“The whole essence behind the month of Ramadan is to foster a sense of community. Being the biggest festival for us muslims, the idea is to help the less privileged by whatever means possible- whether it’s simply in the form of donating food or even stretching as extravagant as to distribute gold to those outside our mosques.

Nevertheless with the onset of the pandemic, the environment surrounding the festival has seen a whirlwind of changes. Our most awaited prayers, usually conducted with a mass gathering of around 2000 people have now reduced to individual groups of just three or four, worshipping quietly within the walls of their homes.

This especially comes as a huge shocker to many of us, who have grown up seeing the occasion celebrated with such spirit. In my 21 years at least, all that I can recollect are fond memories of us family members cooking, praying and celebrating together as one big household.

Of course, I do realize that this year’s service has been through staying at home and saving lives but like most others I do wish that this reality changes for the better in the years to come. Hopefully by 2022, things restore back to normalcy and we get to conduct the holy month in all its glory.”