Ramadan happens every year for Muslims around the world, but this year observers are in lockdown and this brings many challenges. ALIMA NADEEM spoke to Muslims in East Lancashire about what Ramadan in lockdown is like and how they are navigating it.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, praying their salah and remembering those less fortunate than themselves.

The morning breakfast called sehri is at approximately just after 3.30am and when the fast opens for Iftari it is usually just before 9pm.

Massarat Rashid from Blackburn sadly lost her dad before Ramadan started, both from ill health and coronavirus on April 7.

She said: “The majority of the world is under lockdown during Ramadan and nothing feels the same.

“It was hard because the family can’t console each-other at this time of grief, so I took a week off work.”

Ramadan is also a time where men usually go to the mosque to say their taraweeh prayers, but this year these prayers are being read at home.

Mrs Rashid said: “Ramadan in lockdown is odd. My boys and their father can’t go for their prayers.

“They would come back and my lads with the boys in the street would kick a football around until Iftari.

“The streets and the shops are usually bustling but now it’s become a ghost world.

“I’ve been cooking like I do every Ramadan but it’s odd because I can’t send it around like every other year.”

Sarah Subhani from Blackburn thinks this year is a reminder of what Ramadan is truly about.

She said: “This year Ramadan is like no other I have seen in my lifetime, but the isolation has made me feel nearer to my faith and God.

“We may mourn the loss of going to the mosque for Taraweeh but the home has become a place of worship and that’s been special praying together.

“Iftari has become less elaborate with less waste, which brings the real meaning of Ramadan.

“I’m still working in the community, but the kids are isolated at home with no school, there’s no pressure as it’s normally hard fasting and studying.

Asif Iqbal from Blackburn said:

“We as a family miss the iftar gatherings and I miss the community ones especially when offering the late night prayers at my local mosque.

“However, it’s important to understand the magnitude of the pandemic and do our best to keep up the Ramadan spirit at home.”

Saqib Qayum from Nelson has been enjoying making cakes during the lockdown Ramadan.

He said: “One way I keep busy is by preparing sweet dishes I wouldn’t usually have time for, like layer cake and cheesecake.

“I’m also having to do my usual home workout late after the fast opens now since I need to rehydrate and can’t do it in fasting hours.”