Muslims, who began the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, are no exception. The holy month involving fasting from sunup to sundown, charity and prayer is typically celebrated as a community. But due to social distancing, that’s not possible this year.
To help families celebrate, especially those who’ve lost income due to shutdowns, New York City has announced plans to serve more than 500,000 halal meals to Muslims during Ramadan.
A halal meal is one that is prepared in accordance with Islamic law.
During Ramadan, mosques typically open their doors and host dinners to feed the less fortunate. This year, with mosques closed and breadwinners out of work, those very communities are in need of help.
Another 100,000 halal meals will be distributed through soup kitchens, food pantries and community organizations.
City officials plan to serve 10 million free meals to all New Yorkers in April and another 15 million in May, as De Blasio estimates that nearly 2 million people could go hungry because of the virus.
“No New Yorker will go hungry,” de Blasio promised. “Your city will provide.”
Ramadan, which ends on May 23, culminates with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, observed with communal prayers, donations to charity and special meals.
Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, Ramadan — celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar — shifts each year as calculated by Western calendars.