AP: Muslims begin marking a subdued Ramadan under virus closures
“Muslims worldwide began Ramadan on Friday with dawn-to-dusk fasting, but many will have to forgo the communal prayers and family gatherings that make the holy month special, as authorities maintain lockdowns aimed at slowing the coronavirus pandemic. Ramadan is usually a festive season, with the daylong fast followed by lavish meals and evening get-togethers. But this year many are confined to their homes, travel is heavily restricted and public venues like parks, malls, and even mosques are shuttered. Many are also weighed down by anxiety about the pandemic and widespread job losses resulting from the worldwide shutdowns…” (Karmini et al., 4/24).

Additional coverage of Ramadan amid the COVID-19 pandemic is available from Al Jazeera, NBC, and NPR.