WITH the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan has begun.

But the holiest month in the Muslim calendar will be very different this year.

Adult Muslims will fast and reflect as usual. But amid the Covid-19 lockdown, worshippers are staying home. They will be unable to congregate, pray or celebrate together.

At Brighton’s Alquds Mosque in Dyke Road, which has closed its doors to curb the spread of the virus, the imam is leading prayers via Instagram videolink.

The Argus:

The Muslim Council of Britain has told those celebrating to follow the Government’s social distancing rules by sharing meals ending fasting, iftar, with family over FaceTime rather than in person.

The Mosque and Imams National Advisory Board said it is “going to be extremely painful and emotionally challenging” to keep mosques closed during the holy month.

Asim Takriti, chairman of Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre, said: “It’s a month of people getting together. But nothing like this has ever happened before.

“This month is unlike any other. People won’t be congregating under the lockdown.

“It’s sad, but that’s what’s got to happen this year.”

The Argus:

The mosque is doing all it can to adapt to the crisis. Asim said worshippers are pulling together to make sure one of Ramadan’s central focuses can carry on.

Charity is a pillar of Islam, and especially important during the holy month. This year, volunteers from the mosque have been bulk-delivering food to the city’s Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The Argus:

Asim said: “People normally share meals during Ramadan and we’ve got the cooking facilities to prepare lots of food at the mosque.

“So our volunteers have been offering hospital workers free meals.

“Every day we serve 50 meals to frontline workers at the hospital. This spirit brings people together and makes the community stronger.

“That’s the spirit of Ramadan – it’s about getting together and also about giving and helping the most needy.”

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