The coronavirus pandemic took praying in congregation and breaking fast with loved ones off the table, leaving many feeling lonely this holy month.

And now that Ramadan has ended, Eid al-Fitr, one of the most festive holidays in Islam, will be a somber affair, just like the month that preceded it.

A three-day holiday Muslims celebrate to mark the end of the fast, Eid al-Fitr, or "festival of breaking the fast" in Arabic, will fall over Memorial Day weekend this year, spanning from May 24 to 26.

If it were any other year, this would be a time of limitless excitement and celebration over getting through a difficult month.

But the annual prayer was cancelled this year due to Covid-19.

"It felt celebratory coming together at Washington Square Park, dressed in our best clothes and greeting each other after the prayer," said Ladji, who also previously attended a post-prayer brunch with fellow Muslims.

Eid al-Fitr is usually a very exciting time for Elidrissi, who has a lot of extended family in New York City.

"Every year we dress up to the nines and visit all our family in Brooklyn and Queens.

"It would be a perfect time to see the rest of the family and celebrate since we weren't able to sit at an iftar together this Ramadan."

Preparing for the worst, hoping for the best

For many Muslims, Eid al-Fitr this year is a painful reminder of happier times.