Hawzah News Agency - (Dundee - Scotland) - The month of fasting and prayer begins on Thursday, and normally would be marked with large gatherings in the mosque, as well as community meals.

But this year, Ramadan will be completely different, as places of worship are closed and social distancing measures are likely to be in place for weeks to come.

Iman Hamza from Dundee Central Mosque said the community needs to focus on the positives of spending Ramadan in isolation.

He said: “It is going to be quite different.

“The mosque plays a central role when it comes to Ramadan – we have an environment of praying together and having community iftars (evening meals) to break the fast together.

“It will be painful not to be able to come to the mosque – children look forward to coming and the elderly enjoy the social aspect of it too.”

He continued: “We have to make the most of this Ramadan.

“Fasting can be difficult, but with people now mostly working from home or on furlough, this is a chance to calm things down and relax.

“Fasting can be challenging and exhausting if you are working at the same time.

“Maybe people can explore some other aspects of Ramadan, like charity and caring for others.

“Traditionally the last 10 days are supposed to be spent in isolation to focus on ourselves – Mohammed and Moses received revelations when in solitude.

“In a way this Ramadan will have 30 days of isolation.”

Adult Muslims observing the month will fast from sunrise to sunset – pregnant women do not have to go without food due to its potential impact on them and their unborn child.