Muslims mark a second holy month of Ramadan under coronavirus restrictions

Muslims mark a second holy month of Ramadan under coronavirus restrictions

Millions of Muslims around the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday, an introspective time of dawn-to-dusk fasts and prayer followed by communal feasts and family gatherings — and this year, once again, coronavirus restrictions.Support our journalism. Subscribe today.arrow-rightLast year's Ramadan arrived during the world's first round of pandemic-related lockdowns. In many countries, mosques, like other places of worship, were closed, cutting off Muslims from the communal prayers, meals and charity work that distinguish the month-long holiday.The world's second Easter under pandemic brings more restrictions and a few bright spotsThis year, some conditions have eased: Mosques in many countries have reopened, and clerics in places, like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, have emphasized that it is permitted to receive coronavirus vaccines while fasting.But much of the world still remains under some form of social restrictions, as new surges, driven by virus variants, continue to necessitate limits on movement and gatherings.The revered Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was shut last Ramadan because of the pandemic. This year, it is open to worshipers, who wear face masks and keep social distance. Still, Jerusalem is far quieter than past years without the usual influx of visitors and pilgrims due to border