Millions of Muslims around the world will observe Ramadan in different ways this year because of measures taken by countries to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

During Ramadan month, 1.8 billion Muslims across the world abstain from eating food and do not drink anything from dawn until sunset.

Usually, Muslims gather to break the fast and many attend prayers during Ramadan, however, this year, they will have to mark the holy month at home instead.

Many Islamic countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iraq, have announced that Taraweeh prayers will be suspended in mosques.

Public iftars, the daily breaking of the sunup-to-sundown fast, will also be barred in many countries.

Muslims will have to look at ways to adjust to the realities of the COVID-19 lockdown while still performing their Ramadan obligations.

The holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection and community.

A commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Fasting from sunrise to sunset is fard (obligatory) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.

The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. Although fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca, it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.

The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Accordingly, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, and sinful behavior, devoting themselves instead to salat (prayer) and recitation of the Quran. (ILKHA)