Ramadan marks the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which started in Mecca late on Friday 28 February.
Ramadan marks the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which started in Mecca late on Friday 28 February. Dates vary depending on the sighting of the new moon and the Islamic scholar someone follows.
When Ramadan ends, Eid al-Fitr – or simply Eid – begins. Eid (30 or 31 March), tends to last from one to three days, depending on country, culture, and tradition, beginning with a prayer session of special significance. After Eid prayer the day generally consists of families coming together to share food and merriment. It is also a time for forgiveness, to seek and grant it.
During Ramadan, many Muslims stop eating and drinking between dawn and dusk as a sign of piety to feel closer to Allah (God in Arabic). It’s important to recognise this so we can help our Muslim colleagues and students during this time. Many accommodations don’t require any additional resources and will have a limited impact on other team members but will demonstrate the value we place on an inclusive community where everyone is able to thrive.
Some simple things you could do to support your friends could include:
- Be considerate when making plans. Arrange to meet friends earlier in the day when they may still have energy from their dawn meal. Perhaps you could go for a walk, rather than meet for lunch? Being considerate of an adjusted timetable shows support and respect and can be a simple - yet appreciated - gesture.
- Check in on your Muslim friends. Checking in on your Muslim friends is always a great idea! Feel free to ask them how they are doing. Doing so will help your Muslim friends feel loved, supported, and seen.
- Don’t ask why someone isn’t fasting. There are many reasons - including medical - why someone may choose not to fast, and these reasons may be very personal. Those who are not able to fast may still choose to take part in other ways of worship.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask how you can best help your friends to celebrate and practise their religion alongside life at Uni. You’ll probably learn a lot too.
Chaplaincy Centre to host daily Iftar
Iftar – the fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan – will be held daily in the Chaplaincy Centre, St Pauls Road, for students and staff who wish to come together to break the fast at the end of the day.
The Chaplaincy prayer rooms will be open 24/7 during this month with security provided overnight.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month on the Hijri (Islamic) lunar calendar. It is also commemorative of when Allah first revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
To wish Muslim friends a happy Ramadan, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak” to wish them a blessed one. Ramadan is often used as a time for many Muslims to fully develop a kind regard for others, especially those who are less fortunate.
Many Muslims will fast throughout the day to allow for mindfulness, empathy, and introspection. Most will wake up early to have breakfast just before the sunrise and will then break their fast with dinner once the sun has set.
This practice of fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the most important practices for Muslims to follow. The other four are:
- Believing in one God (Shahada)
- Praying 5 times a day (Salah)
- Giving to charities and those in need throughout your life (Zakat)
- Making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once (Hajj)