The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims around the world will end this weekend. After about 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset, an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims across the globe will celebrate Eid-ul-fitr which signifies the end of Ramadan. Eid-ul-fitr is typically celebrated with morning prayers in congregations at mosques, a big feast, mass gatherings of family and friends and also new traditional clothes.

Millions of Muslims around the globe started fasting yesterday as the month of Ramadan began on Friday (24 April). Nevertheless, with the COVID-19 virus looming worldwide, the celebration this year is significantly different than in prior years.

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province, has unleashed chaos on the world. Many countries have imposed strict and drastic measures to contain the deadly virus, these include citywide lockdowns and extensive travel curbs. These measures have caused major disruptions to businesses and have severely impacted local industries and the global economy.

Muslims around the globe will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr this week, marking the end of Ramadan (fasting month).

Southeast Asia is home to over 245 million Muslims who observe the fasting month of Ramadan. The holy month is rooted in culture, faith and tradition and is dedicated to reflection and prayer, after which Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with family, friends and of course, sumptuous food. Ramadan is usually a lucrative sales period for retailers, due to consumers actively purchasing food, gifts, apparels and decorative items in preparation for Eid.