Ramadan 2020: 'Adjusting to new Ramadan norms was not an easy task'

The family has also deeply missed the happiness and pleasure in praying the Taraweeh prayers at mosques.

Even at a time of social distancing, families are eager to keep the spirit of Iftar alive. KT joins them virtually as they end their fast.
Nehan Naseem Ali, 11, couldn't imagine Ramadan with mosques deserted and Iftar in isolation.
"It has been very difficult to cope up with this year's Ramadan at the start. Everything has been different. I was born and raised in Dubai and from the age of seven, I have been fasting," Ali told Khaleej Times.
A grade six student at the Indian High School-Dubai, Ali stays with his parents and his younger brother in Dubai's Garhoud area. His dad Naseem Palliparamban works as a finance manager with Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants while his mother
Naslim Naseem is a housewife.
"All my memories about Ramadan rotates around crowded mosques, especially during the night prayers (Taraweeh) and the Iftar tents. Also the police officers and volunteers on the streets giving out Iftar kits to motorists and pedestrians so they could break their fast in time. But, these were no more this Ramadan as everyone stayed home for their safety."
The Indian boy says Ramadan night market was a must-visit for the family until last year.
The family has also deeply missed the happiness and pleasure in praying the Taraweeh prayers at mosques.
"It has been a tradition for the family to share food with neighbours and friends. This time, we couldn't share meals with friends because of the current pandemic," said his mother. "Breaking the Ramadan traditions that we have practised for years wasn't easy. But we had to do it for our own safety and for the safety of others."
Naslin has been preparing Iftar meals only for her four family members. "I make sure that our Iftar meals have a balanced diet. Chicken Kebab, pulao, sheer kurma, juice, fruits, dates and hot soup don't miss on the family's meals," she said.
The family has been keen on performing the five daily prayers, Taraweeh prayers and reading the Holy Quran together at home.
"My husband will be leading her and their two children in the Eid prayer at home as authorities announced that mosques will remain closed," she added.

• Ramadan 2021