Hawzah News Agency  - Muslims around the world have started the holy month of Ramadan under lockdowns aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The holy month typically sees a day-long fast followed by lavish meals and get-togethers in the evening with friends and family, but this year many people have been confined to their homes and mosques have closed.

Worshippers have been told to pray at home during the holy month.

On Thursday, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, thanked Muslims for their “sacrifice”.

”This Ramadan, many Muslims who serve their country in the NHS and in the armed forces, and in so many other ways, will not be sharing the joy of this month as they normally do,” he said.

“I want to say to all British Muslims, thank you for staying at home. I know how important the daily Iftar is, how important communal prayers are at night and how important the Eid festival is.

“Thank you for making major changes to these vital parts of your practice and I want to say to you all Ramadan Mubarak. And thank you for your service and citizenship and thank you for your sacrifice.”

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has urged the faithful to “pray at home and share Ramadan digitally”.

it published guidance saying ”will be a very different experience for Muslims” this year “as we adapt to changing circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic”.

It said it was unlikely there will be “congregational acts of worship for Muslims outside of the home” as mosques remain closed.

Those celebrating were instructed to follow the government’s social distancing rules by sharing meals ending fasting (Iftar) with family over FaceTime rather than in person.

People have also been advised to be mindful in their shopping habits, planning meals in advance to limit the number of trips, and avoiding stocking up to “allow for everyone to acquire that they need.