Last month marked the beginning of the Islamic holy month, Ramadan. This month of religious observance, celebrated April 23 to May 23 this year, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The dates of Ramadan change every year because Islam follows the lunar calendar.
For Muslims, Ramadan represents a period of reflection and growth. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims strengthen their relationship with God and their faith by praying, reading the Quran, engaging in charity work and fasting from sunrise to sunset. The breaking of the fast, or iftar, at sunset usually involves large gatherings where friends and family come together for meals; however, traditions like this, and others, are going to look a bit different now.
This year, the coronavirus pandemic has changed how Ramadan is celebrated. |