Streamed prayers and solitude: Ramadan under lockdown

Online streaming -- a gift from God this Ramadan -- according to German imam, Benjamin Idriz.

The holiest month of the Muslim calendar began at sundown on Thursday, and online sermons are just one way worshippers are trying to keep the faith under lockdown.

(SOUNDBITE) (German) IMAM AT ISLAMIC FORUM OF PENZBERG, BENJAMIN IDRIZ, SAYING:

"This grace of God is something I have to make use of. That's my task and through social media I may be able to reach more people than normally."

In Jerusalem, one of the world's most sacred mosques, the Al-Aqsa, is shuttered by law, like many others around the world -- and the historic old city lies empty.

Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven from here.

Ramadan usually draws tens of thousands of worshippers to the mosque and the next-door Dome of the Rock for evening prayers known as Taraweeh.

This year, prayers from inside Al-Aqsa will be broadcast on television.

Another challenge: staying away from relatives and friends. The iftar meal to break the daily fast is a much-loved part of the holy month.

In Afghanistan, fewer people were out getting iftar supplies in the market, and shops were closed, as were mosques.

In Aceh, an ultra-conservative province in Indonesia, hundreds of Muslims did gather for prayer, standing shoulder to shoulder -- not all wearing masks.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) MAN WHO ATTENDED PRAYERS, TAUFIK KELANA SAYING:"

In our belief it is God who decides when we will die, but we will stay alert by wearing a mask."

But most Indonesians, in the world's largest majority Muslim country, obeyed government advice to stay at home.

Like Tatan Agustustani and his family.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) 52-YEAR-OLD FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER TATAN AGUSTUSTANI SAYING:

"It is difficult, definitely. I miss it (going to mosque). It is not just breaking fast together during Ramadan, but I miss the time spent with family members, neighbours and friends in the mosque where we perform the Taraweeh prayers together, and that's a special moment. Although right now it's very special too, but it's different."

Jakarta has also banned non-essential travel -- including domestic and international flights -- for more than a month starting Friday. Stopping the annual exodus that follows the end of Ramadan.

For many Muslims, one of the biggest changes this year will come then -- when they'll have to stay home during the Eid festival instead of visiting loved ones or taking a holiday.