With the month of blessings just a few days ahead of us, it is quite clear that this year Muslims around the world will observe fasts during Ramazan under lockdown and tight restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak that has brought life to a standstill in most countries around the globe.
According to a news report published by Aljazeera, with strict curfews and physical distancing directives enforced to limit the spread of the contagious COVID-19 disease, many of Ramazan's rituals and traditions will change this year.
In line with a number of preventive measures, especially for this month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised using virtual alternatives, where possible, for social and religious gatherings, read the report.
Month-long Ramazan bazaars with stalls selling food, drinks, and clothes, usually busy sites, are not permitted in many countries like Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
Meanwhile, as food consumption usually surges in Ramazan, experts exhibit concerns of panic buying and supplies running low as lockdowns persist in many countries around the globe.
Congregational prayers are also banned in several countries, and many mosques have been temporarily closed, read the report.
Saudi Arabia has called off the Taraweeh prayer at mosques, as has Jordan, urging citizens to offer them at home.
In Iran – which is one of the region's hardest-hit nations – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also called on people to avoid collective prayers in order to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus.
Similarly, mosques in the United Kingdom and elsewhere will live-stream sermons, Quranic recitation, and prayers.
In order to communicate and hold on to the vibe of the holy month, Muslims will be able to attend religious lectures via video-conferencing app Zoom, Facebook and YouTube.
People will be allowed to offer congregational prayers in Ramazan but must abide by certain security measures. These include bringing prayer mats from home, performing ablution inside their homes, standing six feet apart and not shaking hands or contacting each other.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has urged people living and working in other cities to refrain from visiting their hometowns for the holiday, read the Aljazeera report, adding that it remains unclear if nations will lift or ease lockdown measures for Eid.
The faithful can learn a number of lessons from the restrictions this year as they are encouraged to observe Ramadan more modestly, the report concluded.