As schools start to reopen, Muslims in Britain are discussing what Ramadan will resemble this year
The month of Ramadan is one of the holiest occasions for Muslims globally, seeing all adult and healthy Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and do good deeds for thirty days.
Last year, Ramadan saw a complete transformation, with strict lockdown restrictions preventing people from gathering. Many communities suffered when they couldn't go to mosques for nightly Taraweeh prayers or break their fast with families at sunset.
But there is hope that things will return to some form of normality.
According to government guidelines, from April 12th, when Ramadan formally starts, families may have the option to break their fasts together, though outside.
Migrant families, like Koray Ozcan’s, who came to the UK over 10 years ago are looking forward to the prospect.
Ozcan said he “is hopeful of the possibilities of widening his social bubble”.
He said: “It’s incredibly unfair that the rules were relaxed for Christmas but not for Ramadan or Eid because ethnic festivals are just as important.”
Muslim Farzana Abbas came to the UK from Pakistan and speaks fondly of the big festive celebrations she participated in during the Islamic month in Pakistan.
"Ethnic festivals are just as important ”
“Lights and the smell of good food cover the whole city, people are playing the drums," she said.
"There is a real shared community experience where we’re all connected by our love of God, it’s really beautiful.”
With the government continuing to advise caution, the Muslim community remains optimistic that celebrations and observance of the holy month will be special whatever the circumstances.
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