COMMENTARY: What is it like for a foreign worker in Singapore to celebrate Hari Raya amidst the Covid-19 outbreak?

Although this year's Hari Raya may be different compared to previous years due to Covid-19, Omar Faruque Shipon reflects on how it's important to count his blessings, appreciate what is given, and look towards happier days.

Omar is a foreign worker who runs a Facebook group for fellow migrant workers in Singapore. His essay was translated into English by doctor Muntasir Mannan Choudhury, who was recently in the spotlight for assuring migrant workers that they will be well taken care of in a viral video.

By Omar Faruque Shipon

A year ago with Hari Raya around the corner, the migrant dormitories were rife with planning in full swing in regards to what we will be doing on Hari Raya.

Unfortunately, things take more of a solemn note this year, thanks to an unforgiving and unsavoury pandemic as the Covid-19 virus grips our society in its deadly claws.

Last year was full of wonderful stories of gifts arriving from our homeland in forms of our traditional dress punjabi. Some had made their way to Mustafa Centre to buy new punjabis for the festive occasion.

But the joy derived from gifts arriving from our dear ones residing thousands of miles away was a bright beacon of pure happiness as the sun set for the last time before the day of Eid in Singapore, paling the elation felt from buying your own punjabi.

With the gifts lying in front of us, we could fervently imagine as our families back home made their ways to the shops in the sweltering heat of summer spending long hours before dusk in search of the perfect punjabi for their perfect loved one.

The touch of a loving mother, the caress of ones beloved, the ever familiar heady aroma of one household back home, all ingrained in the gift which has crossed thousands of miles.

Well, in a cruel twist of fate, this year, not only gifts from back home remain elusive, we are also unable to buy gifts for ourselves, courtesy of the Covid-19 virus.

"We are in this together"

But, neither have we been forgotten, nor have we been forsaken as the auspicious day draws near.

The government of Singapore had clearly read our thoughts, felt our pain and had reached out to us during the lockdown period itself with gifts of new prayer mats, lungis, punjabis and topis.

Even though Singapore is not a Muslim majority country, we have always been astounded by the love which they have displayed to their Muslim brethren.

Compassion and humanity had remained the mantra of the people of Singapore and their Government, a stellar example for all the nations in the world.

We are hopeful that the rest of our migrant brothers will get a pleasant surprise on Eid day when they receive their Hari Raya gifts. And we thank every single Singaporean and the residents of Singapore for your love and care for all of us.

You have said "we are in this together" and yes, you have lived up to your word.

A brilliant example of compassion and humanity has been set by the Singapore government by sending these gifts to the Muslim migrant brothers and our hearts swell with pride and love for the people of Singapore and the government.

There will be critics, but I choose to be grateful

Well, there are always the deviants and the critics of good deeds, and likewise an acquaintance of mine mentioned that his prayer mat was bit too thin for his liking.

I couldn’t resist to rise to the occasion with an angry retort berating him on his stupidity and firmly advising him to be grateful of any gift whatsoever, and pray to Allah wholeheartedly for our benefactor.

To us, it is not only a gift but also a token of appreciation for our contribution to the society here.

Personally I am extremely happy with my gift and bemused that the government has paid such minute attention to the smallest possible detail remembering our need of prayer mats for praying during the period of the lockdown.

A priceless gift!

Some semblance of normalcy remains, despite the Covid-19 pandemic

Let me share with you what Rony Mia, one of the migrant workers residing in isolation in the dormitories in Singapore said: "My friend, I am confined in the dormitories this year due to the virus and have no plans of celebrating Eid. But, nevertheless the gifts from the government has filled my heart with joy".

Aminul Islam is one of the success stories during this trying period. After recovering from the infection of the Covid-19 virus, he has been transferred to the HDB flats allocated by the government.

When I asked him what does Eid mean to him, he replied by saying that it means wearing new dresses and going to the mosque to pray the Eid prayer in congregation. Thereafter finishing the prayer, embracing friends and families and indulging oneself in traditional delicacies.

Unfortunately, this won’t happen this year. But he is happy with receiving the gifts. At least some semblance of a normal Eid remains thanks to the efforts of the government.

Truly, this year absent will be the familiar congregations at the mosques, the usual customs symbolizing brotherhood and compassion, and not to mention the delicious foods. But, we will be able to follow the takbir on Facebook live and complete our Eid prayers.

A bright ray of sunshine in a gloomy world.

A Covid-19 patient Jahangir is currently being housed at Tanjong Pagar Terminal. When asked about his thoughts on Ramadan and Eid he had asked for our prayers, adding that despite being infected, he is well and longs to go back to his dorm.

Somehow I am a bit oblivious of Eid this year, not too many thoughts crossing my mind, but a constant hope of sunny days when the Covid-19 virus does not exist – a better world, a happier world.

I constantly pray to Allah to provide us with salvation.

This year’s Eid will be unique. It will be a beacon of hope and a reminder to follow the rules and regulations which will help us.

As I wish you farewell and a Happy Hari Raya Aidul Fitri, I would like to remind you again that without all of us doing our part in society, there is no escape from the virus.

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Top image from Omar Faruque Shipon/FB and VisitSingapore.