Ramadan begins for Muslims around the world under coronavirus lockdown

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Luke O'Reilly24 April 2020

Muslims around the world have begun the month long fasting period of Ramadan as many countries remain under coronavirus lockdown.

The holy month, in which adult Muslims fast and reflect, begins on April 23 and usually sees worshippers congregate, pray and celebrate together, attending mosques in numbers.

But with mosques remaining closed and worshippers being told to pray at home, this year will be very different.

In the UK, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) published guidance for worshippers, which advised celebrating Ramadan “digitally” and sharing Iftar – the meal with which Muslims end their daily fasting – with family over FaceTime rather than in person.

Photos from around the world have shown people celebrating the holy month while socially distancing.

Mosques around the world remain empty
AFP via Getty Images

Regular interactive vlogs, including tips on cooking and how to keep fit, will also continue to be available, while the group has organised the Big Virtual Iftar too, where Muslims will break their fast together online.

Worshippers have been asked to stay at home (Reuters)
REUTERS

It comes after Matt Hancock thanked the UK's Muslims for staying at home and "not sharing the joy of this month as they usually do".

A Bosnian Muslim man loads fireworks mortar, in old town, Sarajevo, on April 23, 2020, during the national lockdown
AFP via Getty Images

Speaking at the Government’s daily coronavirus briefing, Mr Hancock said: “This Ramadan, many Muslims who serve their country in the NHS and in the armed forces, and in so many other ways, will not be sharing the joy of this month as they normally do.

A man rides a scooter through an empty square in front of closed the Central Mosque "Heart of Chechnya" in Grozny, Russia
AP

“I want to say to all British Muslims, thank you for staying at home. I know how important the daily Iftar is, how important communal prayers are at night and how important the Eid festival is.

“Thank you for making major changes to these vital parts of your practice and I want to say to you all Ramadan Mubarak. And thank you for your service and citizenship and thank you for your sacrifice.”

Ramadan will end in the UK on May 23.