The new moon began to show over the horizon of Saudi Arabia, thus officially marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, at sunset yesterday.

Normally, pilgrims would crowd in the holy location of Mecca, but under the unusual conditions of a pandemic, only those who have gained immunity from COVID-19, were accepted.

Around 2 billion Muslims around the world are expected to observe the month of Ramadan, during which believers fast, without eating or drinking from dawn to dusk.

People usually break their fast with their family members or friends, in homes or restaurants, with a meal known as Iftar.

Preliminary measures against the coronavirus prohibit large public gatherings, therefore Ramadan celebrations will once again be either limited or prohibited.

For millions of believers around the world, breaking the fast is a shared event, which this year will be limited in terms of close relationships.

Believers are recommended to show caution and take all anti-COVID preliminary measures, especially taking into consideration the fact that markets will be filled with citizens buying the last ingredients.