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The night sky has guided travelers for millennia, with the moon and the stars lighting the way as crucial navigation tools. In the Holy Month of Ramadan, the night sky becomes a focal point once again as the faithful across the world look up to the moon as a guide for when their period of fasting begins and ends.

In 2020, as much of the world continues to rise to the challenge of containing the Covid-19 pandemic, Ramadan may feel unlike those of years past. Traditions, such as large gatherings for iftar or well into the night until suhoor, may be impeded by social distancing recommendations. Yet, the core practices of Ramadan – to fast, to discipline one’s mind and body, to reflect on and aid the less fortunate – will no doubt be as strongly observed, if not more than ever.

The Power of Unity Crown, crafted by Mouawad for the Miss Universe Organization, and which crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa in December 2019, was designed to reflect the Miss Universe Organization values; among them, the force for good that can be created when we come together. With quarantine measures in place across the world’s cities, many people have now found themselves in isolation, all while the community spirit has been renewed as people come together to help and protect one another. During Ramadan 2020, as millions across the world spend days in spiritual reflection and nights gazing upward, no matter how separated they are physically from one another, the sense of togetherness, of being there for one another, will this year have taken on a greater meaning.

Lockdowns in cities have also caused pollution levels to be drastically reduced, leading to a night sky in which the moon, stars and planets are more visible than usual. And, with the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, there will be fresh hope that this glimmer of light in the sky, beaming brighter than usual, will mark not only Eid celebrations but also a profound belief in the power of unity.