Muslims worldwide observed the first day of the holy month of Ramadan on Friday. The holy month is marked by 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset and traditionally highlighted by communal meals and daily congregational prayers.

However, it is not easy to eat and pray together safely because of the lockdown measures and stay-at-home orders.

Some mosques around the globe are still open; however, many have closed their doors to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In the US, some Muslim leaders are posting their religious lessons online, and in some places, prayers are broadcasted to residents.

For most Muslims, the lockdown has made observance of the month challenging. They say that it is the hardest Ramadan that they have faced.

Difficult words: observe (to follow a rule or custom), congregational (when many people come together), observance (when people follow rules or customs).