(Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
During this month, Muslims give up food and drink from dawn to sunset and focus on prayer to gain nearness to God. 
In Ramadan, quarantine,
we sacrifice for good of all
This year Ramadan has come amidst quarantine.
In quarantine, we are all living the true spirit of Ramadan, that is, giving up something which is lawful for a higher purpose. During this month, Muslims around the world give up food and drink from dawn to sunset and increase their focus on prayer and worship to gain nearness to God.
Ramadan at its core cultivates the spirit of sacrifice, emphasizing that to gain something worthwhile we need to give up something that we cherish. Hunger and thirst induce compassion for the less fortunate, while cleanliness enhances prayers, reflection and charity.
As a month-long spiritual retreat, it shifts our focus from the relentless pursuit of worldly goals to simplifying our lives. In quarantine, we are giving up many cherished activities for the good of all. I pray that it will enable us to focus on the important things which can transform us.Saadia Ahmed
Los Gatos
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