Isolation, Community and Spirituality: British Muslim Experiences of Ramadan in Lockdown

Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, is typically a time associated with individual worship and communal gatherings as Muslims meet, eat pray together. In 2020 especially, COVID-19 had significant impact on observation holy month. With lockdown measures in place, mosques were closed there prohibitions visiting family friends, making an unusual occasion. This paper draws upon qualitative PhD research Ramadan Britain comprising more than 50 photo diaries from diverse Muslim participants follow-up interviews. The findings highlight how experienced benefits isolation by being able to reflect connect God via establishment “Ramadan corners” homes, while at same missing mosque community. I further aspects maintained transformed suit conditions, including use online activities, praying congregation home sharing food. Emerging these two facets explore ideas socially dependent spirituality negotiated elements their spiritual lives. Through examples discussed, argue that material, embodied, aesthetic emotive practices emphasised recreate ‘feeling’ when typical expressions unavailable.