Throughout my life as a practicing Muslim, some of the most common questions I would get about my faith were regarding Ramadan and how exactly it "works." So before I get into it, here's a lightning bolt round of popular questions regarding the holy month:

• Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, the month will begin this year on the evening of Thursday, April 23rd, which means Muslims will begin their first day of fasting at dawn on Friday, April 24th. 
• The month of fasting lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
• Ramadan begins about 10-11 days earlier each year so it's not specific to any time of the year.

This month is typically marked by fasting, prayer, and attending mosque, social and other religious gatherings between family and friends to break fast.

In preparation for our summer body goals. 

Kidding, lol ... sorta

• Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for Muslims and is observed by refraining from eating, drinking, sex, and also things like smoking, talking badly about others, and using foul language. 

• While fasting, Muslims are encouraged to continue their normal everyday lives whether school, work, or any usual activities. By curbing their desires, Muslims believe that they can gain a better understanding of those less privileged than them. It's all about increasing your patience, closeness to God and generosity towards others. 

• The month is also really focused on community. It's customary for Muslims to invite friends to break fast with and recite prayers together. 

Now that you're all cultured up, it's important to mention why this years Ramadan will be a lot different and much more difficult to navigate for many Muslims. With the continued stay at home order for the majority of the country during the COVID-19 outbreak, a lot of Muslims will have no option but to spend this time alone. Being without family or friends during Ramadan can take a huge toll on one's mental, emotional, and physical health. Many Muslims rely on this months' sense of community to be there for each other for things like reminding each other to pray on time or even helping prepare meals together. With a 16 hour long fasting period, these small duties can become very tiresome when the only person you can rely on is - yourself. My heart especially goes out to the newly reverted Muslims for whom this is their first Ramadan. Having to get accustomed to the traditions and routines this month requires all by yourself isn't an easy task by any stretch.

I'm mostly bummed out about the fact that there will most likely not be any Eid celebrations. Eid is the holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It's usually celebrated with parties, gatherings, and of course, lots of eating. This is my favorite holiday of the year because I get to deck myself out in full on traditional Pakistani attire, which isn't something I'm able to do often. I also love the huge sense of accomplishment I feel once I've finally made it to the end of a physically and spiritually demanding period. 

As upsetting as the current state of the world and it's direct impacts are, I still can't help but to feel extremely grateful to be able to spend the holy month alongside my family. I look forward to praying for and manifesting all my desires this month as well as being able to thank God for the many privileges I have. In case anyone needs some cheering up this holiday season, I encourage all of you to take the time today to wish your Muslim friends a Ramadan Mubarak!

And to all my fellow Muslims, may Allah accept all your prayers this Ramadan 💛