HARTFORD— The Muslim community in Connecticut and around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don) on April 24, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.

The fast is performed by Muslims to learn discipline, self-restraint, and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on or about May 23.

Due to the COVID 19 out break most, if not all, mosques in Connecticut have suspended all in-person Ramadan celebrations according to Tark Richard Aouadi, Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations Connecticut (CAIR). The mosques have moved their Ramadan religious observances online and have advised their members to celebrate in their homes with their immediate family and avoid all congregational Ramadan Celebrations until State officials give the all clear.

“This year because of social distancing measures that are being respected by Muslims in Connecticut, Ramadan will be observed very differently,” said Aouadi. “Local mosques customarily host iftars (fast-breaking meal) on a daily basis, as well as other social activities, but this year everything is shut down. Mosques also customarily have special prayers in the night called tarawih but this year people are being told to pray at home and use this time to become closer to their families.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.