The second Ramadan in this pandemic period is certainly different compared to last year. When last year the condition of Ramadan was filled with quarantine, Ramadan this time was decorated with several spiritual, medical, and political phenomena.

For The United States citizen, Karim Amin (43 years old), Ramadan this year brings an unexpected increase in spirituality and creativity. "It didn't feel good to be around Muslims last year but now we're doing a lot of amazing things," the Baltimore businessman and activist said.

For example, the magic of prayer through Zoom, reading the Koran with younger relatives, and the Eid car parade. When Ramadan begins on Tuesday tomorrow, Amin faces some confusion such as deciding to perform tarawih prayers in the mosque and breaking the fast outside.

He's afraid the distance between the people will be too close. Clearly, his dilemma is how to make Ramadan this year meaningful.

"I'm a bit scared. My spirit was stronger last year. All I have is a book, a word, and my own mind. I can really get back to the point," Amin said.

According to Amin, the phenomenon that occurred in the last year makes the meaning of Ramadan more spiritual. "All the things you read in the Koran happen. Fast quarantine in April, street riots, and national election dramas. Last year was more spiritual and I hope we can get back there," he said.

Dar al-Hijrah Mosque is usually packed with 1,000 worshippers every night during Ramadan. However, due to the pandemic, the scholars had to think of a solution.

One of them is a way to keep worship following health procedures. The existence of the latest prokes guidelines make the management of Dar al-Hijrah began to prepare the condition of the mosque so that it can be visited by pilgrims. They began to set the distance between worshippers and expected 700 people to come for tarawih prayers.

"I think in general people want to come back. We still have to overcome what is normal and comfortable for people," said Mosque Government Affairs Director Saif Abdul-Rahman.

In addition to the application of prokes in mosques, vaccination is also a new thing in Ramadan this time. Muslims in the United States responded with mixed responses.

Some say Ramadan vaccinations can break the fast. While others are concerned about the potential side effects.

However, several Muslim groups issued statements last week noting U.S. Muslim medical and spiritual authorities had agreed to obtain the vaccine during Ramadan. "Taking the vaccine does not invalidate the fast during Ramadan in the opinion of the majority of scholars," said a statement from the Islamic Medical Association of North America.

Dissent also occurs in the viewpoint of tarawih prayer. The majority of Muslims follow the tradition of having a reciter who reads the entire Qur'an to worshippers during Ramadan, one part per night. Usually it takes about an hour.

"Although listening to recitation is not mandatory, for many people the way is ingrained so it is difficult not to do it in Ramadan," said Imam Refai Arefin of the Islamic Community Center of Potomac.

Older Muslims in particular will stick to the tradition of never spending tarawih nights in their lives. Some religious leaders and parents of various religions have noticed positive pandemic trends. For example, some teenagers are getting deeper into spiritual practices and problems now because they are all online.

Teacher in Montgomery County, Ayesha Ahmad (39) has three young children and other young relatives. He is not religious and does not attend mosques but marks Ramadan by breaking the fast with relatives. This year, she hopes to do outdoor activities with her siblings.

"For many of our parents, especially if we (immigrants) are first or second generation, that's a binding bond, going to places of worship. The younger generation is not too encouraged to go to the mosque, it is easier to establish relationships in other ways," ahmad said.

Arefin said he also sees more engagement from young people as the pandemic forces Muslim institutions to improve their virtual programs centered on some social media such as Instagram, Youtube, and others.

According to the Imam of the Muhammad Mosque in Northwest Washington, Talib Shareef, one thing that is connected by all generations is concern about racial divisions and the hope that Ramadan will be a relief. He cited concerns about the "seeds" of the remaining splits of the Trump presidency and about a new Georgia law that critics say is aimed at reducing voter participation among black voters.

Reported by the Washington Post, Monday (12/4), the mosque will hold many conversations at night about racism and nationalism and the need to defend justice and justice. He heard the hope of many Muslims that this Ramadan will centralize all these problems.

"Ramadan provides an opportunity to reflect on the unity of mankind. There is negative energy that drives separatism based on race, and we should be very aware of it. Fasting is one way to keep you focused. There is only one type of human being, there is always goodness in every human being and we will try to achieve that good," he said.