Detroit-area Muslims who've had to socially distance themselves from the more communal aspects of Ramazan because of the coronavirus pandemic are instead celebrating the holy month in lights.
During last year's iteration of Ramazan, in which worshippers fast daily from dawn through dusk, pharmacist Hassan Chami organized the Ramazan Suhoor Festival.
The middle-of-the-night celebration drew thousands who collectively engaged in suhoor, the meal consumed before Muslims begin their daily fasting.
But while Muslims nationwide struggle during the pandemic to celebrate Ramazan a time when believers commonly gather for late-night meals and nightly prayers Michigan's stay-home order makes typical celebrations impossible.
So, Chami and some friends have teamed up to host the inaugural Ramazan Lights contest, calling attention to the local house-decorating practices that make the area's Muslim community so visible during the holy season that runs for another week-and-a-half.
A number of homes in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and other Michigan communities feature light-up crescent moons, lanterns and oversized lawn signs with the holiday greetings Ramazan Mubarak and Ramazan Kareem."