Ramadan 2021: Muslim communities urged to remain safe as holy month set to begin

Councils have been working closely with mosques to make sure they are Covid safe

Muslims across the world will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan this year.

The holy month will begin on 12 or 13 April and end on 12 or 13 May depending on the Islamic calendar which follows the lunar cycle.

Much like last year, Ramadan will be drastically different for Muslims across The United Kingdom, with many customs and practices being changed due to Covid restrictions.

Last year Ramadan began almost a month into the first lockdown which meant mosques were closed and people were told to stay at home.

As a result of this, many Muslims were not able to take part in congregational prayers and visit family and friends to break their fast together at sunset.

However, as the country begins its roadmap out of national lockdown some rules have already allowed for places of worship to remain open for communal prayers.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which Muslims observe by fasting between sunrise and sunset.

An important month for Muslims, the annual event is meant to help people focus on prayer, purification and charitable acts.

In July last year, places of worship were able to reopen with Covid restrictions in place and mosques up and down, the community leaders worked hard to make sure that the places of worship were able to run with social distancing measures put in place.

Social distancing limitations were based on the capacity of individual places of worship which means the night-time prayer, Taraweeh, will take place in mosques but with fewer people and shortened time.

Taraweeh prayers are ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night during the holy month of Ramadan.

As has been the case for several months now, Friday prayers along with the night time prayer, Taraweeh, will be able to take place but at a limited capacity.

Much like last year many people will most likely pray at home with virtual sermons and livestreams set to reconvene.

Councils of Britain have shared a guide on Ramadan safety and Eid this year which advises on fasting, breaking fast, praying and guidance for mosques.