to the country, stressed that the holy month of Ramadan will be different this year in Qatar with the absence of large gatherings that are used to breakfast and prayer rituals, but they remain necessary measures to combat the outbreak of the Corona virus.

He told  Al-Raya  that the month of Ramadan during this global pandemic will also be a great opportunity to restore contact with the family, and leave social networks aside, pointing out that there are more than a million and a half Muslims in Argentina receiving the holy month and other details in the following lines:

 

• Your Excellency, what do you say to the citizens and residents of Qatar on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, especially with the exceptional circumstances of the Corona pandemic?

I tell them to think about the true spiritual meaning of the month of Ramadan, and that it will be different, because it will not include, as usual, large gatherings during breakfast meals, nor the prayer of praying in the mosque (Tarawih), nor will it be free for trips to Islamic holy places. There is no usual kind of gathering between friends and family members. They must use time and consider it a period of rest, compassion, and an opportunity for reflection, and renewal, and that we can all do it on our own from our homes. And I think the most important thing is that we have to take care of ourselves and get out of this crisis together in unity.

 

Ramadan Qatar and Argentina

• How many times did you spend Ramadan in Doha, and how do Muslims in Argentina celebrate the Holy Month?

This will be my second Ramadan in Qatar. Fortunately, we lived the full experience during the past year, and in Argentina it is also celebrated in the Muslim community, which is very large, where there are more than a million and a half Muslims in our country. We generally celebrate all holidays for all religions. Now we know more than ever that it is always good to find a reason to celebrate. Last week, we celebrated Easter. It was different, it was without going to church, and without meeting with family and friends, but we found new ways to communicate with our loved ones through new technologies. And for non-Muslims, I think it would be a very good opportunity to try to accompany our Muslim brothers through fasting.

 

Ramadan messages

• What are the most prominent values ​​and messages of the holy month for you?

Ramadan is more than just refraining from eating or drinking during the day. Rather, it is a moment of contemplation, devotion to God, and in such times when many people do not work or at least not with the same strength because we are in the midst of this epidemic, I believe that caring for the poor and needy in society is necessary.

 

Corona fight

• With challenges come opportunities . What opportunities does the Corona Challenge give us during Ramadan?

I think it would be a great opportunity to reconnect with the family, and to leave social media aside. I also think it is important not to isolate yourself under the pretext of the emerging coronavirus. We can talk on the phone with friends and family, and video conferencing if possible with them. Staying at home is essential to fight the virus.

 

Great experience

What are the missing things in Ramadan because of this epidemic?

Especially we will miss Iftar and Suhoor with friends. Last year's experience was great, especially through the participation of our Qatari friends in the beautiful customs and traditions of the Islamic world.

 

Strong relationships

In the end, what is your assessment of the relations between Qatar and Argentina and its future?

The bilateral relations between Argentina and Qatar are strong and dynamic, and we are considered strategic partners and work towards that goal. Although there is a distance of 13,000 km, the convergence of friendship, trade, investment, sport and culture unites us in a strong and continuous way. We are two young and energy-rich nations that allow us to work together for a better future.

 

Al Raya, April 26th, 2020.

Available online:

https://www.raya.com/home/print/f6451603-4dff-4ca1-9c10-122741d17432/afe...