The UK's Prince Charles reflected on the death of his father Prince Philip during a message to mark the end of Ramadan.
The Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, underlined the challenges faced by Muslims as they participated in Ramadan under lockdown conditions for the second year in a row.
“This last year I know has been deeply challenging for us all and I’m only too aware of the impact of the pandemic on the Muslim community,” he said in a video message.
“This year, too many families like my own will have an empty seat at their dinner table and friends are no longer able to share the celebratory hug after Eid prayers.
"I can only say how deeply saddened I am by this tragic situation and how my heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones.”
The message was delivered on Monday night at a virtual iftar hosted by the Naz Legacy Foundation charity.
The event was part of a series of virtual celebrations encouraging people to stay at home during Ramadan – which is likely to end on Wednesday – as social restrictions prevent indoor gatherings.
The prince highlighted the opening up of mosques as Covid-19 vaccination centres and mentioned recent visits he made to the Finsbury Park and East London mosques.
He spoke of the effect of the pandemic and lockdowns “on faith rituals, communal worship and grief”, but said the “great strides” in the vaccine campaign would make it easier for people to soon get together.
Prince Charles acknowledged the importance of interfaith iftars to encourage “meaningful connections between different communities” for an “integrated Britain”.
“When I suggested the idea of these annual interfaith iftars focused on young people to some of my good friends from the Muslim community, I must say my expectations were modest,” he said.
“It has been wonderful, therefore, to see just how successful these events have become.”
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
